Luke 15:6

KJV

And when he cometh home, he calleth together [his] friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he cometh {G2064}{G1519} home {G3624}, he calleth together {G4779} his friends {G5384} and {G2532} neighbours {G1069}, saying {G3004} unto them {G846}, Rejoice {G4796} with me {G3427}; for {G3754} I have found {G2147} my {G3450} sheep {G4263} which {G3588} was lost {G622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Come, celebrate with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’

Berean Standard Bible

comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’

American Standard Version

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:6 encapsulates the profound joy experienced upon the restoration of what was lost, serving as the climactic moment in Jesus's Parable of the Lost Sheep. It vividly portrays the shepherd's exuberant return home, where he gathers his friends and neighbors, inviting them to share in his elation over finding the one sheep that had strayed. This verse powerfully illustrates God's passionate heart for every individual, revealing the divine delight and communal celebration that erupts in heaven when a lost soul repents and is brought back into the fold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 15:6 is an integral part of the first of three parables—the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son (often called the Prodigal Son)—that Jesus tells in rapid succession in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). These parables are not isolated stories but form a unified response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Jesus for welcoming "sinners" and eating with them ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners and Tax Collectors")). The verse specifically concludes the narrative arc of the lost sheep, immediately preceding Jesus's direct application of the parable's meaning regarding heavenly joy over one repentant sinner in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner"). It sets the emotional tone for the subsequent parables, emphasizing God's active pursuit and celebratory delight in the redemption of the lost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, sheep were a primary source of wealth and sustenance, making the shepherd's role crucial, though often socially humble. A shepherd's diligence in accounting for every animal was paramount, as losing even one sheep could represent a significant economic and personal loss. The act of leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for one, while perhaps seeming imprudent to some, underscores the immense value placed on each individual animal by the shepherd, mirroring God's individual care for humanity. The cultural practice of calling friends and neighbors for a communal celebration was common for significant events, such as finding something valuable or a joyous occasion, reinforcing the idea of shared communal joy, which Jesus uses to illustrate the heavenly rejoicing.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 15:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Joy Over Restoration**. The shepherd's jubilant call to "Rejoice with me" vividly portrays the intense, overflowing joy that God and the heavenly hosts experience when a lost soul is found and reconciled, a theme explicitly stated in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Who Repents"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Immeasurable Value of the Individual** in God's eyes. Despite having ninety-nine sheep safely, the shepherd's tireless search for the one lost sheep underscores that God's love is not merely for the collective but intensely personal, valuing each person regardless of their perceived significance to others. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Communal Nature of Salvation and Celebration**. The act of inviting friends and neighbors to share in the joy underscores that salvation is not a private affair but a cause for widespread celebration, mirroring the joy of angels and believers when someone comes to faith, as seen in the subsequent parables of the [lost coin](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin") and the [prodigal son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This word (G2147) signifies to "find," "get," "obtain," "perceive," or "see." In this context, it denotes the successful outcome of the shepherd's diligent search. It implies not merely a casual discovery but the culmination of an active, determined effort to recover what was lost. The finding brings about a radical change from a state of peril to one of safety and restoration, serving as the direct cause for the ensuing celebration.
* **sheep (Greek, _próbaton'_):** The term (G4263) refers to a "sheep" (literally or figuratively). In the parable, it symbolizes the individual who has strayed from God's fold, representing a "sinner" in the context of Jesus's audience. The singular "sheep" emphasizes the individual nature of God's concern and the personal value He places on each human life, highlighting that no one is too insignificant to be sought after.
* **lost (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This word (G622) means "to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively." Applied to the sheep, it describes its dire state of being astray, vulnerable, and in danger of perishing. It signifies a state of spiritual alienation and peril, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of the shepherd's search and the profound relief and joy associated with its recovery from such a perilous condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he cometh home":** This phrase marks the successful completion of the shepherd's arduous search. It signifies the return to a place of security, comfort, and community, a stark contrast to the wilderness where the sheep was lost. The shepherd's journey culminates in a triumphant arrival, bringing the lost one back into the safety of the fold and the warmth of his dwelling.
* **"he calleth together [his] friends and neighbours":** This action immediately follows the return, demonstrating the shepherd's overwhelming desire to share his joy. The invitation to friends and neighbors transforms a personal relief into a communal celebration. It reflects the social custom of sharing good news and underscores that the joy of restoration is too great to be contained by one individual, demanding a wider participation.
* **"saying unto them, Rejoice with me;":** This is the direct invitation to communal celebration. The shepherd's words are an enthusiastic command, not merely an observation. He explicitly calls for shared gladness, indicating that his joy is so profound that it naturally spills over and seeks to envelop others. This phrase is central to the parable's message about the contagious nature of joy over salvation.
* **"for I have found my sheep which was lost.":** This clause provides the explicit reason for the celebration. The "found" sheep is the catalyst for all the joy. The emphasis on "my sheep" highlights the shepherd's personal ownership and deep affection, underscoring the value he places on this one animal. The phrase "which was lost" reiterates the previous state of danger and separation, amplifying the relief and triumph of its recovery.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:6, as part of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, is rich in **Symbolism**. The shepherd is a clear symbol for God or Jesus, embodying divine care and active pursuit of humanity. The lost sheep symbolizes the individual "sinner" or those who have strayed from God's path, highlighting their vulnerability and need for rescue. The act of "finding" symbolizes repentance, salvation, and reconciliation with God. Furthermore, the friends and neighbors called to rejoice symbolize the heavenly hosts and the community of believers who share in God's delight over a soul's return. The entire narrative functions as an **Allegory**, where the literal story points to deeper spiritual truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. The shepherd's intense joy and the communal celebration also employ **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and social behaviors to God to make His divine compassion and delight relatable to a human audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:6 powerfully articulates the core of God's redemptive character: His relentless pursuit of the lost and His overflowing joy upon their return. This verse reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but actively seeks out those who have strayed, valuing each individual immensely. The shepherd's joy mirrors the divine heart, demonstrating that repentance is not merely a human act but an event that causes profound celebration in the heavenly realms. It challenges any notion of a passive or unconcerned deity, instead presenting a God who is passionately invested in the salvation of every soul, and who invites His creation to share in the triumph of restoration. This divine joy underscores the immense worth God places on human life and the spiritual transformation that brings individuals back into His loving embrace.

* [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")
* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Seek His Sheep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:6 offers profound insights that call believers to a deeper understanding of God's heart and a more active participation in His mission. The shepherd's tireless pursuit and subsequent jubilant celebration should ignite within us a similar passion for those who are spiritually lost. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their past or present circumstances, holds immeasurable value in God's eyes. Therefore, our evangelistic efforts should not be driven by duty alone, but by a genuine, compassionate desire to see others experience the joy of being found. Furthermore, this verse challenges us to cultivate a culture of celebration within our faith communities. When someone repents and comes to faith, it is not merely a statistic but a cause for profound, shared rejoicing that mirrors the joy in heaven. Embracing this divine perspective transforms our outlook on ministry, filling us with hope, enthusiasm, and a profound sense of purpose in partnering with God in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shepherd's joy over finding the one lost sheep challenge my own perspective on those who are far from God?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in the "rejoicing" over lost souls being found, both personally and within my faith community?**
* **What steps can I take to reflect God's relentless pursuit of the lost in my own life and ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus tell the Parable of the Lost Sheep?**

Answer: Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep, along with the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Prodigal Son in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), primarily to respond to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes. They criticized Him for associating with "sinners" and tax collectors ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). Through these parables, Jesus reveals the heart of God: a God who actively seeks out the lost, rejoices over their repentance, and welcomes them back into His fold with open arms, contrary to the exclusive attitudes of the religious leaders.

**What does the "lost sheep" represent in this parable?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the "lost sheep" primarily represents an individual who has strayed from God, often referred to as a "sinner" in the biblical context. It symbolizes someone who is separated from the safety and guidance of the shepherd (God), vulnerable, and in spiritual peril. The emphasis on the one lost sheep highlights God's personal and individual care for each person, underscoring that no one is too insignificant or too far gone to be sought after and restored.

**Is the shepherd's action of leaving 99 sheep to find one realistic or wise?**

Answer: From a purely practical or economic standpoint, leaving 99 sheep unattended in the wilderness to search for one might seem risky or even foolish. However, the parable is not meant to be a literal guide for sheep management but a powerful illustration of divine truth. The shepherd's seemingly "unwise" action highlights the immeasurable value God places on each individual soul. It emphasizes God's relentless, sacrificial love and His determination to seek and save every single person who is lost, demonstrating that no effort is too great when it comes to the salvation of a precious soul. The 99 are safe, but the one is in danger of perishing, making the pursuit of the one a matter of life and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Good Shepherd, as He declares in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), who lays down His life for His sheep. The shepherd's tireless search for the one lost sheep is a vivid portrait of Jesus's entire earthly ministry, which was characterized by His active pursuit of the marginalized, the outcast, and the "sinners" whom the religious elite despised. His mission statement, "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 to Save the Lost")), perfectly encapsulates the shepherd's proactive love. The joy described in Luke 15:6, shared with friends and neighbors, foreshadows the cosmic celebration in heaven over every sinner who repents, a joy made possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. His death and resurrection are the ultimate acts of "finding" the lost, bringing them from spiritual death to life, and reconciling them to God. Thus, the shepherd's triumph and the ensuing celebration are a direct reflection of the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 15:24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

1 Peter 2:25

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

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

John 3:29

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

Acts 15:3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.