Luke 5:32

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

I came {G2064} not {G3756} to call {G2564} the righteous {G1342}, but {G235} sinners {G268} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}.

I have not come to call the `righteous,' but rather to call sinners to turn to God from their sins."

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

Context

The verse Luke 5:32 is Jesus' direct response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for associating with tax collectors and other known "sinners." This incident occurred after Jesus called Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector, to be His disciple. Levi then hosted a great feast in his home, inviting many of his former associates—publicans (tax collectors) and other individuals considered morally impure by the religious elite of the day. Tax collectors were particularly despised in Jewish society, seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman occupiers and often extorted money from their own people. The Pharisees, who prided themselves on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and ceremonial purity, found it scandalous that a supposed prophet or teacher would dine with such individuals. Jesus' statement here, immediately following His declaration that "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick," clarifies the purpose of His earthly ministry.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Jesus' Mission: Jesus explicitly states His primary purpose: to call those who recognize their spiritual brokenness and need for healing. He came not for those who mistakenly believe they are spiritually healthy or self-sufficient, but for the spiritually ill. This highlights His divine mission to seek and to save that which was lost.
  • Repentance as a Prerequisite: The call is "to repentance." This isn't merely a feeling of sorrow for wrongdoing, but a fundamental change of mind, heart, and direction. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. This call underscores the necessity of acknowledging one's sinfulness as the first step towards receiving God's grace and forgiveness.
  • Critique of Self-Righteousness: The "righteous" Jesus refers to are not those who are genuinely righteous in God's eyes, but those who are self-righteous—people like the Pharisees who felt no need for a savior because they believed they were already good enough through their own efforts and observance of the law. Jesus' ministry consistently challenged this prideful attitude, emphasizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This passage has parallels in other Gospels, such as Matthew 9:13 and Mark 2:17.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "repentance" is metanoia (μετάνοια). This term literally means "a change of mind" or "a turning around." It implies more than just regret or sorrow for sin; it signifies a complete transformation of one's outlook, purpose, and behavior. It's a fundamental shift from a life lived apart from God to one lived in submission to Him. The term for "righteous" is dikaios (δίκαιος), which can mean just or upright. However, in this specific context, Jesus uses it ironically to refer to those who consider themselves righteous and therefore do not perceive their need for His saving grace, rather than those who are truly justified by faith.

Practical Application

Luke 5:32 remains profoundly relevant today. It reveals the heart of Jesus' mission and the universal nature of the Gospel call.

  • Humility is Key: To receive God's grace, we must first acknowledge our need for it. Those who are spiritually "sick" but admit it are far closer to healing than those who are sick but deny their condition.
  • The Gospel is for Everyone: This verse offers immense comfort to those who feel unworthy, broken, or burdened by their past. Jesus' arms are open to all who come to Him in genuine repentance, regardless of their past actions or social standing. His call is not exclusive to a privileged few but extends to every individual who recognizes their spiritual need.
  • Beware of Self-Righteousness: This passage serves as a warning against spiritual pride. Believing one is inherently good enough or doesn't need forgiveness can be a significant barrier to experiencing God's transformative power. True righteousness comes not from human effort but from faith in Christ and His atoning work, which leads to a life of genuine repentance and obedience.
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 19:10

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

  • 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 15:7

    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.

  • Acts 3:19

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

  • 1 Timothy 1:15

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

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