Luke 15:4

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?

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}?

“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?

“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?

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

Luke 15:4 introduces the first of three powerful parables Jesus tells to illustrate God's boundless love and diligent pursuit of the lost. This verse sets the scene for the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a timeless story that reveals profound truths about divine compassion and the value of every individual soul.

Context

Jesus shared this parable, along with the parables of the lost coin and the lost son (Luke 15:8-32), in response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about Him associating with "publicans and sinners" (Luke 15:1-2). In their eyes, Jesus's willingness to engage with those considered outcasts was scandalous. This parable directly challenges their narrow view of righteousness, emphasizing God's active desire to reclaim those who have strayed.

In ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the economy and daily life. Shepherds were familiar figures, and their dedication to their flock, even to the point of risking their own safety for one animal, was a relatable image for Jesus's audience. The "wilderness" often refers to open, uncultivated pastureland where sheep grazed, but also where they could easily become disoriented and vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Each Soul: The parable highlights that even one lost sheep out of a hundred is incredibly precious to the shepherd. This underscores God's immense love and concern for every individual, regardless of how many others are "safe" within the fold.
  • Divine Initiative and Pursuit: The shepherd doesn't wait for the lost sheep to find its way back; he actively "goes after that which is lost, until he find it." This illustrates God's relentless and proactive pursuit of humanity, demonstrating that salvation is not merely about humanity seeking God, but about God seeking humanity.
  • Diligence and Perseverance: The phrase "until he find it" emphasizes the shepherd's unwavering determination. God's love is persistent and will not give up on those who are astray.
  • Joy in Recovery: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verses (Luke 15:5-7) reveal the profound joy the shepherd experiences upon finding the lost sheep, mirroring the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "lost" is apollymi (ἀπόλλυμι), which can mean to destroy, perish, or be ruined, but in this context, it signifies being 'lost' or 'gone astray' — unable to find one's way back. The word for "find" is heuriskō (εὑρίσκω), meaning to discover, come upon, or obtain, often after searching. The contrast between these two words emphasizes the shepherd's active search and successful recovery.

Practical Application

This parable offers immense comfort and hope. For those who feel lost, astray, or overlooked, it reassures them that God is actively seeking them. He knows their value and desires their return. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's heart for the world and encourages them to share in the Shepherd's mission, reflecting Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep. It challenges us to look beyond societal judgments and embrace God's inclusive love for all.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.