Luke 5:11 kjv

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Luke 5:11 nkjv

So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Luke 5:11 niv

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:11 esv

And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:11 nlt

And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Luke 5 verses

Luke 5 11 Meaning

Luke 5:11 describes the immediate and radical response of Simon Peter, James, and John (and likely Andrew, as per parallels in Matthew and Mark) after witnessing Jesus's miraculous catch of fish and receiving His call to become "fishers of men." The verse highlights their complete renunciation of their former livelihood and possessions to embark on a new life of following Jesus, demonstrating total commitment and faith in His person and divine authority.

Luke 5 11 Context

Luke 5:11 occurs immediately after one of Jesus's most powerful displays of authority and a profound call to discipleship. Prior to this, Jesus teaches from Simon's boat (Lk 5:1-3) and then commands Simon to "put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" (Lk 5:4). Despite Peter's professional skepticism (Lk 5:5), they obey, resulting in an enormous catch of fish, nearly breaking their nets and filling two boats to sinking point (Lk 5:6-7). This miracle profoundly impacts Simon Peter, leading him to confess his sinfulness and unworthiness before Jesus (Lk 5:8-9). Jesus responds by reassuring him, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men" (Lk 5:10). Verse 11 describes the disciples' ultimate and immediate response to this pivotal moment, setting the stage for their role as core apostles. Historically, fishing was a demanding and often unstable profession, but it was a well-established family business for these men. Leaving it behind meant abandoning their primary source of income and security for an uncertain future following Jesus, a radical act of faith that would have been shocking in their society, demonstrating their belief that Jesus held a greater promise than any worldly endeavor.

Luke 5 11 Word analysis

• And when they had brought their boats:
  • And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction, linking this action directly to the miraculous catch and Jesus's call. It indicates an immediate consequence or continuation.
  • they had brought (ἀγαγόντες - agagontes): From 'agó,' meaning to lead, bring, or guide. Here, in the aorist participle, it indicates a completed action—they decisively brought their boats in. This is not just a casual arrival at shore but an act of drawing them completely onto land. This action signifies an end to their prior occupation and the readiness for something new.
  • their boats (τὰ πλοῖα - ta ploia): Referring to the vessels used for fishing, representing their livelihood, security, and the family business they inherited. The plural denotes their own boats (Peter, James, and John's, perhaps with Andrew).
  • to land (ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν - epi tên gên): 'Epi' (upon) + 'tên gên' (the earth/land). This phrase emphasizes a complete disengagement from their fishing work, as they moved the boats fully out of the water, not just tying them to a dock. It is a definitive action.
• they forsook all:
  • they forsook (ἀφέντες - aphentes): From 'aphiemi,' meaning to let go, release, abandon, or dismiss. In the aorist participle, it conveys a completed, decisive, and immediate act of renunciation. This implies not just stepping away but a conscious, deliberate abandonment of their entire former way of life.
  • all (πάντα - panta): Meaning "all things," "everything." This word highlights the radical, comprehensive nature of their abandonment. It was not just their nets, but their boats, their catches (which were significant after the miracle), their trade, their income, and the entire life tied to it. It points to a total surrender.
• and followed Him.
  • and (καὶ - kai): Again, linking the two actions directly—abandonment immediately leading to allegiance.
  • followed (ἠκολούθησαν - ēkolouthēsan): From 'akoloutheo,' meaning to follow, go along with, accompany, or attend. It implies becoming a disciple or adherent. The aorist indicative stresses the definitive nature of this decision to follow. It was a choice to be a pupil and companion of Jesus.
  • Him (αὐτῷ - autô): Refers to Jesus, underscoring that their devotion was personal, directed to Him specifically, and not just to a new profession or teaching.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "And when they had brought their boats to land": This phrase signifies the complete cessation of their former life and work. By physically moving the boats out of the water, they symbolically anchored themselves in a new direction. This act prepares them for the next, ultimate decision. It indicates the completion of one chapter, the fishing industry, and signals readiness for a profound change.
• "they forsook all and followed Him": This pivotal phrase demonstrates their radical obedience and complete faith. "Forsook all" reveals the cost of discipleship—the giving up of security, livelihood, and familiarity. This act was not a temporary departure but a total abandonment of their previous way of life. "Followed Him" clarifies the new path and focus of their lives—absolute commitment to Jesus, aligning their lives with His purpose and mission. The conjunction "and" between 'forsook all' and 'followed Him' emphasizes the immediacy and direct causal link between the abandonment of their old life and the commencement of their new life of discipleship. It illustrates a complete reorientation of their existence around Jesus.

Luke 5 11 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act of bringing boats to land and then leaving all holds immense theological weight. This isn't just about abandoning a profession, but about releasing one's primary identity and security into the hands of Christ. For these men, fishing was not merely a job; it defined their status, community, and future. Their immediate obedience signifies a trust that surpasses logic, borne out of direct encounter with the divine. Their "all" also included the unprecedented miracle catch itself – valuable property that they simply walked away from. This indicates that their focus was entirely on Jesus and the promise He offered, not on any material gain. Their response became a model for later disciples and even today's believers, illustrating that genuine discipleship often demands costly surrender, trusting that the Giver of the call is infinitely more valuable than anything left behind. It foreshadows the demanding nature of kingdom living, where commitment to Christ eclipses all earthly pursuits.

Luke 5 11 Commentary

Luke 5:11 marks a profound turning point for Simon Peter, James, and John. Following the breathtaking miracle of the massive fish catch, which exposed both Jesus's divine power and Peter's human frailty, Jesus called them not to continue catching fish, but to start catching men. The response recorded in this verse—"they forsook all and followed Him"—is central to understanding true discipleship. It was not a partial commitment or a delayed decision; it was immediate and total. They abandoned their established livelihood, the source of their sustenance and security, which in the Galilean culture would have included their family business, a generational legacy. Their choice demonstrates radical faith in the one who had just demonstrated astonishing authority over creation. They grasped that following Jesus involved a fundamental shift in priorities, demanding a total surrender of personal ambitions and worldly attachments. This verse serves as a foundational example of what Jesus means by the cost of discipleship – a call to abandon everything for the surpassing worth of following Him and participating in His mission. This transformative moment exemplifies how encountering Jesus and His power can lead to an unreserved and immediate devotion that sets individuals on a new course for God's kingdom.