Luke 15:8

KJV

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?

KJV (with Strong's)

Either {G2228} what {G5101} woman {G1135} having {G2192} ten {G1176} pieces of silver {G1406}, if {G1437} she lose {G622} one {G3391} piece {G1406}, doth not {G3780} light {G681} a candle {G3088}, and {G2532} sweep {G4563} the house {G3614}, and {G2532} seek {G2212} diligently {G1960} till {G2193}{G3755} she find {G2147} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

“Another example: what woman, if she has ten drachmas and loses one of these valuable coins, won’t light a lamp, sweep the house and search all over until she finds it?

Berean Standard Bible

Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it?

American Standard Version

Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:8 presents the Parable of the Lost Coin, the second in a trio of parables Jesus tells to illustrate God's profound joy over the repentance of a single sinner. It vividly portrays a woman's diligent and exhaustive search for a valuable lost coin, culminating in her celebratory relief upon its recovery, thereby mirroring the divine passion and heavenly rejoicing over the restoration of the lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed between the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")) and the Parable of the Prodigal Son ([Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")), forming a thematic triptych. All three parables are direct responses to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Jesus for welcoming and eating with "tax collectors and sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). Each parable escalates the value of the lost item (a sheep, a coin, a son) and the intensity of the search, culminating in a celebration that underscores God's passionate pursuit of the lost and the immense joy in heaven over repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "ten pieces of silver" (Greek: _drachmē_) were significant. A drachma was a silver coin roughly equivalent to a day's wage for a laborer, making ten drachmas a substantial sum, potentially representing a woman's entire dowry, savings, or a crucial part of the family's financial security. Ancient Judean homes were typically small, dimly lit, and often had packed dirt floors, making it incredibly difficult to find a small, dropped coin. The woman's actions—lighting a lamp (candle), sweeping the house, and searching diligently—were not exaggerated but practical necessities for such a task. The act of sweeping would stir up dust, making the glint of a silver coin more visible. Her subsequent call for neighbors to rejoice with her highlights the communal nature of life and celebration in that culture.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost and Found") is God's active pursuit of the lost and the overwhelming joy that accompanies their repentance. This parable specifically emphasizes the **intrinsic value of every individual soul** in God's eyes, regardless of their perceived worth by society or religious elites. It also highlights **God's diligent and persistent search** for those who are spiritually adrift, portraying Him not as a passive observer but as an active seeker. Finally, it powerfully conveys the **celebratory nature of repentance**, echoing the joy in heaven over "one sinner who repents" ([Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Repentant Sinner")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers to a female, here specifically a householder. The choice of a woman as the central figure in this parable, following the male shepherd, broadens the relatable appeal and emphasizes that the diligent search for the lost is a universal, not gender-specific, act.
* **pieces of silver (Greek, _drachmḗ'_):** This word (G1406) denotes a specific silver coin, a drachma. As discussed in the context, ten drachmas represented a significant sum, perhaps a dowry, making the loss of even one coin a serious matter. The value of the coin underscores the value God places on each individual soul.
* **seek diligently (Greek, _zētéō'_ G2212, _epimelōs'_ G1960):** The verb _zētéō_ means "to seek" or "to search for," implying an active, intentional pursuit. The adverb _epimelōs_ intensifies this, meaning "carefully" or "diligently." Together, they describe an exhaustive, persistent, and thorough search, mirroring God's unwavering and earnest desire to find and restore those who are lost to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver":** This opening rhetorical question immediately engages the listener, inviting them to consider a common, relatable scenario. It introduces the central character and the initial state of her possession, setting the stage for the loss.
* **"if she lose one piece":** This clause introduces the inciting incident—the loss of a single, valuable coin. The "if" implies a real, painful possibility, not a hypothetical one, emphasizing the tangible nature of the loss.
* **"doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?":** This is the core of the parable's action, describing the woman's immediate and comprehensive response to her loss. Her actions—lighting a lamp to illuminate dark corners, sweeping to dislodge the coin from dirt or debris, and searching with intense focus and persistence—illustrate the thoroughness and urgency of her quest. The phrase "till she find [it]" highlights the unwavering determination and the successful outcome of her efforts.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Lost Coin employs several key literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** immediately draws the audience into the narrative, making them consider the obvious answer: any sensible person would search for something so valuable. **Symbolism** is central, where the woman symbolizes God, the lost coin represents a lost sinner, and the diligent search signifies God's active pursuit of the lost. The **Contrast** between the initial state of having ten coins and the loss of one highlights the pain of separation and the joy of restoration. The **Hyperbole** of the woman's exhaustive search (lighting a lamp, sweeping, diligent seeking) emphasizes the extraordinary value placed on the "lost" item and the intensity of the effort to recover it. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create a vivid, relatable scenario that effectively communicates a profound spiritual truth about God's heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable profoundly illustrates God's active and relentless love for every individual, regardless of their perceived spiritual state or societal standing. Just as the woman values each of her coins, God values every human soul, even those who are "lost" or unaware of their spiritual condition. The diligent search underscores God's initiative in salvation, demonstrating that He does not passively wait for humanity to find Him but actively seeks to restore fellowship. The ultimate joy upon finding the coin mirrors the divine celebration in heaven over the repentance of a single sinner, revealing God's passionate desire for reconciliation and the depth of His delight when a lost soul returns home.

* [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "The Parable of the Lost Sheep")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "God as the True Shepherd")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Parable of the Lost Coin offers profound assurance to anyone who feels lost, forgotten, or insignificant. It powerfully conveys that God's love is not conditional on our perfection or our ability to find Him; rather, He is the one who actively seeks us out with unwavering determination. This should instill hope and courage, knowing that the Creator of the universe values each of us so immensely that He will spare no effort to bring us back into His fold. For believers, this parable is a call to action and a source of motivation. It challenges us to adopt God's heart for the lost, to participate in His diligent search, and to share in the heavenly joy when a soul repents. It reminds us that every individual matters to God, and therefore, every effort to reach out, share the Gospel, and welcome those who are returning to faith is a participation in the divine mission, bringing immense joy both on earth and in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I feel like the "lost coin" in my own life, and how does this parable encourage me?**
* **How does the woman's diligent search reflect God's character and His pursuit of humanity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to participate in God's search for the lost in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that rejoices with heaven over every person who comes to repentance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the woman lighting a candle and sweeping the house?**

Answer: The actions of lighting a candle (or lamp) and sweeping the house are highly significant, reflecting the practical realities of ancient homes and symbolizing the thoroughness of the search. Ancient homes were often small, with limited natural light and packed dirt floors. A small silver coin could easily be lost in the dust or crevices. Lighting a lamp ([_lýchnos_](/luke/15-8 "Luke 15:8 - The Lost Coin")) would illuminate the dark corners, making the coin visible, while sweeping would stir up the dust, potentially revealing the glint of the silver. These actions underscore the meticulous, diligent, and exhaustive effort required to find something valuable that is truly lost, mirroring God's persistent and active pursuit of every lost soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Parable of the Lost Coin does not explicitly mention Christ, it implicitly points to His central role in God's diligent search for humanity. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's active pursuit of the lost, declaring that He "came to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Just as the woman spared no effort to find her valuable coin, so Christ, as the Son of God, willingly descended from heaven, took on human flesh, and ultimately laid down His life on the cross to redeem those who were lost in sin ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). His atoning sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God's diligent search and His profound desire for reconciliation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for lost humanity to be found, cleansed, and restored to fellowship with God, bringing about the very heavenly rejoicing described in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over Repentance in Heaven") and [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Who Repents"). He is the means by which the lost are found, and the celebration of their return is a celebration of His redemptive work.

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

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.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

John 11:52

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.