Luke 15:5

KJV

And when he hath found [it], he layeth [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he hath found {G2147} it, he layeth {G2007} it on {G1909} his {G1438} shoulders {G5606}, rejoicing {G5463}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he does find it, he joyfully hoists it onto his shoulders;

Berean Standard Bible

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders,

American Standard Version

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:5, a pivotal verse within the beloved Parable of the Lost Sheep, vividly portrays the shepherd's profound compassion and overwhelming joy upon discovering the single lost sheep. It highlights the divine initiative in seeking out the wandering and the celebratory nature of restoration, setting the stage for the broader theological themes of God's heart for the lost and the heavenly rejoicing over repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 15:5 is nestled within Jesus' direct response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Him for welcoming and eating with "publicans and sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). This verse represents the triumphant climax of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the first of three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—all presented in [Luke chapter 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost") to illustrate God's heart for the lost. The preceding verses ([Luke 15:3-4](/luke/15-3-4 "Luke 15:3-4 - The Shepherd Searches for the Lost Sheep")) establish the shepherd's diligent and exhaustive search for the one lost sheep, setting the stage for the moment of discovery and the subsequent joy described in verse 5. The parable then transitions to the shepherd's invitation to his friends and neighbors to share in his joy, which Jesus explicitly links to the "joy in heaven" over a repentant sinner ([Luke 15:6-7](/luke/15-6-7 "Luke 15:6-7 - Rejoicing with Friends and Neighbors")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, shepherding was a demanding and often dangerous occupation, requiring constant vigilance against predators and thieves, as well as protection from harsh weather. Shepherds were responsible for the entire flock, and the loss of even one animal represented a significant economic and personal setback. A lost sheep was highly vulnerable, making the shepherd's diligent search not just an act of compassion but a professional imperative. The act of carrying a sheep on one's shoulders was a common practice for weak, injured, or newborn lambs, signifying not only the shepherd's strength but also the complete helplessness of the sheep and the shepherd's tender, protective care. This imagery would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, who understood the intimate bond between a shepherd and his flock, and the profound value placed on each animal.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Pursuit and Restoration:** This verse powerfully illustrates God's active and relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from Him. The shepherd's initiative in leaving the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep ([Luke 15:4](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Shepherd's Diligent Search")) underscores God's commitment to seeking out and restoring individuals, rather than waiting for them to find their way back on their own. The act of "layeth it on his shoulders" signifies not merely finding, but tenderly bearing the full weight of the lost one's weakness and bringing them safely home, highlighting divine grace and restorative power.
* **Profound Joy in Repentance:** The "rejoicing" described here is a central theme, mirroring the "joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth" ([Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over Repentance")). This contrasts sharply with the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, emphasizing God's boundless delight in the spiritual recovery of even one individual, a joy that extends beyond the shepherd to the entire heavenly realm. It highlights the profound value God places on each soul.
* **The Infinite Value of the Individual:** Despite being just "one" out of ninety-nine, the shepherd's exhaustive search and overwhelming joy demonstrate that every single soul holds immeasurable worth in God's eyes. This theme challenges the human tendency to dismiss or devalue individuals, asserting God's personal and unwavering love for each person, regardless of their past or present state.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This word (G2147) signifies discovery, often after a diligent and persistent search. It implies a successful outcome to a quest, highlighting the shepherd's determination and the eventual triumph of his efforts to locate the strayed sheep.
* **layeth (Greek, _epitíthēmi'_):** Derived from `epí` (G1909, "upon") and `títhēmi` (to place), this verb (G2007) means "to impose" or "to place upon." In this context, it conveys a deliberate, tender, and responsible act of placing the sheep onto his shoulders, indicating care, protection, and the assumption of the sheep's burden.
* **rejoicing (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This primary verb (G5463) means "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." Here, as a present participle, it describes the shepherd's continuous state of profound joy and gladness that accompanies the successful recovery of the lost sheep, emphasizing the deep emotional satisfaction in restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he hath found [it]":** This opening clause marks the successful culmination of the shepherd's diligent and exhaustive search, as described in [Luke 15:4](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Shepherd's Search"). The act of "finding" is not accidental but the result of intentional pursuit, emphasizing the divine initiative in seeking out the lost. It signifies the moment of reconnection and the end of the sheep's perilous wandering, bringing relief and hope.
* **"he layeth [it] on his shoulders":** This action is profoundly symbolic and deeply compassionate. The shepherd does not drive the sheep, nor does he scold it; instead, he gently lifts it and places it upon his shoulders. This posture signifies tender care, protection, and the shepherd's willingness to bear the full weight of the sheep's weakness, exhaustion, or injury. It represents the Lord's compassionate embrace of the repentant sinner, taking their burdens upon Himself. The shoulders, traditionally a place of strength and carrying burdens, here become a place of safety and intimate restoration.
* **"rejoicing":** This final word captures the overwhelming emotion of the shepherd. His joy is not merely relief but a deep, profound gladness that is immediate and ongoing. This rejoicing is a central theme of [Luke chapter 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), mirroring the heavenly celebration over a repentant sinner. It highlights the divine delight in redemption and the immense value placed on each individual soul, contrasting sharply with the grumbling of the religious leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Symbolism**, where the shepherd represents God (or Jesus as the Good Shepherd) and the lost sheep symbolizes a sinner who has strayed from God's fold. The act of placing the sheep "on his shoulders" is symbolic of God's tender care, His willingness to bear our burdens, and the secure, intimate restoration He offers. The shepherd's "rejoicing" is also symbolic, reflecting the immense joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, a theme explicitly stated later in the chapter. Furthermore, there is subtle **Anthropomorphism** in attributing human emotions and actions (like diligent searching and profound joy) to God through the figure of the shepherd, making divine compassion relatable. The entire parable also functions as an **Allegory**, where each element (shepherd, sheep, finding, rejoicing) directly corresponds to a spiritual truth about God's relationship with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:5 underscores the core biblical truth of God's active pursuit of humanity and His profound joy in redemption. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to the lost, but one who actively seeks, finds, and restores with tender compassion. This divine initiative in salvation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that salvation is primarily God's work, motivated by His boundless love and grace. The shepherd's joy foreshadows the heavenly celebration over repentance, highlighting the immense value God places on each individual soul and the transformative power of His restorative love, which stands in stark contrast to human judgment and self-righteousness.

* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the True Shepherd")
* [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")
* [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalms/23-1-3 "Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and hope, reminding us that no one is too lost or too far gone for God's redemptive reach. It assures us that when we feel adrift or have strayed, God is actively seeking us, not to condemn, but to bring us home with tenderness and joy. For those who have been found, it cultivates a deep sense of gratitude for God's relentless love and a call to emulate His heart for the lost. It challenges believers to participate in the divine mission of seeking and restoring, extending the same grace and compassion they have received to others who are still wandering. This passage also serves as an encouragement for those who feel burdened by their past or present struggles, reminding them that the Good Shepherd is willing to bear their burdens and carry them to safety, transforming their weariness into a cause for celebration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of the shepherd carrying the sheep on his shoulders challenge your perception of God's character and His approach to those who have strayed?**
* **In what ways can you participate in God's joy of finding the lost in your own community or sphere of influence, reflecting His tender pursuit?**
* **What "burdens" might the Good Shepherd be inviting you to lay upon His shoulders today, trusting in His strength and restorative care?**

### FAQ
**Why does the shepherd carry the sheep on his shoulders instead of driving it?**

Answer: The act of carrying the sheep on his shoulders, as depicted in [Luke 15:5](/luke/15-5 "Luke 15:5 - The Shepherd's Joy"), signifies the shepherd's profound tenderness, strength, and complete assumption of responsibility for the sheep's welfare. A lost sheep, especially one that has been wandering, would likely be exhausted, injured, or too weak to keep up with the flock. Driving it would be harsh and potentially harmful. By carrying it, the shepherd demonstrates compassion, ensures its safety, and bears its full weight, symbolizing God's gentle, restorative grace in bringing the lost home. This imagery contrasts with the legalistic approach of the Pharisees, who would have condemned sinners, whereas Jesus offers merciful restoration, echoing the themes found in [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God's Gentle Care") where God gently leads those who are with young.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of the Good Shepherd. He is not merely a parable-teller but the very Shepherd who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The shepherd's diligent search for the one lost sheep prefigures Christ's incarnational mission to "seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek the Lost")). The act of laying the sheep on his shoulders powerfully illustrates Christ's atoning work, where He bore the burden of our sins and weaknesses on the cross, carrying them away so that we might be reconciled to God ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). His "rejoicing" over the found sheep mirrors the joy in heaven over every sinner who repents, a joy that is made possible through His sacrificial love and victorious resurrection, as He Himself "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, Luke 15:5 is a vivid portrait of Christ's compassionate pursuit, His burden-bearing sacrifice, and His triumphant joy in bringing His redeemed ones safely into the Father's fold.

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

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Isaiah 40:10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Luke 19:9

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Isaiah 46:3

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].