And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
And {G1161} he entered {G1684} into {G1519} one {G1520} of the ships {G4143}, which {G3739} was {G2258} Simon's {G4613}, and prayed {G2065} him {G846} that he would thrust out {G1877} a little {G3641} from {G575} the land {G1093}. And {G2532} he sat down {G2523}, and taught {G1321} the people {G3793} out of {G1537} the ship {G4143}.
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Shim`on, and asked him to put out a little way from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat.
And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat.
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Matthew 4:18
¶ 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 13:1
¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. -
Matthew 13:2
And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. -
John 8:2
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. -
John 1:41
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. -
John 1:42
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. -
Mark 4:1
¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
Context of Luke 5:3
This verse provides a vivid snapshot of Jesus' early ministry on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret. Immediately preceding this, as described in Luke 5:1, large crowds were pressing in on Jesus, eager to hear the Word of God. To create a more effective teaching environment and manage the throng, Jesus strategically uses a boat belonging to Simon (who would later be known as Peter). By pushing out a short distance from the shore, the boat acted as a natural pulpit, allowing His voice to carry clearly across the water to the multitude gathered on the bank, turning the natural landscape into an amphitheater.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "thrust out a little from the land" is a precise translation of the Greek epanasagō (ἐπαναγαγὼν) and oligō (ὀλίγῳ), meaning to "put out" or "launch out" a small distance. This small action had a significant impact on sound projection, a common ancient practice for public speaking near water. The word "taught" (Greek: didaskō - διδάσκω) emphasizes Jesus' primary role as a teacher, conveying authoritative instruction and doctrine, not just casual conversation.
Practical Application
Luke 5:3 encourages believers today to be resourceful and creative in sharing the Gospel, using whatever means are available to reach people effectively. It reminds us that God can use the most ordinary tools – like a fishing boat – for extraordinary purposes. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of listening attentively to Jesus' words, as He continues to teach us through His Scripture. Just as the crowd gathered to hear Him, we are called to prioritize hearing and obeying the Word of God.