Luke 5 1

Luke 5:1 kjv

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Luke 5:1 nkjv

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,

Luke 5:1 niv

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.

Luke 5:1 esv

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,

Luke 5:1 nlt

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God.

Luke 5 verses

Luke 5 1 Meaning

Luke 5:1 describes the setting for a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. It portrays a scene where a large multitude of people eagerly throng around Jesus, pressing in upon Him, because they earnestly desire to hear the very word of God that He speaks. This gathering occurs by the shores of the Lake of Gennesaret, also known as the Sea of Galilee. The verse highlights the immense spiritual hunger of the crowds for divine truth and Jesus' accessibility as He makes Himself available to teach them outside conventional settings.

Luke 5 1 Context

Luke 5:1 immediately follows Jesus' initial ministry activities in Capernaum, where He taught with authority in the synagogue, healed a demon-possessed man, cured Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever, and healed many others (Luke 4:31-41). The news of His power and teaching had clearly spread, creating significant popular demand. Luke 4:42-44 notes that Jesus frequently moved to preach in other towns, reinforcing the itinerant nature of His early ministry. This verse sets the scene for a pivotal moment: the call of the first disciples (Luke 5:2-11) and the miraculous catch of fish, demonstrating Jesus' power not only in healing and teaching but also over creation, which deeply impacts the future disciples. The location, the Lake of Gennesaret, signifies Jesus' engagement with ordinary people in their daily lives, away from formal religious centers.

Luke 5 1 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (Kai egeneto): This phrase, a common Septuagintal (Greek Old Testament) idiom, often introduces significant events in Luke-Acts. It highlights God's sovereignty and purpose in unfolding events, rather than mere chance. It implies divine intention and marks a transition to a new phase of revelation or action.

• as the people (ton ochlon): Refers to a "multitude" or "crowd." It implies a large, undifferentiated mass of common people, distinct from the disciples or religious elite. Their sheer number signifies the widespread impact of Jesus' early ministry.

• pressed upon him (epikeisthai auto): The verb epikeisthai means "to lie upon," "to be imposed upon," or "to press heavily upon." It suggests intense pressure, an almost overwhelming throng. This isn't merely curiosity; it denotes eager, insistent desire to get close to Jesus, highlighting their spiritual hunger and the urgency they felt.

• to hear (akouein): Signifies not just physical hearing, but an act of listening with understanding and intention, ready to receive and potentially obey. It underscores the active role of the people in seeking spiritual nourishment.

• the word of God (ton logon tou theou): This is a crucial phrase. It elevates Jesus' message beyond human discourse or common rabbinic teaching. It signifies divine revelation, truth emanating directly from God Himself. The people were not primarily seeking entertainment or mere philosophy, but divine instruction and spiritual sustenance.

• he stood (hestota): Denotes Jesus' posture; He was not merely present but ready and active. He did not retreat but faced the pressing crowd, accessible to their needs.

• by the lake of Gennesaret (para tēn limnēn Gennēsaret): The geographical setting is vital. The Lake of Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee. It was a bustling area of fishing and trade. This location emphasizes Jesus' ministry among the working class and in open, public spaces, demonstrating accessibility and a departure from the exclusive synagogue or Temple contexts. This open-air preaching challenged the exclusive control of religious knowledge by the priestly and scribal classes of Jerusalem.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God": This phrase captures the intense spiritual thirst of the common people. They were not drawn by miracles alone (though they knew of them) but primarily by the intrinsic value and authority of Jesus' message as God's very word. This distinguishes genuine seekers from those with more superficial motives, laying the groundwork for later discussions about truly "hearing and keeping" the word of God. This also indirectly highlights the spiritual vacuum in contemporary Judaism, which relied heavily on tradition but might have neglected the immediate, living Word.
  • "he stood by the lake of Gennesaret": This describes Jesus' humble and accessible method of ministry. Instead of waiting for people in a formal temple or synagogue, He goes where the people are, engaging them in their daily lives. The lake setting also provides a natural amphitheater, where His voice could carry, a practical solution to teaching large crowds that contrasts with the limited spaces of conventional religious instruction.

Luke 5 1 Bonus section

• The term "Lake of Gennesaret" often points to Luke's attention to geographical detail, characteristic of a meticulous historian. It is consistently referred to as a "lake" (limnē) by Luke, whereas other Gospel writers sometimes use "sea" (thalassa), reflecting perhaps different regional uses of the terms for the same body of water (Sea of Galilee).
• The overwhelming pressure from the crowd on Jesus can be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. It tested Jesus' ability to minister while affirming the immense impact of His message. His response was not to withdraw but to find a way to more effectively speak the word of God to them, foreshadowing the creative and adaptable nature of His ministry (as seen in Luke 5:3).
• This scene, where the crowd's intense desire to hear the Word takes precedence, serves as a significant marker of authentic spiritual longing. It sets a foundation for Jesus' later teachings on parables where "hearing" (with understanding and obedience) is key to spiritual growth and salvation (e.g., the Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:4-15).
• The fact that people gathered outside synagogues challenges the existing religious establishment. It implies that true divine revelation was found not solely within formal institutions or through official religious leaders, but directly from Jesus, demonstrating His unique authority.

Luke 5 1 Commentary

Luke 5:1 presents Jesus as immensely popular due to the authority and divine nature of His teaching. The eager multitude pressing upon Him by the Lake of Gennesaret underscores a deep spiritual hunger for God's truth, not just for physical healing or sensational signs. Jesus, in response to this overwhelming desire, positioned Himself to effectively deliver "the word of God" to them. This scene establishes Jesus' readiness to teach and minister to all, regardless of their status or location, signifying a radical departure from traditional religious exclusivity. It prepares the stage for the dramatic call of the first disciples from among these common folk, highlighting that His ultimate work involves not just preaching but also gathering and transforming lives through the power of His word. This divine word is what draws people, empowers miraculous acts, and calls individuals to follow Him completely.