Luke 15:4

KJV

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} man {G444} of {G1537} you {G5216}, having {G2192} an hundred {G1540} sheep {G4263}, if {G2532} he lose {G622} one {G1520} of {G1537} them {G846}, doth {G2641} not {G3756} leave {G2641} the ninety and nine {G1768} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048}, and {G2532} go {G4198} after {G1909} that which is lost {G622}, until {G2193} he find {G2147} it {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“If one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, doesn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

Berean Standard Bible

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

American Standard Version

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:4 introduces the profound Parable of the Lost Sheep, the first in a trio of parables Jesus tells to illuminate God's fervent love and relentless pursuit of those who have strayed. This verse poses a rhetorical question, inviting listeners to consider the natural inclination of a shepherd who, despite possessing a large flock, would unhesitatingly leave the secure majority to diligently search for a single lost sheep until it is found, thereby establishing the divine precedent for valuing and seeking every individual soul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial section in Luke's Gospel, specifically [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), which presents three parables of "lostness and recovery": the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Jesus tells these parables directly in response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who were scandalized by His association with "tax collectors and sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus welcomes sinners")). The parables serve as a direct apologetic for Jesus's ministry to the marginalized and a profound revelation of God's heart for the lost, challenging the narrow, exclusionary righteousness of His critics. The question posed in [Luke 15:4](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Lost Sheep") sets the stage for understanding the divine joy that follows repentance, a theme explicitly stated in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy over one repentant sinner").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, sheep were not merely livestock but a vital part of the economy and a common metaphor for God's people. Shepherds were familiar figures, often living rugged, solitary lives dedicated to their flocks. Their responsibility was immense, as each sheep represented tangible wealth and sustenance. The act of leaving the "ninety and nine" in the "wilderness" (ἔρημος, *erēmos*), which refers to open, uncultivated pastureland rather than a barren desert, was a calculated risk. While the majority were left in a relatively safe, known grazing area, the shepherd's immediate priority was the vulnerable, lost individual. This scenario would have resonated deeply with Jesus's agrarian audience, who understood the dedication and self-sacrifice inherent in a shepherd's calling.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 15:4](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire chapter. First, it underscores the **Immeasurable Value of Each Individual Soul** to God, demonstrating that even one lost person is worth the diligent pursuit of the Divine Shepherd. Second, it highlights **God's Proactive and Relentless Pursuit of the Lost**, challenging the notion that salvation is solely dependent on human initiative. The shepherd "goes after that which is lost, until he find it," illustrating a divine initiative that actively seeks out the wayward. Third, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Joy in Restoration**, which is fully expressed in the subsequent verses ([Luke 15:5-7](/luke/15-5-7 "Luke 15:5-7 - The Shepherd's Joy")). This joy is not merely human happiness but a heavenly celebration over the repentance and return of a single sinner, contrasting sharply with the grumbling of the religious elite.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lost (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** G622 (ἀπόλλυμι) - From ἀπό (*apo*, "from") and the base of ὄλεθρος (*olethros*, "ruin"), this verb means to destroy fully, to perish, or to lose. In this context, it signifies being "lost" or "gone astray," not necessarily in the sense of being annihilated, but rather being separated, disoriented, and unable to find one's way back to safety or belonging. It conveys a state of being utterly vulnerable and in peril.
* **wilderness (Greek, _érēmos'_):** G2048 (ἔρημος) - This word describes a lonesome, waste, or desolate place. While it can refer to a barren desert, in the context of shepherding, it often denotes uncultivated, open pastureland, remote from human habitation. It is a place where sheep graze but are also susceptible to wandering off, becoming isolated, and facing dangers from predators or the elements. The "ninety and nine" are left in this *erēmos*—a place of relative safety for the majority, but also where the lost one became lost.
* **find (Greek, _heurískō'_):** G2147 (εὑρίσκω) - This verb means to find, discover, or obtain, often implying a search or effort preceding the discovery. It denotes a successful outcome after a deliberate pursuit. The use of this word emphasizes the shepherd's active and persistent search, culminating in the recovery of the lost sheep, which is the ultimate goal of the entire endeavor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What man of you, having an hundred sheep,"**: This opening phrase is a rhetorical question, immediately engaging the audience and appealing to their common experience and understanding. It establishes a relatable scenario: a shepherd with a substantial, valuable flock, setting the stage for the dilemma that follows. The implied answer is that any sensible person would act in the way described.
* **"if he lose one of them,"**: This clause introduces the central problem of the parable – the loss of a single sheep. The emphasis is on "one," highlighting the disproportionate value placed on the individual lost item, even amidst a large remaining collection. The term "lose" (ἀπόλλυμι) implies a state of being astray, vulnerable, and in danger.
* **"doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness,"**: This part of the question describes the shepherd's seemingly counterintuitive action. Leaving the vast majority (ninety-nine) in the "wilderness" (ἔρημος), which is a place of open pasture but also potential danger, underscores the shepherd's singular focus on the lost one. It implies a calculated risk, trusting the relative safety of the majority in a known environment while prioritizing the immediate peril of the single lost sheep.
* **"and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"**: This final clause reveals the shepherd's determined and active pursuit. The phrase "go after" (πορεύομαι ἐπί, *poreúomai epí*) signifies a deliberate journey with a specific aim. The crucial phrase "until he find it" (ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό, *héōs heurē autós*) emphasizes the unwavering perseverance and commitment of the shepherd; the search continues until the objective is achieved, highlighting the relentless nature of the pursuit and the certainty of eventual recovery.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which immediately draws the listener into the narrative and compels them to acknowledge the self-evident truth of the shepherd's actions. This question serves to establish a common ground of human experience before Jesus reveals the divine parallel. **Symbolism** is central, with the shepherd representing God (or Jesus), the sheep representing humanity, and the lost sheep specifically symbolizing sinners or those who have strayed from God. The "wilderness" symbolizes the world or a state of spiritual vulnerability where one can become lost. **Contrast** is evident in the disproportionate numbers (one lost versus ninety-nine safe) and the shepherd's willingness to leave the secure many for the endangered few, highlighting the immense value God places on each individual. Finally, the entire verse is part of a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that uses familiar earthly scenarios to convey a deeper spiritual truth, making abstract theological concepts accessible and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:4 profoundly reveals the character of God as a diligent and compassionate Shepherd who actively seeks out His lost children. It challenges any notion of a passive deity waiting for humanity to initiate reconciliation. Instead, God is depicted as one who takes the initiative, demonstrating an intense, personal concern for each individual soul, regardless of how many others are "safe within the fold." This divine pursuit is driven by an unwavering love and a deep desire for restoration, emphasizing that God's heart is for the lost and the marginalized, a direct rebuke to the exclusionary attitudes of the religious leaders of Jesus's day. The parable underscores that the value of a soul is not diminished by its straying, and God's commitment to finding it remains absolute, culminating in heavenly joy upon its return.

* [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew's Version)")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the True Shepherd")
* [John 10:11-15](/john/10-11-15 "John 10:11-15 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Parable of the Lost Sheep, beginning with [Luke 15:4](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Lost Sheep"), offers immense comfort and a powerful call to action. For those who feel lost, abandoned, or insignificant, this verse is a profound reassurance that God sees them, knows their worth, and is actively, relentlessly pursuing them. It speaks to the deep, personal love of God that transcends human judgment and societal labels. For believers, this parable serves as a vital reminder of God's heart for the world and His mission. It challenges us to embody the Shepherd's compassion, to look beyond our comfortable "ninety-nine" and engage with those who are on the fringes, the overlooked, and the spiritually disoriented. Our lives should reflect this divine initiative, extending grace and seeking out those who need to hear the good news of God's restorative love, participating in the joy of their return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God's relentless pursuit in your own life, even when you felt lost or far from Him?**
* **How does the shepherd's willingness to leave the ninety-nine challenge your own priorities or comfort zones in ministry or outreach?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "go after that which is lost" in your community or sphere of influence, reflecting the heart of the Divine Shepherd?**
* **How does this parable reshape your understanding of the value of a single individual in God's eyes?**

### FAQ

**Why would the shepherd leave the ninety-nine sheep in the wilderness? Wasn't that irresponsible?**

Answer: The "wilderness" (Greek: ἔρημος, *erēmos*) in this context refers to open, uncultivated pastureland, not necessarily a barren desert. It was a common grazing area. The shepherd's action, while seemingly risky, implies a calculated decision based on the immediate and greater danger to the one lost sheep versus the relative safety of the larger flock in a known, if wild, environment. It highlights the shepherd's singular focus and the immense value placed on the individual lost sheep. It underscores that the shepherd's ultimate responsibility is to ensure the safety and completeness of the entire flock, which necessitates prioritizing the one in immediate peril. This action is not irresponsible but demonstrates a profound commitment to every single member of the flock, mirroring God's own diligent care for each soul, as seen throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29-31 "Matthew 10:29-31 - God's care for sparrows and people").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:4 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and mission of Jesus Himself. He is the embodiment of the Good Shepherd, who not only seeks the lost but also lays down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Jesus's entire earthly ministry was a living demonstration of "going after that which is lost," as He consistently associated with and welcomed tax collectors and sinners, precisely the "lost sheep" of Israel ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus calls sinners")). His parables, including this one, were not mere stories but reflections of His own incarnate purpose: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost")). The shepherd's relentless search "until he find it" foreshadows Christ's unwavering commitment to His redemptive work on the cross, ensuring that all who are "lost" in sin can be found and brought back into the fold through His sacrifice. His resurrection and ascension confirm His triumph over sin and death, guaranteeing the ultimate recovery and eternal safety of His sheep, a promise that extends to His second coming when He will gather His elect from the ends of the earth ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering of the Elect")).

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

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Ezekiel 34:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

Ezekiel 34:12

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Matthew 18:12

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

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.

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.