Luke 5:8

KJV

When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} saw {G1492} it, he fell down at {G4363} Jesus {G2424}' knees {G1119}, saying {G3004}, Depart {G1831} from {G575} me {G1700}; for {G3754} I am {G1510} a sinful {G268} man {G435}, O Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he saw this, Shim`on Kefa fell at Yeshua's knees and said, "Get away from me, sir, because I'm a sinner!"

Berean Standard Bible

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”

American Standard Version

But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:8 captures the profound moment of Simon Peter's spiritual awakening and confession in the presence of Jesus' divine power. After witnessing an astonishing, miraculous catch of fish, Peter is overwhelmed by the manifest holiness and authority of Jesus. He falls to his knees, acknowledging his own sinfulness and unworthiness, and pleads with Jesus to depart from him, revealing a deep sense of awe and conviction that marks a pivotal point in his journey toward discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a narrative in [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch of Fish and Call of Peter"). Jesus has just concluded teaching from Simon Peter's boat on the Sea of Galilee. Despite Peter and his partners having toiled all night without success, Jesus commands them to [launch out into the deep and let down their nets](/luke/5-4 "Luke 5:4 - Jesus Commands to Launch Out"). Peter, though a seasoned fisherman, obeys, and the result is an unprecedented catch that threatens to break their nets and sink their boats. This overwhelming display of supernatural power directly precedes Peter's confession, serving as the catalyst for his profound realization of Jesus' true identity and his own spiritual state. The narrative immediately follows with Jesus' call for Peter, James, and John to become [fishers of men](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men"), transforming their lives and vocations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a primary industry in Galilee, a region known for its large lake (also called the Sea of Tiberias or Gennesaret). Fishermen like Peter, James, and John were common laborers, familiar with the rhythms of the lake and the hard work involved. Their nets were typically cast at night, making their fruitless labor particularly frustrating. The act of falling at someone's knees (`prospíptō`) was a common gesture of profound respect, supplication, or worship in the ancient Near East, reserved for kings, deities, or those recognized as possessing immense authority. Peter's prostration, combined with his words, signifies a recognition of Jesus' status far beyond that of a mere teacher or prophet, aligning with the cultural understanding of humble submission to a superior being.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 5:8 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Power and Authority**, as Jesus demonstrates absolute control over creation, transcending human limitations and natural laws. This miraculous catch reveals Jesus as more than human, setting the stage for Peter's awe-filled response. Secondly, it underscores **Human Sinfulness and Unworthiness** in the face of divine holiness. Peter's immediate and raw confession, "I am a sinful man," resonates with similar encounters in the Old Testament where individuals are confronted by God's glory (e.g., [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Humility and Awe** as the appropriate human response to God's manifest presence. Peter's posture and words are a model of true humility, acknowledging the vast chasm between human imperfection and divine perfection. Finally, it marks a pivotal moment in the **Recognition of Jesus' True Identity**, moving Peter from seeing Jesus as a "Master" (`epistata` in [Luke 5:5](/luke/5-5 "Luke 5:5 - Peter's Obedience to Jesus' Command")) to addressing Him as "Lord" (`Kyrios`), hinting at a dawning understanding of Jesus' divine nature and authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb signifies not merely a physical perception but a profound comprehension or realization. Peter "saw" the miraculous catch, but more importantly, he "saw" what it revealed about Jesus' identity and power. This seeing led to an internal revelation, a recognition of divine presence that transcended the natural realm and exposed his own spiritual state.
* **sinful (Greek, _hamartōlós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," this adjective describes one who is characterized by sin, a "sinner." Peter's use of this term is a raw, unvarnished confession of his inherent moral imperfection and unworthiness. It's not just about specific acts of sin, but a recognition of his fallen nature in stark contrast to Jesus' holiness.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** While this term can mean "sir" or "master," in this context, especially following the overwhelming display of power and Peter's confession of sin, it carries a much deeper theological weight. It signifies a recognition of Jesus' supreme authority, divine nature, and sovereignty. Peter's address here is a nascent acknowledgment of Jesus as God, the one to whom ultimate submission and reverence are due.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Simon Peter saw [it],"**: This clause refers to Peter's immediate and profound reaction to the miraculous catch of fish. The "it" encompasses not just the abundance of fish but the supernatural power and authority of Jesus that made it possible. This seeing is not merely visual but a moment of spiritual insight and conviction.
* **"he fell down at Jesus' knees,"**: This describes Peter's physical posture of deep reverence, humility, and submission. To fall at someone's knees (prostrate oneself) was an act of profound respect, supplication, or even worship, indicating that Peter recognized Jesus' extraordinary status and authority. It signifies a complete surrender and acknowledgement of Jesus' superiority.
* **"saying, Depart from me;"**: This is a startling and seemingly contradictory plea. Peter's request for Jesus to leave is born out of an overwhelming sense of his own unworthiness and sinfulness in the presence of such divine holiness. It echoes similar reactions from biblical figures encountering God (e.g., Isaiah in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness")). It's not a rejection of Jesus, but a confession of his perceived inadequacy to be in His holy presence.
* **"for I am a sinful man, O Lord."**: This is the core of Peter's confession. The conjunction "for" (`hóti`) explains the reason for his plea to depart. He recognizes his inherent sinfulness (`hamartōlós`) in contrast to Jesus' purity and power. Addressing Jesus as "O Lord" (`kýrios`) further elevates his understanding of Jesus' identity, moving beyond a mere teacher to someone possessing divine authority, making his own sinfulness all the more stark in comparison.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:8 is rich with **Dramatic Irony** and **Symbolism**. The **dramatic irony** lies in Peter's plea for Jesus to "Depart from me." While Peter believes his sinfulness makes him unworthy of Jesus' presence, Jesus' ultimate mission is precisely to seek and save such "sinful men." This plea, therefore, sets the stage for Jesus' gracious response and call to discipleship, highlighting the unexpected nature of God's grace. **Symbolism** is evident in the miraculous catch of fish itself, which foreshadows Peter's future role as a "fisher of men," bringing people into the kingdom of God. Peter's act of falling to his knees is a powerful **symbol** of **humility** and **awe**, representing the appropriate human response when confronted with divine majesty. His confession, "I am a sinful man," serves as a **confession motif**, a recurring theme in scripture where individuals acknowledge their unworthiness before a holy God, preparing them for divine commissioning or transformation. The **contrast** between Jesus' overwhelming power and Peter's profound sense of inadequacy creates a powerful emotional and theological tension within the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's confession in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession of Sinfulness") is a foundational moment illustrating a core theological truth: the profound impact of encountering divine holiness on human consciousness. When confronted with the manifest glory and power of God, humanity's inherent sinfulness becomes acutely apparent. This realization is not meant to condemn but to humble and prepare the heart for grace. Peter's plea to "Depart from me" is a natural, albeit misguided, response to feeling utterly unworthy in the presence of absolute purity. Yet, it is precisely this honest acknowledgment of sin and unworthiness that opens the door for God's redemptive work, demonstrating that God calls the broken and equips them for His purposes, rather than seeking those who perceive themselves as righteous.

* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness")
* [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance")
* [Romans 7:24-25](/romans/7-24-25 "Romans 7:24-25 - Paul's Struggle with Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's experience in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession of Sinfulness") offers a profound template for our own encounters with the living God. When we genuinely grasp the holiness, power, and majesty of Jesus, our natural response should be one of deep humility and a stark awareness of our own sinfulness. This is not a call to despair or to believe we are too flawed for God's love, but rather an invitation to honest self-assessment in light of His perfection. Like Peter, we may feel an overwhelming sense of unworthiness, perhaps even a desire to distance ourselves from such purity. However, it is precisely in this posture of brokenness and confession that God meets us. He does not "depart" from us but draws us closer, offering grace, forgiveness, and a new purpose. This passage reminds us that true discipleship often begins with a humbling encounter with Christ's glory, leading to a confession of our need for Him, and culminating in a transformative call to serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Peter's reaction teach us about the appropriate response to encountering God's power and holiness?**
* **How does acknowledging our own sinfulness, like Peter did, open the door for God's grace and calling in our lives?**
* **In what ways might we, like Peter, feel unworthy of God's presence, and how can we overcome those feelings with the truth of His redemptive love?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter tell Jesus to depart from him?**

Answer: Peter's plea for Jesus to "Depart from me" was not a rejection of Jesus, but rather an expression of profound awe and conviction of his own unworthiness in the face of Jesus' divine power and holiness. The miraculous catch of fish had revealed Jesus to be far more than just a skilled teacher; He was clearly operating with divine authority. In the presence of such overwhelming purity and power, Peter, a "sinful man," felt acutely aware of his own moral imperfection and the vast chasm between himself and Jesus. This reaction is common in biblical encounters with God's manifest glory, as seen with Isaiah in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness") or Job in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance"). Peter's words were a raw, honest confession born out of a deep sense of humility and fear, not a desire for Jesus to actually leave him.

**What does Peter's confession of being a "sinful man" teach us about the nature of sin?**

Answer: Peter's confession, "I am a sinful man," highlights that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a fundamental state of being, a pervasive human condition. He doesn't list specific transgressions but declares his very identity as a "sinner" (`hamartōlós`). This profound realization, often triggered by an encounter with God's holiness, reveals the deep-seated brokenness within humanity that separates us from a perfect God. It teaches us that true repentance begins with an honest acknowledgment of our inherent sinfulness, not just our individual sins. This understanding is crucial because it underscores our desperate need for a Savior, for someone who can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness, as Paul articulates in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's confession in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession of Sinfulness") beautifully foreshadows the very heart of Christ's mission. When Peter, overwhelmed by Jesus' divine power, declares himself a "sinful man" and pleads for Jesus to depart, he unwittingly sets the stage for the Gospel's core message. Jesus did not come to depart from sinners, but precisely to draw near to them. His response to Peter in [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men"), "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men," is a powerful affirmation that His purpose is to redeem and transform, not to abandon. This encounter illustrates that Jesus came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," as He later states in [Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners"). Peter's brokenness and confession of unworthiness made him a prime candidate for Christ's redemptive work. The Lord Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, came to take away the sin of the world, not by avoiding the sinful, but by embracing them, dying for them, and transforming them into instruments of His grace, as evidenced in [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners"), where Paul declares Christ Jesus came into the world "to save sinners, of whom I am chief." Peter's experience is a microcosm of the Gospel: divine power reveals human sin, leading to confession, which is then met not with condemnation, but with a call to grace and transformed purpose through Christ.

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

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Job 42:5

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

Job 42:6

Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

Judges 13:22

And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Exodus 20:19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?