Luke 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, as {G1722} the people {G3793} pressed upon {G1945} him {G846} to hear {G191} the word {G3056} of God {G2316},{G2532} he {G846} stood {G2258}{G2476} by {G3844} the lake {G3041} of Gennesaret {G1082},

One day, as Yeshua was standing on the shore of Lake Kinneret, with the people pressing in around him in order to hear the word of God,

On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God,

Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret;

Commentary

Luke 5:1 sets the scene for one of Jesus' most significant early miracles and the calling of His first disciples. It vividly portrays the intense public interest in Jesus' ministry, highlighting the spiritual hunger of the people.

Context

This verse opens a pivotal section in Luke's Gospel, following Jesus' initial powerful ministry in Galilee, including teaching in synagogues and performing miraculous healings in Capernaum (Luke 4:31-44). The fame of Jesus had spread rapidly, leading to large crowds gathering wherever He went. The "lake of Gennesaret" is another name for the Sea of Galilee, a central location for much of Jesus' public ministry. The immense pressure from the crowd to hear His teaching compelled Jesus to find a suitable vantage point, leading directly into the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Simon Peter, James, and John in the subsequent verses (Luke 5:2-11).

Key Themes

  • Hunger for God's Word: The phrase "the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God" underscores the profound spiritual need and eagerness of the multitude. They weren't just curious; they were actively seeking divine truth and instruction from Jesus. This highlights the transformative power of God's Word.
  • Jesus' Authority as Teacher: Even amidst the chaos of a pressing crowd, Jesus is presented as the authoritative source of "the word of God." His teaching was not merely human wisdom but divine revelation, drawing people from all walks of life.
  • Accessibility of Jesus' Ministry: Jesus did not confine His teaching to synagogues or temples. He taught wherever people gathered, demonstrating His desire to reach everyone. The lakeside became an impromptu classroom, showcasing His adaptability and commitment to ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "pressed upon him" is epikeisthai (ἐπικεῖσθαι), which conveys a sense of strong, insistent pressure or crowding. It suggests the people were literally pushing against Him, indicating their profound desire and urgency to be near Him and hear His message. "The word of God" (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ - ton logon tou Theou) refers specifically to Jesus' teaching, emphasizing its divine origin and authority.

Practical Application

Luke 5:1 serves as a powerful reminder of the human need for spiritual nourishment and the importance of seeking out God's truth. In a world full of distractions, the eagerness of the crowd to hear Jesus' teaching challenges us to prioritize engaging with the Bible and listening to His voice. Just as Jesus found a way to share the "word of God" despite the circumstances, we are encouraged to make space in our lives for spiritual growth and to share that truth with others, recognizing the inherent hunger for divine wisdom.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 1:16 (13 votes)

    Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

  • Mark 1:20 (13 votes)

    And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

  • Matthew 4:18 (13 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

  • Matthew 4:22 (13 votes)

    And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

  • Mark 3:9 (6 votes)

    And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

  • Matthew 14:34 (6 votes)

    ¶ And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

  • Mark 6:53 (4 votes)

    And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.