Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Likewise {G3779}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, there is {G1096} joy {G5479} in the presence {G1799} of the angels {G32} of God {G2316} over {G1909} one {G1520} sinner {G268} that repenteth {G3340}.
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy among God’s angels when one sinner repents.”
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
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Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. -
Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? -
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. -
Ezekiel 18:23
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live? -
Luke 13:5
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. -
Matthew 18:14
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. -
Ezekiel 18:32
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.
Context of Luke 15:10
Luke 15:10 is a pivotal statement made by Jesus within a series of three parables, often called the "Lost and Found" parables: the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus told these stories in response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Him for welcoming and eating with "sinners" (Luke 15:1-2). Through these narratives, Jesus reveals God's heart for the lost and the profound joy that accompanies a sinner's return to Him.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The key word in this verse is "repenteth." The Greek term is metanoeō (μετανοέω), which signifies more than just feeling sorry or expressing regret for one's actions. It implies a fundamental and complete change of mind, purpose, and direction. It's a turning around – a spiritual U-turn from a life of sin and self-will to a life aligned with God's will. This deep, transformative change is what heaven celebrates.
Related Scriptures
This declaration echoes and reinforces Jesus' earlier statement in Luke 15:7, where He says there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." The divine eagerness for repentance is also seen in 2 Peter 3:9, which states that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Practical Application
Luke 15:10 offers profound encouragement to anyone who feels lost, unworthy, or distant from God. It assures them that a genuine turning to God is met not with condemnation, but with overwhelming joy and acceptance in heaven. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful motivation for evangelism and outreach. It reminds us of the eternal significance of sharing the good news, knowing that every person who repents brings forth a divine celebration. It also encourages us to mirror God's heart, embracing and celebrating the spiritual journey of others, seeing every individual as a precious soul for whom heaven eagerly anticipates a joyful return.