Luke 5:4 kjv

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Luke 5:4 nkjv

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

Luke 5:4 niv

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

Luke 5:4 esv

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

Luke 5:4 nlt

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish."

Luke 5 verses

Luke 5 4 Meaning

This verse captures a pivotal moment where Jesus, having concluded His teaching to the crowd from Simon's boat, issues a direct and specific command to Simon Peter. Despite the fishermen having toiled fruitlessly all night, Jesus instructs them to "launch out into the deep" and lower their nets again "for a catch." This command demonstrates Jesus' authority over natural circumstances and human expertise, setting the stage for a miraculous provision and a profound lesson in obedience and faith for His future disciples.

Luke 5 4 Context

Luke 5:4 takes place immediately after Jesus has taught a large crowd gathered on the shore of Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) by sitting in Simon Peter's fishing boat, which was moored near the land. Simon and his partners, James and John, had been fishing all night without success, and were cleaning their nets on the shore when Jesus approached (Lk 5:1-3). The command in verse 4 thus comes from Jesus' divine authority, given to an experienced fisherman after he had just witnessed Jesus teach and was amidst the weariness and disappointment of a fruitless night's labor. This sets the stage for a demonstration of Jesus' power that would challenge human logic and establish His lordship.

Luke 5 4 Word analysis

• When He had stopped speaking (Ὅτε δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν - hote de epausato lalōn): This signifies a definitive pause, a completion of His prior activity of teaching. It implies a transition from a general public address to a personal, deliberate command. Jesus shifts His attention fully from the crowds to Simon, signaling the unique and important nature of the instruction that follows.
• He said to Simon (εἶπεν πρὸς Σίμωνα - eipen pros Simōna): The instruction is addressed specifically to Simon (whose given name implies 'hearing' or 'listening'). Jesus bypasses the professional fishing partners and addresses the one who would become the leader among the apostles, initiating a direct and personal call to obedience.
• Launch out (Ἐπάγαγε - Epagage): From epagō, meaning to bring on, bring upon, lead or put out. It's an imperative verb, a direct command, implying moving beyond the shallow waters near the shore where boats are docked or fishing often occurs. It signifies an action of commitment and moving forward, despite previous failures or human logic.
• into the deep (εἰς τὸ βάθος - eis to bathos): Bathos literally means "depth" or "deep water." This is significant because fishermen, especially after an unproductive night, would typically work in areas known for fish or preferred conditions, often not necessarily the deepest parts of the lake during the day for netting. The command is counter-intuitive and pushes them out of their comfort zone and their known expertise. Spiritually, it signifies venturing beyond superficial engagement, into areas of greater trust and reliance on divine direction, beyond human capacity.
• and let down (καὶ χαλάσατε - kai chalasate): Another imperative verb, chalaō, meaning "to lower, to let down." This command directly instructs the act of fishing with nets. The plural form "let down" (ὑμῶν - hymōn) indicates the command is for Simon and his companions/crew, highlighting the communal nature of the impending miracle and their participation.
• your nets (τὰ δίκτυα ὑμῶν - ta diktya hymōn): Refers to their actual fishing equipment. The plural "nets" suggests that they might use multiple nets, or implies the full extent of their fishing operation. The phrase emphasizes the command involves their regular work, but under divine instruction.
• for a catch (εἰς ἄγραν - eis agran): Agra refers to the act of hunting or fishing, or specifically "the catch" itself. Jesus gives a clear purpose for this action – not merely to cast the nets, but with the specific outcome of catching fish, indicating His foresight and intentionality for abundance.

Words-group analysis:

• "When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon": This emphasizes the deliberate and intentional shift in Jesus' ministry focus, from general teaching to a personal directive that serves as a pivotal point for Simon's life and calling. It signifies Jesus' engagement with individuals on a practical, transformative level after ministering to the multitudes.
• "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch": This entire directive encapsulates Jesus' call to go beyond conventional wisdom and human limitation. It's a command to resume a seemingly futile task, but under divine authority, and promises a specific, miraculous outcome ("for a catch"), illustrating the power and fruitfulness that comes from obedience to Christ even when it contradicts all human reason or prior experience. It represents a call to action and faith, moving from passive listening to active participation.

Luke 5 4 Bonus section

• Contrast of Professions: The instruction comes from Jesus, a carpenter by earthly trade, to Simon, a professional fisherman. This stark contrast highlights that Jesus' authority transcends earthly professions and expertise, asserting His divine mastery over all aspects of life.
• Symbolism of the Deep: "The deep" (το βάθος - to bathos) can be profoundly symbolic. In other biblical contexts, "the deep" (or abyss) is sometimes associated with chaotic forces or beyond human control. Here, it signifies going beyond known, predictable areas into territory where only divine power can guarantee success, demanding a radical reliance on faith.
• Precedent for Mission: This incident not only transforms Peter's fishing enterprise but serves as a prototype for the evangelistic mission of the Church. Just as a miraculous catch required obedience in a physically difficult task, the "catching of men" will require faithful obedience in spiritually challenging endeavors, with Christ's power providing the increase.
• Lessons for Discouragement: The verse speaks directly to those who feel weary, discouraged, or unproductive despite diligent effort. It teaches that divine instruction can yield overwhelming results even where human endeavor has completely failed. It's a call to fresh effort, rooted in faith, when natural efforts cease to yield fruit.

Luke 5 4 Commentary

Luke 5:4 serves as a foundational moment demonstrating Christ's supreme authority, not merely over spiritual realms, but over the natural world and the very circumstances of human labor. Jesus' instruction to "launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" comes after Simon Peter and his companions had endured a long, fruitless night of fishing, having expended all their effort. This command challenged every aspect of a seasoned fisherman's professional judgment: the time of day, the specific location, and the fact that they had already failed. Yet, it was precisely in this context of human exhaustion and failure that Jesus intervened.

This command was not just about catching fish; it was about teaching Peter a profound lesson in obedience and trust. Jesus' authority transformed human futility into divine abundance. The "deep" represents not only literal deep water but metaphorically symbolizes stepping beyond one's comfort zone, relying entirely on God's word rather than one's own expertise, experience, or understanding. It prepared Peter and his partners for their ultimate calling as "fishers of men" (Lk 5:10), showing them that their future ministry would depend not on their skill or strength, but on hearing and obeying the Master's word, even in seemingly impossible situations. The overwhelming catch that followed (Lk 5:6-7) served as a powerful sign, proving Jesus' divine power and establishing His rightful claim to command, leading directly to the disciples' surrender and commitment.