Luke 5 2

Luke 5:2 kjv

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

Luke 5:2 nkjv

and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.

Luke 5:2 niv

He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.

Luke 5:2 esv

and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.

Luke 5:2 nlt

He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.

Luke 5 verses

Luke 5 2 Meaning

Luke chapter 5, verse 2 describes Jesus observing the scene by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee). He sees two boats that have been pulled to the shore, indicating that fishing operations have concluded. The verse highlights that the fishermen were not in their boats; rather, they had disembarked and were engaged in the essential, laborious task of washing their fishing nets. This precise observation sets the immediate stage for Jesus' interaction with the fishermen, particularly Simon Peter, which leads to their call as disciples.

Luke 5 2 Context

This verse is embedded in the narrative of Jesus' early ministry in Galilee. Luke 5:1 establishes Jesus' presence by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) with a pressing crowd, setting the stage for His need for a platform to teach. Verse 2 immediately follows, painting a vivid picture of the two boats and the activity of the fishermen. This setting provides the background for Jesus' profound encounter with Simon Peter, which transitions from teaching the crowd to calling His core disciples. The scene highlights the everyday, mundane realities of their lives—boats pulled ashore, nets being cleaned—just before their lives are divinely interrupted and transformed into a radical new purpose as "fishers of men." It underscores that Jesus calls people from their common vocations, requiring them to leave behind their familiar lives for the kingdom.

Luke 5 2 Word analysis

• and saw (καὶ εἶδεν - kai eiden): This indicates Jesus' intentional observation. He scanned the situation by the lake, taking note of the boats and the people, discerning their state and availability for His divine purpose. It signifies the Lord's active discernment and preparation for His next step.

• two boats (δύο πλοῖα - dyo ploia): The presence of two vessels points to typical fishing partnerships. As later verses reveal (Lk 5:7), these boats belonged to Peter and Andrew, and James and John, respectively, hinting at the collective nature of the forthcoming call to discipleship for these two sets of brothers.

• standing by (ἑστῶτα παρὰ - hestōta para): A perfect participle, describing the boats as stationary, pulled up or moored alongside the shore. They were no longer active in the water but had completed their fishing endeavors for the time being, thus creating a space for Jesus to engage.

• the lake (τὴν λίμνην - tēn limnēn): Refers to the Sea of Galilee (also called Lake of Gennesaret or Lake Tiberias). It was a vibrant hub for fishing and a significant site for much of Jesus' Galilean ministry, emphasizing His engagement with the working-class people.

• but the fishermen (οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς - hoi de halieis): The conjunction "but" creates a contrast, shifting focus from the inactive boats to the active people. "Fishermen" (ἁλιεῖς) precisely identifies their arduous profession and their readiness to perform a necessary, albeit often unrewarding, task.

• had gone out of them (ἀπʼ αὐτῶν ἀποβάντες - ap' autōn apobantes): A past participle denoting that they had disembarked from the boats. This confirms they had finished their fishing trip, suggesting a moment of pause in their primary work.

• and were washing their nets (ἔπλυνον τὰ δίκτυα - eplynon ta diktya):

  • were washing (ἔπλυνον - eplynon): This verb is in the imperfect tense, conveying an ongoing or continuous action. It was a laborious and meticulous task, not a quick one, indicating the diligent nature of their work. They were carefully cleaning debris (seaweed, small fish, mud) from their nets.
  • their nets (τὰ δίκτυα - ta diktya): "Nets" refers to their vital, often expensive, equipment. Proper washing and mending were crucial for preserving their functionality and ensuring successful future catches. This highlights their stewardship of their tools, reflecting dedication to their trade.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen": This phrase establishes the scene and immediately highlights a disjunction: the boats are passive, while the focus shifts to the active men associated with them. This sets up the critical observation of their current occupation, distinct from fishing.
  • "had gone out of them and were washing their nets": This segment provides critical insight into the fishermen's status. They are engaged in a mundane, post-fishing cleanup, possibly after a fruitless night (Lk 5:5). The continuous action of "washing nets" emphasizes diligence and maintenance, a routine essential for future work. Symbolically, this state of preparing and cleaning their earthly tools could be seen as an unconscious readiness for a spiritual cleansing and preparation for a vastly different "catch" of men.

Luke 5 2 Bonus section

The detailed account of the fishermen washing their nets is peculiar to Luke among the Synoptic Gospels. This particularity emphasizes Luke's eye for detail regarding the practicalities of everyday life and his interest in showing how Jesus engaged with common laborers. This also subtly introduces the theme of laborious preparation. Nets had to be painstakingly cleaned of mud, weeds, and small debris and repaired for future use. This care reflects the disciplined work ethic of these future disciples. Furthermore, the scenario sets up the contrast in Luke 5:5 where Peter declares, "we toiled all night and took nothing!" — a perfect backdrop for the miracle that follows, showing that human effort alone is insufficient without divine intervention, and yet, divine intervention often follows diligent human effort. The "boats standing by the lake" also indicates an accessible means for Jesus to address the pressing crowd from a slight distance, preventing Him from being overwhelmed and ensuring all could hear.

Luke 5 2 Commentary

Luke 5:2 subtly underscores the Lord's providence and intentionality. Jesus observes these ordinary fishermen engaged in a mundane yet essential task. They are not at the height of their success, nor are they idling; they are diligently preparing their tools after a likely exhausting and unprofitable night. This setting allows Jesus to approach them not as successful entrepreneurs but as working men enduring the grind of their trade. The act of washing nets, a meticulous preparation for future endeavor, ironically prefigures the "preparation" and "cleansing" these men would undergo as they transitioned from catching fish to catching men. It illustrates that Jesus' call often comes in the midst of our daily routines, especially when we are being diligent even in our perceived failures or in the thankless aspects of our work. The presence of two boats and multiple fishermen highlights the community aspect and sets the stage for the collective calling of Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, moving them from earthly toil to heavenly labor.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • The verse reminds believers that faithfulness and diligence in ordinary daily tasks, even those that seem unglamorous, can be preparation for God's extraordinary calling.
  • It encourages us to recognize that God observes and cares about our "behind-the-scenes" labor and readiness.
  • It illustrates that Jesus often calls people into service not when they are most successful, but when they are humble, perhaps even exhausted, and ready for a new direction.