Luke 15:7

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} likewise {G3779} joy {G5479} shall be {G2071} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} over {G1909} one {G1520} sinner {G268} that repenteth {G3340}, more than {G2228} over {G1909} ninety and nine {G1768} just persons {G1342}, which {G3748} need {G2192}{G5532} no {G3756} repentance {G3341}.

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to God from his sins than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.

Luke 15:7 KJV concludes the Parable of the Lost Sheep, revealing Jesus' profound teaching on God's heart for those who turn to Him. The verse states, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." It emphasizes the immense celebration in heaven when a person turns from sin to God.

Context

This verse is part of a series of parables (the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son) that Jesus tells in response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes. They criticized Jesus for associating with and eating with "sinners" and tax collectors (Luke 15:2). Jesus uses these parables to illustrate God's compassionate pursuit of the lost and the joyous reception awaiting those who repent, directly challenging the self-righteous attitudes of His critics.

Key Themes

  • Divine Joy Over Repentance: The central message is the overwhelming joy in heaven—among God, angels, and the heavenly host—over a single individual who repents. This highlights God's passionate love and desire for reconciliation with humanity.
  • The Value of Every Soul: Just as a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost one, God places infinite value on each individual, regardless of their past. Every person's turning back to God is a cause for immense celebration.
  • Understanding "Just Persons": The "ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" are often interpreted as those who are self-righteous or complacent, believing they are already good enough and do not need God's forgiveness or a change of heart. Jesus implies that true righteousness comes from recognizing one's need for God's grace and actively seeking it, rather than from external adherence to rules.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "repenteth" comes from the Greek metanoeō (μετανοέω), which signifies a fundamental "change of mind" or "turning around." It's not merely regret but a decisive shift in direction, a turning away from sin and toward God.
  • "Joy" (Greek: chara - χαρά) denotes a deep, abiding gladness and delight. The use of this word emphasizes the genuine and profound happiness that permeates heaven when a sinner repents.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement and a call to action:

  • Hope for the Sinner: It assures anyone who feels lost or unworthy that God eagerly awaits their return and rejoices over their repentance. No one is beyond God's reach or too far gone to be welcomed back.
  • A Call to Share the Gospel: Understanding God's heart for the lost should motivate believers to actively seek out and share the message of repentance and salvation, knowing that every conversion brings joy to heaven.
  • Humility for the Believer: It reminds us that true righteousness is not found in self-sufficiency but in a humble recognition of our ongoing need for God's grace and forgiveness, fostering compassion for others who are still seeking.
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.

  • Luke 5:32

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • 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 15:32

    It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

  • Matthew 18:13

    And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that [sheep], than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

  • Proverbs 30:12

    [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

  • Luke 18:9

    ¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

  • Luke 18:11

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

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