Luke 15:4 kjv

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Luke 15:4 nkjv

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

Luke 15:4 niv

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

Luke 15:4 esv

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

Luke 15:4 nlt

"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Luke 15 verses

Luke 15 4 Meaning

Luke 15:4 portrays a rhetorical question asked by Jesus: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" This verse introduces the Parable of the Lost Sheep, illustrating God's boundless love, diligent pursuit, and relentless determination to seek out and rescue even a single lost sinner. It highlights the immense value of each individual to God, surpassing numerical logic, and foreshadows the joy that accompanies their repentance and restoration.

Luke 15 4 Context

Luke 15:4 is the opening verse of the first of three parables (the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son) Jesus tells in response to the Pharisees and scribes grumbling about Him welcoming "tax collectors and sinners" and eating with them (Lk 15:1-2). These religious leaders viewed themselves as righteous and pure, separated from the common, ritually unclean, and morally bankrupt people. Jesus' parables directly challenge their narrow, judgmental view, revealing God's profound heart for those whom society, and often the religious elite, had cast aside or ignored. The parable leverages a common, relatable scenario of shepherding—a well-understood occupation in ancient Israel—to convey a deep theological truth about God's nature and mission to restore the alienated.

Luke 15 4 Word analysis

• What man of you (Τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν - Tis anthrōpos ex hymōn): This is a rhetorical question, typical of Jesus' teaching, inviting the audience to reflect on a commonly accepted principle. It appeals to their own common sense and empathy, suggesting that the shepherd's action is universally understood as appropriate when something valuable is lost. It implies: "Wouldn't any sensible person do this?" thereby setting the stage for a divine truth grounded in relatable human logic.
• having a hundred sheep (ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα - echōn hekaton probata): "ἑκατὸν" (hekaton) means "one hundred," a significant number for a shepherd, indicating a substantial flock and livelihood. "πρόβατα" (probata) refers to "sheep." This number highlights the sheer value of the entire flock, making the pursuit of just one sheep even more striking.
• if he loses one of them (καὶ ἀπολέσας ἐξ αὐτῶν ἓν - kai apolesas ex autōn hen): "ἀπολέσας" (apolesas), from ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), means "having lost" or "destroyed," indicating a genuine and concerning loss. The lost sheep is vulnerable, in danger, or no longer under the shepherd's protection. "ἓν" (hen) emphasizes the singularity – "just one."
• does not leave (οὐ καταλείπει - ou kataleipei): "οὐ" (ou) is the strong negation, and "καταλείπει" (kataleipei) means "leaves behind" or "abandons." The rhetorical question expects a negative answer, affirming that a responsible shepherd would not simply abandon the lost one.
• the ninety-nine (τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα - ta enenēkonta ennea): This refers to the majority, the "safe" sheep. The focus is on the radical choice to prioritize the single lost one over simply guarding the rest.
• in the open country (ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ - en tē erēmō): Literally "in the wilderness" or "desert." This refers to unenclosed, open pasture land, not necessarily a barren wasteland but an unprotected area. The assumption is that the ninety-nine are in a relatively secure, known pasture, at least temporarily, while the shepherd focuses on the immediate, active danger to the one truly lost. It underlines the shepherd's determination and trust, and highlights the precarious state of the lost sheep.
• and go after (καὶ πορεύεται - kai poreuetai): "πορεύεται" (poreuetai) means "goes forth," or "journeys," implying an active, deliberate, and purposeful search. It's not passive waiting but determined action.
• the one that is lost (ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς - epi to apolōlos): "ἀπολωλὸς" is a perfect passive participle of ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), meaning "the one having been lost," or "the lost one." This highlights the state of the sheep: it is lost, not just momentarily straying.
• until he finds it? (ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό - heōs heurē auto): "ἕως" (heōs) means "until," conveying perseverance without quitting. "εὕρῃ" (heurē), from εὑρίσκω (heuriskō), means "finds" or "discovers." This emphasizes the shepherd's unfailing determination and the certain success of the search. The expected answer to the rhetorical question is an emphatic "yes," signifying that the search will continue until the sheep is recovered.

Words-group analysis

• "What man of you, having a hundred sheep... if he loses one of them...": This opening establishes the premise. It directly addresses the listeners, drawing on their relatable experience with valuing possessions. The mention of "one hundred" sheep highlights a complete, valuable flock, making the loss of even "one" significant enough to warrant immediate, dedicated action. It subtly shifts focus from the general value of the group to the specific, intrinsic value of each individual within it.
• "...does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost...": This phrase reveals the shepherd's extraordinary dedication. The "open country" (wilderness/desert) implies the 99 are in a known, yet somewhat unprotected area. The shepherd's action appears counter-intuitive by ordinary risk management standards (leaving 99 for 1) but emphasizes the paramount importance of the individual. It signifies an active, loving pursuit, not a passive hope that the lost one will return.
• "...until he finds it?": This conclusive phrase stresses the shepherd's persistent, unfailing determination. There is no abandonment, no giving up; the search continues relentlessly until the lost one is recovered. It communicates hope, perseverance, and the certain successful outcome of God's pursuit of those who are astray. The implicit answer of "yes" signifies a complete, joyful resolution.

Luke 15 4 Bonus section

The rhetorical question "What man of you..." functions not just as an appeal to human logic but as a foundational challenge to the prevailing religious thought that emphasized purity codes and separation from "sinners." By posing it, Jesus subtly places the listener (including the grumbling Pharisees) in the shoes of the shepherd, forcing them to acknowledge a shared value for even a single lost item. This primes them to understand why God would similarly pursue a "sinner" with such zeal. The emphasis on the active search "until he finds it" portrays God not as a judge waiting for sinless perfection, but as a loving Father and Shepherd relentlessly pursuing the lost until they are safe. It speaks to the infinite worth of a single soul to God.

Luke 15 4 Commentary

Luke 15:4 serves as a profound opening to Jesus' trilogy of parables on lostness and recovery, directly addressing the judgmental attitudes of the Pharisees and scribes. It reveals the heart of God as actively seeking out, diligently pursuing, and rejoicing over every lost individual, regardless of their status as "sinners." The shepherd's willingness to "leave the ninety-nine" is not an act of negligence toward the majority, but an emphasis on the singular importance and immediate peril of the one. The "open country" implies a trusted, though unguarded, pasture for the many, while the urgent focus shifts to the truly vulnerable, straying one. The essence is God's unconditional love and determination to find what is lost, bringing joy not just to Himself, but reverberating through heaven upon repentance. This challenges human self-righteousness, presenting a God who actively seeks and restores rather than passively waiting for perfection. This parable underscores that God's grace extends to the individual who needs it most, showcasing His tireless redemptive work.