Luke 5:7

And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

And {G2532} they beckoned {G2656} unto their partners {G3353}, which {G3588} were in {G1722} the other {G2087} ship {G4143}, that they should come {G2064} and help {G4815} them {G846}. And {G2532} they came {G2064}, and {G2532} filled {G4130} both {G297} the ships {G4143}, so {G5620} that they {G846} began to sink {G1036}.

So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; and they came and filled both boats to the point of sinking.

So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows the miraculous catch of fish, a pivotal moment in Jesus' early ministry. After teaching from Simon Peter's boat, Jesus instructed Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." Despite Peter's initial skepticism, they obeyed, resulting in an astonishing abundance of fish that filled their net to breaking point (Luke 5:6). Luke 5:7 describes the overwhelming nature of this divine provision and the immediate, practical response required to manage it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abundance and Provision: The catch is so immense it threatens to sink the boats, demonstrating God's capacity for overflowing provision that far exceeds human effort or expectation. This miracle underscores Jesus' power over creation and His ability to bless beyond measure.
  • Partnership and Collaboration: The fishermen, already professional partners in their trade on the Sea of Galilee, instinctively call upon each other for assistance. This highlights the vital importance of collaboration and mutual support, especially when faced with overwhelming blessings or challenging circumstances.
  • The Need for Help: Even a great blessing can become a burden if not managed properly. The disciples' need to "beckon" for help illustrates that we often require assistance from others to fully receive and handle God's blessings or the demands of His calling.

Linguistic Insights

The word "beckoned" comes from the Greek word kateneuō (κατενεύω), which means "to nod down" or "to make a sign with the head or hand." This implies a visual, urgent, and non-verbal plea for help across the water, indicating the immediate crisis. The term "partners" is from the Greek metochoi (μέτοχοι), referring to associates, sharers, or companions. This emphasizes their existing professional relationship as fishing colleagues, which made their quick and coordinated response natural.

Practical Application

This verse offers several practical insights for believers today. It reminds us that God's blessings can be so great that they require us to seek help and work together. It illustrates that even in moments of incredible divine provision, there is a need for practical wisdom and collaboration. For followers of Christ, it underscores that the work of God often demands collective effort, emphasizing the value of unity and partnership within the body of Christ. The overwhelming catch also serves as a powerful precursor to their future calling as "fishers of men" (Luke 5:10), hinting at the vast spiritual harvest awaiting their ministry, which would certainly require collective effort.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 6:2

    Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

  • Philippians 4:3

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

  • Acts 11:25

    Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

  • Romans 16:2

    That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

  • Romans 16:4

    Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

  • Exodus 23:5

    If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

  • Proverbs 18:24

    ¶ A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
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