Luke 15:5

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 15:5 KJV is a pivotal verse within the beloved Parable of the Lost Sheep, illustrating the tender care and immense joy of the shepherd upon finding the one sheep that had strayed.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Pharisees and scribes who grumbled that He welcomed "publicans and sinners" (Luke 15:1-2). Jesus tells three parables in Luke chapter 15—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—all emphasizing God's passionate pursuit of the lost and the heavenly joy over repentance. In this specific parable, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to seek out one that is missing, highlighting the individual value God places on each soul.

Key Themes

  • Divine Pursuit and Care: The shepherd doesn't merely find the sheep; he "layeth it on his shoulders." This action signifies not a burden, but a gentle, personal carrying, demonstrating the Lord's compassionate and active pursuit of those who are lost and His willingness to bear their weaknesses. It speaks to God's initiative in salvation.
  • Immense Joy in Recovery: The phrase "rejoicing" is central. It underscores the overwhelming gladness that accompanies the rescue of the lost. This joy is not just the shepherd's but mirrors the "joy in heaven" over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). It contrasts sharply with the grumbling of the religious leaders.
  • The Value of the Individual: Even though only one out of a hundred, the shepherd's diligent search and profound joy reveal that every single soul is precious to God, worthy of His full attention and effort.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "layeth" (τίθησιν - tithēsin) implies a deliberate and tender placement. The act of placing the sheep "on his shoulders" (ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους - epi tous ōmous) is significant. It's a position of honor and intimacy, not merely dragging or driving the sheep. It suggests the shepherd takes the full weight and responsibility of the sheep's condition upon himself. The word "rejoicing" (χαίρων - chairōn) is a present participle, indicating a continuous state of joy as he brings the sheep home, emphasizing the deep, ongoing delight in restoration.

Practical Application

Luke 15:5 offers profound encouragement to anyone feeling lost, strayed, or distant from God. It assures us that God is not a passive observer but an active, loving Shepherd who tirelessly seeks us out. When we are found, He doesn't condemn or scold, but carries us with tenderness and rejoices over our return. For believers, this verse calls us to share God's heart for the lost, to participate in the joy of seeing lives transformed, and to extend grace and compassion to those who are still seeking their way home. It reminds us of the character of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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].

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