The Meaning of Luke 5:10 Explained

Luke 5:10

KJV: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

YLT: and in like manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon; and Jesus said unto Simon, 'Fear not, henceforth thou shalt be catching men;'

Darby: and in like manner also on James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; henceforth thou shalt be catching men.

ASV: and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  so  [was] also  James,  and  John,  the sons  of Zebedee,  which  were  partners  with Simon.  And  Jesus  said  unto  Simon,  Fear  {5737} not;  from  henceforth  thou shalt  catch  men. 

What does Luke 5:10 Mean?

Context Summary

Luke 5:1-11 - New Catchers Of Men
Not their first call, recorded in John 1:35-42, but another which preceded their appointment to the apostolate.
The Lord always supersedes us. He superseded Peter in his command of the boat, which he had navigated since he was a lad. There is always a testing-point for the soul. Will you surrender the command and let Christ be captain? If so, in the teeth of great difficulties-for fish are not caught generally in the glare of day-He will fill your boat to the water's edge. He does beyond all we asked or thought.
Christ will be in no man's debt. If you lend Him your boat, He will return it filled with silver fish. The boats were filled; the upper room was filled with the Holy Spirit; and all Martha's hospitality was well repaid when Lazarus was raised.
At the day of Pentecost when Peter's net landed 3,000 souls, was not our Lord's promise fulfilled? "Thrust out a little,"is the beginning of long voyages and fishing expeditions with Christ! [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 5

1  Jesus teaches the people out of Peter's ship;
4  shows how he will make them fishers of men;
12  cleanses the leper;
16  prays in the desert;
17  heals a paralytic;
27  calls Matthew the tax collector;
29  eats with sinners, as being the physician of souls;
33  foretells the fasting and afflictions of the apostles after his ascension;
36  and illustrates the matter by the parable of patches

Greek Commentary for Luke 5:10

Thou shalt catch men [εσηι ζωγρων]
Periphrastic future indicative, emphasizing the linear idea. The old verb ωγρεω — Zōgreō means to catch alive, not to kill. So then Peter is to be a catcher of men, not of fish, and to catch them alive and for life, not dead and for death. The great Pentecost will one day prove that Christ‘s prophecy will come true. Much must happen before that great day. But Jesus foresees the possibilities in Simon and he joyfully undertakes the task of making a fisher of men out of this poor fisher of fish. [source]
Partners [κοινωνοὶ]
In Luke 5:7 the word rendered partners is μέτοχοι ; from μετά ,with, and ἔχω ,to have. The word here denotes a closer association, a common interest. The kindred noun, κοινωνία ,fellowship, is used of the fellowship of believers with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9); the communion of the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16); the communion of the Holy Ghost (2 Corinthians 13:14). The persons referred to in Luke 5:7 might have been only hired workmen (Mark 1:20), temporarily associated with the principals. [source]
Thou shalt catch [ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν]
Lit., thou shalt be catching, the participle and finite verb denoting that this is to be his habitual calling. Both Matthew and Mark make the promise to be addressed to Peter and his companions; Luke to Peter alone. The verb ζωγρέω , to catch, is compounded of ζωός , living, and ἀγρεύω ,to catch or take. Hence, lit., to take alive: in war, to take captive, instead of killing. Thus Homer, when Menelaus threatens the prostrate Adrastus:“Adrastus clasped the warrior's knees and said,O son of Atreus, take me prisoner ” ( ζώγρει )Iliadvi., 45,6; compare Iliad, x., 378.So Herodotus: “The Persians took Sardis, and captured Croesus himself alive” ( ἔξώγρημαν ). - I., 86. There is certainly a reason for the use of this term, as indicating that Christ's ministers are called to win men to life. Compare 2 Timothy 2:26, where, according to the best supported rendering, the servant of God is represented as taking men alive out of the power of Satan, to be preserved unto the will of God;i.e., as instruments of his will (compare A. V. and Rev.). The word thus contains in itself an answer to the sneering remark of the Apostate Julian, that Christ aptly termed his apostles fishers; “for, as the fisherman draws out the fish from waters where they were free and happy, to an element in which they cannot breathe, but must presently perish, so did these.”sa40 [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 5:10

Luke 5:7 Unto their partners [τοις μετεχοις]
This word μετοχος — metochos from μετεχω — metechō to have with, means participation with one in common blessings (Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 3:14; Hebrews 6:4; Hebrews 12:8). While κοινωνος — koinōnos (Luke 5:10 here of James and John also) has the notion of personal fellowship, partnership. Both terms are here employed of the two pairs of brothers who have a business company under Simon‘s lead.Help them (συλλαβεσται — sullabesthai). Second aorist middle infinitive. Take hold together with and so to help. Paul uses it in Philemon 4:3. It is an old word that was sometimes employed for seizing a prisoner (Luke 22:54) and for conception (con-capio) by a woman (Luke 1:24).So that they began to sink Consecutive use of ωστε — hōste and the infinitive (present tense, inchoative use, beginning to sink). An old verb from βυτος — buthos In the N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 6:9. [source]
Romans 12:13 Distributing [κοινωνοῦντες]
Rev., communicating to. The meaning is sharing in the necessities; taking part in them as one's own. So Romans 15:27; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:11; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 4:13. See on partners, Luke 5:10; see on fellowship, Acts 2:42; see on 1 John 1:3; see on 2 John 1:11. [source]
Romans 11:17 With them partakest [συγκοινωνὸς ἐγένου]
Lit., as Rev., didst become partaker with them. See on Revelation 1:9; and see on partners, Luke 5:10. With them, the natural branches. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:16 Communion [κοινωνία]
Or participation. See on fellowship, 1 John 1:3; see on Acts 2:42; see on partners, Luke 5:10. The Passover was celebrated by families, typifying an unbroken fellowship of those who formed one body, with the God who had passed by the blood-sprinkled doors. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:9 Fellowship [κοινωνίαν]
See on 1 John 1:3; see on Acts 2:42; see on Luke 5:10. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:14 Communion [κοινωνία]
See on Luke 5:10; see on Acts 2:42. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:7 Partakers [κοινωνοι]
Partners as in Luke 5:10.sa120 [source]
2 Timothy 2:26 Who are taken captive [ἐζωγρημένοι]
Or, having been held captive. Only here and Luke 5:10(note on thou shalt catch ). [source]
2 Timothy 2:26 Out of the snare of the devil [εκ της του διαβολου παγιδος]
They have been caught while mentally intoxicated in the devil‘s snare (1 Timothy 3:7). See note on Romans 11:9 for παγις — pagis Taken captive (εζωγρημενοι — ezōgrēmenoi). Perfect passive participle of ζωγρεω — zōgreō old verb, to take alive (ζωοσ αγρεω — zōosυπ αυτου εις το εκεινου τελημα — agreō), in N.T. only here and Luke 5:10 (of Peter). “Taken captive alive.” By him unto his will This difficult phrase is understood variously. One way is to take both εκεινου — autou and αυτου — ekeinou to refer to the devil. Another way is to take both of them to refer to God. Another way is to take εκεινου — autou of the devil and ekeinou of God. This is probably best, “taken captive by the devil” “that they may come back to soberness to do the will of God.” There are difficulties in either view. [source]
Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget [τῆς δὲ εὐποιΐ̀ας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε]
Lit. but be not forgetful of doing good and communicating. Ἑυποιΐ̀α beneficenceN.T.oolxx, oClass. For κοινωνία communicationof alms, etc., see on Luke 5:10; see on Acts 2:42. See also Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:13. Comp. the verb κοινωνεῖν toimpart, Romans 12:13; Romans 15:27; Philemon 4:15. [source]
Hebrews 10:33 Whilst ye became companions [κοινωνοὶ γενηθέντες]
Rend. by becoming partakers. More than companionship is implied. For κοινωνοὶ see on Luke 5:10. The noun and its kindred verb in N.T. almost exclusively of ethical and spiritual relations, as 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 John 1:11; 1 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Corinthians 1:7; Philemon 1:17. Even when applied to pecuniary contributions they imply Christian fellowship as the basis of the liberality. See on Romans 12:13; see on Romans 15:27; see on Philemon 4:15. [source]
Hebrews 10:33 Partly [τουτο μεν]
Accusative of general reference Late verb to bring upon the stage, to hold up to derision. See Paul‘s use of τεατρον — theatron of himself in 1 Corinthians 4:9. By reproaches and afflictions Instrumental case. See Romans 15:3. Partakers Partners (Luke 5:10) with those So used Present middle articular participle of αναστρεπω — anastrephō to conduct oneself (2 Corinthians 1:12). [source]
1 Peter 5:1 A witness [μαρτυς]
This is what Jesus had said they must be (Acts 1:8) and what Peter claimed to be (Acts 3:15; Acts 10:39). So Paul was to be a μαρτυς — martus (Acts 22:15).Who am also a partaker (ο και κοινωνος — ho kai koinōnos). “The partner also,” “the partaker also.” See Luke 5:10; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4. See same idea in Romans 8:17. In Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18 we have almost this about the glory about to be revealed to us where μελλω — mellō as here is used with the infinitive. [source]
1 Peter 5:1 Who am also a partaker [ο και κοινωνος]
“The partner also,” “the partaker also.” See Luke 5:10; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4. See same idea in Romans 8:17. In Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18 we have almost this about the glory about to be revealed to us where μελλω — mellō as here is used with the infinitive. [source]
1 John 1:3 Fellowship [κοινωνίαν]
This word introduces us to one of the main thoughts of the Epistle. The true life in man, which comes through the acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God, consists in fellowship with God and with man. On the word, see on Acts 2:42; see on Luke 5:10. The verb κοινωνέω tocome into fellowship, to be made a partner, to be partaker of, occurs 1 Peter 4:13; 2 John 1:11; Hebrews 2:14, etc. The expression here, ( ἔχειν κοινωνίαν ) is stronger, since it expresses the enjoyment or realization of fellowship, as compared with the mere fact of fellowship. See on John 16:22. [source]
1 John 1:3 And heard [και ακηκοαμεν]
Second (1 John 1:1 for first) use of this form, a third in 1 John 1:5. Emphasis by repetition is a thoroughly Johannine trait.Declare we (απαγγελλομεν — apaggellomen). Second use of this word (1 John 1:2 for first), but αγγελια — aggelia (message) and αναγγελλομεν — anaggellomen (announce) in 1 John 1:5.That ye also may have Purpose clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive of εχω — echō (may keep on having). “Ye also” who have not seen Jesus in the flesh as well as those like John who have seen him. Like και υμιν — kai humin (to you also) just before.Fellowship with us (κοινωνιαν μετ ημων — koinōnian meth' hēmōn). Common word in this Epistle, from κοινωνος — koinōnos partner (Luke 5:10), and κοινωνεω — koinōneō to share, in (1 Peter 4:13), with μετα — meta emphasising mutual relationship (Acts 2:42). This Epistle often uses εχω — echō with a substantive rather than a verb.Yea, and our fellowship Careful explanation of his meaning in the word “fellowship” (partnership), involving fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ and only possible in Christ. [source]
1 John 1:3 Fellowship with us [κοινωνιαν μετ ημων]
Common word in this Epistle, from κοινωνος — koinōnos partner (Luke 5:10), and κοινωνεω — koinōneō to share, in (1 Peter 4:13), with μετα — meta emphasising mutual relationship (Acts 2:42). This Epistle often uses εχω — echō with a substantive rather than a verb. [source]
1 John 1:3 That ye also may have [ινα και υμεις εχητε]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive of εχω — echō (may keep on having). “Ye also” who have not seen Jesus in the flesh as well as those like John who have seen him. Like και υμιν — kai humin (to you also) just before.Fellowship with us (κοινωνιαν μετ ημων — koinōnian meth' hēmōn). Common word in this Epistle, from κοινωνος — koinōnos partner (Luke 5:10), and κοινωνεω — koinōneō to share, in (1 Peter 4:13), with μετα — meta emphasising mutual relationship (Acts 2:42). This Epistle often uses εχω — echō with a substantive rather than a verb.Yea, and our fellowship Careful explanation of his meaning in the word “fellowship” (partnership), involving fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ and only possible in Christ. [source]
2 John 1:11 Is partaker [κοινωνεῖ]
The verb occurs nowhere else in John's writings. The kindred noun κοινωνία fellowshipis peculiar to the First Epistle. See on 1 John 1:3; also on partners (Luke 5:10); fellowship (Acts 2:42); partaker (1 Peter 5:1). [source]
Revelation 1:9 Companion [συγκοινωνὸς]
Rev., better, partaker with you. See Philemon 1:7, and note on partners, Luke 5:10. Κοινωνὸς , is a partner, associate. Σύν strengthens the term: partner along with. Compare John's favorite word in the First Epistle, κοινωνία fellowship 1 John 1:3. [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 5:10 mean?

likewise now also James and John [the] sons of Zebedee who were partners - with Simon said to - Simon - Jesus Not fear from - now on men you will be catching
ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάννην υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου οἳ ἦσαν κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα Ἰησοῦς Μὴ φοβοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν

ὁμοίως  likewise 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὁμοίως  
Sense: likewise, equally, in the same way.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
Ἰάκωβον  James 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰάκωβος  
Sense: son of Zebedee, an apostle and brother of the apostle John, commonly called James the greater or elder, slain by Herod, Acts 2.
Ἰωάννην  John 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰωάννης 
Sense: John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, the forerunner of Christ.
υἱοὺς  [the]  sons 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
Ζεβεδαίου  of  Zebedee 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ζεβεδαῖος  
Sense: a fisherman of Galilee, the father of the apostles James the Great and John, and the husband of Salome.
κοινωνοὶ  partners 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: κοινωνός  
Sense: a partner, associate, comrade, companion.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Σίμωνι  with  Simon 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Σίμων  
Sense: Peter was one of the apostles.
εἶπεν  said 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Σίμωνα  Simon 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Σίμων  
Sense: Peter was one of the apostles.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
φοβοῦ  fear 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Singular
Root: φοβέομαι 
Sense: to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away).
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
νῦν  now  on 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
ἀνθρώπους  men 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.
ἔσῃ  you  will  be 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 2nd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
ζωγρῶν  catching 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ζωγρέω  
Sense: to take alive.