Luke 5:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal declaration, Jesus articulates the profound and counter-cultural purpose of His earthly ministry: He did not come to affirm or validate those who perceive themselves as morally upright and without need, but rather to extend a transformative invitation to those who recognize their spiritual brokenness and sinfulness, calling them to a fundamental change of heart and life. This statement, delivered amidst criticism from religious leaders, succinctly encapsulates the radical inclusivity and redemptive focus of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct and profound response to the criticism leveled against Him by the Pharisees and scribes. The immediate preceding narrative in [Luke 5](/luke/5 "Luke Chapter 5") details Jesus' miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Peter, James, and John ([Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "The Call of the First Disciples")). Following this, Jesus heals a leper ([Luke 5:12-16](/luke/5-12-16 "Jesus Heals a Leper")) and a paralytic ([Luke 5:17-26](/luke/5-17-26 "Jesus Heals a Paralytic")), demonstrating His authority over sickness and sin. The specific incident leading to [Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners") is the calling of Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to be a disciple ([Luke 5:27-28](/luke/5-27-28 "The Calling of Levi")). Levi then hosts a great feast, where Jesus dines with a large company of tax collectors and other "sinners." The Pharisees and scribes, observing this, question Jesus' disciples: "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" ([Luke 5:30](/luke/5-30 "Luke 5:30 - The Pharisees' Criticism")). Jesus' response in [Luke 5:31-32](/luke/5-31-32 "Jesus' Response to the Pharisees") directly addresses their critique, using the vivid analogy of a physician and the sick, culminating in the declaration of His mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the religious elite like the Pharisees and scribes, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Tax collectors (publicans) were universally despised, viewed as traitors who collaborated with the Roman occupying power and often extorted money from their own people, making them ritually unclean and socially ostracized. "Sinners" encompassed a broad category of people who did not adhere to the strict interpretations of the Law or who were engaged in professions deemed immoral (e.g., prostitutes). The Pharisees, whose name means "separated ones," prided themselves on their meticulous observance of the Law and their separation from "unclean" people. For a rabbi or prophet to associate with such individuals, let alone share a meal (which implied fellowship and acceptance), was considered scandalous and defiling. Jesus' actions directly challenged the prevailing social and religious norms, demonstrating a radical inclusivity that prioritized spiritual need over social status or perceived righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. It underscores the **radical nature of God's grace**, which is offered to the undeserving rather than the self-sufficient. It highlights Jesus' **divine mission** as a spiritual "physician" who seeks to heal the spiritually sick, as articulated in [Luke 5:31](/luke/5-31 "Luke 5:31 - The Sick Need a Physician"). The verse also serves as a sharp **critique of self-righteousness**, exposing the spiritual blindness of those who believe they are righteous enough and thus feel no need for a Savior. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus' teachings, such as in the [Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector"). Furthermore, it emphasizes the **centrality of repentance** as the necessary human response to God's call, a theme consistently proclaimed by John the Baptist ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John the Baptist Preaches Repentance")) and Jesus Himself ([Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Unless You Repent")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb signifies Jesus' deliberate and purposeful arrival into the world. It is not an accidental presence but a divinely ordained mission. The use of "came" (G2064) here underscores the intentionality behind His incarnation and ministry, emphasizing that His presence among humanity had a specific, redemptive objective.
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** Derived from "dike" (justice), this term (G1342) typically means equitable, innocent, or holy. However, in this context, Jesus uses it with profound irony. He is not denying the existence of truly righteous people (though Scripture teaches all have sinned), but rather referring to those who *perceive* themselves as righteous, like the Pharisees, and therefore see no need for His saving intervention. Their self-proclaimed righteousness blinds them to their actual spiritual condition.
* **repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** This powerful word (G3341) signifies a profound "change of mind" or "turning around." It is more than mere regret or sorrow for sin; it implies a complete transformation of one's outlook, purpose, and behavior. It is a fundamental shift from a life lived apart from God to one lived in submission to Him, involving a turning away from sin and a turning towards God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I came not to call the righteous,"**: Jesus explicitly states that His mission is not directed towards those who consider themselves spiritually whole or morally sufficient. This is a direct challenge to the self-perception of the Pharisees and scribes, who believed their strict adherence to the Law made them righteous in God's eyes and thus exempt from the need for a Savior. Jesus' statement highlights that spiritual pride and self-sufficiency are significant barriers to receiving His grace.
* **"but sinners to repentance."**: In stark contrast, Jesus declares His purpose is to call "sinners"—those who recognize their spiritual brokenness, their failure to meet God's standards, and their need for divine intervention. The goal of this call is "repentance," which is not merely a feeling of remorse but a radical reorientation of one's life, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God in faith and obedience. This reveals the heart of Jesus' inclusive and redemptive mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:32 is rich with **Antithesis**, a literary device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas. Jesus uses the "not... but" construction ("I came not to call the righteous, but sinners") to create a sharp dichotomy, clearly defining the scope and nature of His mission by contrasting His intended audience. This highlights the radical shift in priorities Jesus introduces compared to the prevailing religious thought. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in Jesus' use of the term "righteous." He is not referring to genuinely righteous individuals (for "there is none righteous, no, not one" as [Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10 - None is Righteous") states), but rather to those who are self-righteous, who believe they are good enough and therefore do not perceive their desperate need for a Savior. This ironic usage subtly critiques the spiritual pride of the religious elite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:32 stands as a foundational statement regarding the very heart of the Gospel: God's initiative in seeking and saving the lost, and the necessary human response of repentance. It underscores that salvation is not for the self-sufficient but for those who acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy. This verse challenges any notion of earning salvation through human effort or moral uprightness, instead emphasizing that God's grace is extended precisely to those who confess their sin and turn to Him. It reveals a God who actively pursues the broken and outcast, dismantling human-made barriers of social and religious exclusion.

* [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Parallel Account in Matthew")
* [Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Parallel Account in Mark")
* [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:32 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and challenges our understanding of God's grace. It calls us to a posture of humility, recognizing that our spiritual health is not measured by our perceived righteousness or external adherence to rules, but by our honest assessment of our need for God's mercy. This verse reminds us that the Gospel is fundamentally for the broken, the hurting, and those who acknowledge their imperfections. It encourages us to shed any facade of self-sufficiency and embrace the liberating truth that Jesus came precisely for people like us—flawed, fallen, and in desperate need of His transforming power. For those who feel burdened by past mistakes or present struggles, this is a message of immense hope: Jesus' arms are open wide, not to condemn, but to call us to a new life found in genuine repentance and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly relying on my own perceived "righteousness" rather than fully embracing my need for Christ's grace?**
* **How does Jesus' call to "sinners to repentance" shape my understanding of evangelism and outreach to those outside the church?**
* **What does "repentance" truly mean for me in a practical, daily sense, beyond a one-time decision?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "the righteous" in this verse?**

Answer: In this context, Jesus is using "the righteous" ironically. He is not referring to people who are truly righteous in God's eyes (as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"). Instead, He is speaking of those, like the Pharisees and scribes, who were self-righteous—people who believed they were morally superior due to their strict adherence to the Law and religious practices, and therefore felt no need for a Savior or for repentance. Jesus highlights that their spiritual pride was a greater barrier to God than the overt sins of the tax collectors and "sinners."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the very mission He declares. He is the divine physician who came not merely to diagnose spiritual sickness but to provide the cure through His atoning sacrifice. The "sinners" Jesus calls to repentance are those for whom He would ultimately lay down His life, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"). His death on the cross and resurrection offer the complete and perfect means for true repentance and forgiveness, enabling a radical transformation that human effort could never achieve. The call to repentance in this verse foreshadows the universal invitation of the Gospel, which proclaims that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Through Christ, the self-righteous are exposed, and the self-aware sinner finds grace, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.