Luke 5:4

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Original Language Analysis

ὡς when G5613
ὡς when
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 1 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 19
but, and, etc
ἐπαύσατο he had left G3973
ἐπαύσατο he had left
Strong's: G3973
Word #: 3 of 19
to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
λαλῶν speaking G2980
λαλῶν speaking
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 4 of 19
to talk, i.e., utter words
εἶπεν he said G2036
εἶπεν he said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 5 of 19
to speak or say (by word or writing)
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 6 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σίμωνα Simon G4613
Σίμωνα Simon
Strong's: G4613
Word #: 8 of 19
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
Ἐπανάγαγε Launch out G1877
Ἐπανάγαγε Launch out
Strong's: G1877
Word #: 9 of 19
to lead up on, i.e., (technical) to put out (to sea); (intransitively) to return
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 10 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βάθος the deep G899
βάθος the deep
Strong's: G899
Word #: 12 of 19
profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χαλάσατε let down G5465
χαλάσατε let down
Strong's: G5465
Word #: 14 of 19
to lower (as into a void)
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκτυα nets G1350
δίκτυα nets
Strong's: G1350
Word #: 16 of 19
a seine (for fishing)
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 17 of 19
of (from or concerning) you
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 18 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἄγραν a draught G61
ἄγραν a draught
Strong's: G61
Word #: 19 of 19
(abstractly) a catching (of fish); also (concretely) a haul (of fish)

Analysis & Commentary

When he left speaking he said to Simon Launch out into deep let down nets for draught. When left speaking teaching concluded transition to miracle. To Simon directly addresses Peter not all fishermen. Launch out into deep anabasis orders contradicts fishing wisdom. Deep water not where fish congregate. Let down nets plural suggests large catch. For draught agra specifically catch of fish. Jesus command seems foolish contradicts professional experience. Test of obedience faith Peter faces choice trust expertise or trust Jesus word. Reformed theology emphasizes faith often requires acting contra human wisdom. God ways higher than our ways His commands may seem foolish but obedience brings blessing. Jesus tests Peter before calling him tests reveal character prepare for ministry.

Historical Context

Professional fishermen knew when where how to fish. Nighttime was prime fishing time shallow water more productive. Jesus command violated fishing wisdom. Deep water open sea daylight wrong conditions. Peter already tired from night work cleaning nets. Jesus request seemed unreasonable. Yet this unreasonable command would demonstrate Jesus supernatural knowledge power prepare Peter for ministry requiring faith beyond human understanding. Peter later ministry would similarly require trusting God against human wisdom reason. Early church faced many humanly impossible situations required faith in God supernatural provision power.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Bible Stories