Luke 15:2

KJV

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Pharisees {G5330} and {G2532} scribes {G1122} murmured {G1234}, saying {G3004}, This man {G3754}{G3778} receiveth {G4327} sinners {G268}, and {G2532} eateth {G4906} with them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the P’rushim and Torah-teachers kept grumbling. “This fellow,” they said, “welcomes sinners — he even eats with them!”

Berean Standard Bible

So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

American Standard Version

And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:2 captures the critical reaction of the religious elite—the Pharisees and scribes—to Jesus' radical ministry. They "murmured," expressing deep disapproval because Jesus not only welcomed but also shared intimate meals with individuals considered societal outcasts and moral failures, thereby challenging their rigid purity codes and demonstrating a divine compassion that transcended human legalism. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent parables, which powerfully illustrate God's heart for the lost and His joy over repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Luke 15:1](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1 - Sinners Draw Near to Jesus"), which establishes the setting: "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him." The murmuring of the Pharisees and scribes in [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Pharisees' Murmuring") is a direct response to Jesus' welcoming posture towards these marginalized groups. This accusation then serves as the direct impetus for Jesus to deliver three profound parables in quick succession: the [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), the [Parable of the Lost Coin](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin"), and the [Parable of the Prodigal Son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"). These parables collectively articulate God's boundless love for the lost, His active pursuit of them, and the celebratory joy in heaven over a sinner's repentance, directly refuting the Pharisees' self-righteous condemnation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Pharisees and scribes" represented the religious and legal authorities of first-century Judaism. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, which they considered equally binding. Scribes were experts in the Law, often serving as teachers and interpreters. Both groups emphasized ritual purity and separation from anything considered unclean, including "sinners" (tax collectors, prostitutes, and those who did not adhere to their legalistic interpretations of the Law). In ancient Jewish culture, sharing a meal was far more than a physical act; it was a profound social and religious statement of fellowship, acceptance, and solidarity. To "eat with" someone was to extend honor, intimacy, and a bond of communion. For Jesus to share a table with "sinners" was, in the eyes of the Pharisees, a scandalous act that compromised His own purity and implicitly condoned their sinful lifestyles, violating their deeply held social and religious norms.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Pharisees' Murmuring") is pivotal in highlighting several core themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' radical inclusivity and compassion**, demonstrating His willingness to cross social and religious boundaries to reach those ostracized by society. This stands in stark contrast to the **religious legalism and self-righteousness** embodied by the Pharisees, who prioritized external purity and social separation over divine mercy and transformation. Secondly, the verse implicitly affirms **Jesus' core mission to seek and save the lost**, as articulated elsewhere in Luke, such as when He declares, "[For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus' Mission to the Lost")" or "[I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance")". The Pharisees' complaint inadvertently validates Jesus' divine purpose, setting the stage for the powerful parables that follow, which vividly portray God's joyful pursuit of every lost soul, whether symbolized by a sheep, a coin, or a son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **murmured (Greek, _diagongýzō'_):** Derived from *dia* (through) and *gongýzō* (to grumble), this word describes a deep, pervasive, and often secret grumbling or complaining that spreads through a crowd. It implies a sense of deep discontent, disapproval, and critical opposition, rather than an open, honest inquiry. The Pharisees and scribes were not seeking understanding but expressing a profound, collective disapproval of Jesus' actions.
* **receiveth (Greek, _prosdéchomai'_):** This verb means "to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or endurance)" and by implication, "to await (with confidence or patience)." It signifies more than mere passive tolerance; it implies an active, intentional welcoming, an acceptance, and an open reception. Jesus was not simply allowing sinners to be near Him; He was actively welcoming them into His presence and fellowship, extending grace and hospitality.
* **eateth with (Greek, _synesthíō'_):** A compound word from *syn* (with) and *esthíō* (to eat), meaning "to take food in company with." As noted in the context, sharing a meal in this culture was a profound act of fellowship, acceptance, and social unity. This word emphasizes the intimate nature of Jesus' interaction with sinners, which was particularly scandalous to the religious leaders who viewed such association as defiling and a breach of their purity codes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying,"**: This clause immediately identifies the antagonists and their action. The "Pharisees and scribes" represent the religious establishment, deeply invested in their interpretation of the Law and tradition. Their "murmuring" (diagongýzō) indicates a deep, collective, and critical disapproval, not an open question, setting a tone of judgment and opposition.
* **"This man receiveth sinners,"**: This is the first part of their accusation. They observe Jesus' active welcoming (prosdéchomai) of "sinners"—a term encompassing tax collectors, prostitutes, and others considered morally or ritually unclean by the religious elite. To "receive" them implied acceptance, validation, and even intimacy, which they found utterly reprehensible for a supposed prophet or teacher of God.
* **"and eateth with them."**: This is the second, and perhaps more scandalous, part of their complaint. Sharing a meal (synesthíō) was a profound act of fellowship and acceptance in Jewish culture. By eating with sinners, Jesus was not merely tolerating their presence but actively entering into communion and solidarity with them, an act that the Pharisees believed would defile Him and undermine His claims to righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise reporting in [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Pharisees' Murmuring") effectively employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very accusation leveled against Jesus—that He "receiveth sinners, and eateth with them"—is precisely what defines His divine mission and character. What the religious leaders intended as a condemnation, the Gospel presents as a commendation of Jesus' profound compassion and His purpose to seek and save the lost. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** established between Jesus' inclusive, grace-filled approach and the exclusive, legalistic mindset of the Pharisees and scribes. This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between a religion of rules and a relationship of grace. Furthermore, the act of "eating with" carries significant **Symbolism**. Meals in the ancient world were not just for sustenance but represented fellowship, covenant, and belonging. Jesus' shared meals with sinners symbolize God's desire for restored communion with humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate fellowship offered through the New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:2 is a profound theological statement, revealing the heart of God through the actions of Jesus. It underscores the divine priority of seeking the lost and extending grace over rigid adherence to human-made traditions or legalistic purity codes. The Pharisees' complaint exposes their misunderstanding of God's character, which is fundamentally merciful and redemptive, not merely judgmental and exclusive. Jesus' willingness to associate intimately with "sinners" demonstrates that God's love is not contingent on human worthiness or social standing, but is freely offered to those who recognize their need for Him. This encounter sets the stage for the parables that follow, which collectively teach that heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance, shifting the focus from human merit to divine grace and the transformative power of repentance.

* [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")
* [Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus and Sinners")
* [Luke 19:7](/luke/19-7 "Luke 19:7 - Zacchaeus and the Crowd's Reaction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:2 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers to examine their own attitudes towards those outside the perceived boundaries of faith or societal acceptance. It challenges us to move beyond judgmentalism and self-righteousness, embracing the radical inclusivity and compassion that characterized Jesus' ministry. True faith, as exemplified by Christ, is not about maintaining a pristine, isolated purity, but about actively pursuing and welcoming the lost, the marginalized, and the broken. We are called to embody God's heart, extending grace and love, and creating spaces where all can encounter the transformative power of the Gospel, rather than erecting barriers based on human standards. This verse reminds us that our mission, like Jesus', is to seek and save the lost, recognizing that we ourselves were once "sinners" in need of His boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the Pharisees, be tempted to judge or exclude others based on my own standards of righteousness or social acceptability?**
* **How can my actions and attitudes better reflect Jesus' welcoming posture towards those considered "sinners" or outcasts in my community?**
* **What does Jesus' willingness to "eat with" sinners teach me about the nature of true fellowship and the kingdom of God?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward appearances and religious rules, or with the genuine transformation and reconciliation that God desires for all people?**

### FAQ

**Why was eating with "sinners" such a big deal to the Pharisees?**

Answer: In first-century Jewish culture, sharing a meal was a profound act of social and religious fellowship, signifying acceptance, honor, and even a shared covenant. For the Pharisees, who rigorously adhered to purity laws and sought to separate themselves from anything considered ritually or morally unclean, eating with "sinners" (tax collectors, prostitutes, and those who did not observe their strict interpretations of the Law) was scandalous. They believed it would defile them, compromise their religious standing, and implicitly condone the sinful lifestyles of those with whom Jesus associated. It was seen as a direct violation of their understanding of righteousness and separation from unholy things.

**What does "receiveth" imply about Jesus' actions?**

Answer: The Greek word *prosdéchomai* (receiveth) implies more than passive tolerance. It means to actively welcome, accept, and even take someone to oneself with favor and hospitality. It suggests an intentional and open-hearted reception. Jesus wasn't merely allowing sinners to be in His presence; He was actively inviting them into fellowship, listening to them, teaching them, and demonstrating genuine care and acceptance, which was a radical departure from the prevailing social norms and the religious leaders' exclusionary practices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:2, though an accusation, profoundly reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose. The Pharisees' complaint that "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them" is, in fact, the very essence of the Gospel and the heart of God's mission in Christ. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, embodying the divine compassion that seeks out the lost rather than waiting for them to clean themselves up. His willingness to share meals with outcasts foreshadows the ultimate communion offered through His sacrifice—the [new covenant in His blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood"), where all who believe, regardless of their past, are welcomed to the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), the Prodigal Son's Father who runs to embrace His returning child ([Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father Welcomes His Son")), and the one who came to give His life as a [ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life"). Thus, Jesus' actions in [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Pharisees' Murmuring") are not a deviation from righteousness but the very embodiment of God's righteousness, which is revealed in His boundless grace and His passionate pursuit of humanity's reconciliation with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:11

And when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

Luke 7:39

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Luke 19:7

And when they saw [it], they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

Luke 5:30

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

Luke 7:34

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Acts 11:3

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Galatians 2:12

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.