Luke 5:9

KJV

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he {G846} was astonished {G4023}{G2285}, and {G2532} all {G3956} that were {G4862} with him {G846}, at {G1909} the draught {G61} of the fishes {G2486} which {G3739} they had taken {G4815}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For astonishment had seized him and everyone with him at the catch of fish they had taken, and

Berean Standard Bible

For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,

American Standard Version

For he was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:9 encapsulates the profound and overwhelming reaction of Simon Peter, James, John, and their fishing partners to the miraculous catch of fish. This verse marks a pivotal moment, capturing their collective astonishment and awe at a divine display of power and abundance, which served as a powerful catalyst for their subsequent call to radical discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate emotional culmination of the miraculous catch narrative in [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch and Call of Peter"). Jesus, having taught the crowds from Simon Peter's boat, instructs the experienced fishermen, who had toiled fruitlessly all night, to "launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught" ([Luke 5:4](/luke/5-4 "Luke 5:4 - Jesus Instructs Peter")). Despite Peter's initial skepticism, he obeys, stating, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" ([Luke 5:5](/luke/5-5 "Luke 5:5 - Peter's Obedience")). The result is an unprecedented catch, so immense that their nets began to break and both Peter and his partners' boats were filled to the point of sinking ([Luke 5:6-7](/luke/5-6-7 "Luke 5:6-7 - The Overwhelming Catch")). This overwhelming abundance directly precipitates the astonishment described in [Luke 5:9](/luke/5-9 "Luke 5:9 - The Disciples' Astonishment") and Peter's immediate, humble confession of his own sinfulness in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession"). The miracle serves as a dramatic precursor to Jesus' call for them to become "fishers of men" ([Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - The Call to Fish for Men")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a primary industry and a demanding livelihood in Galilee during the 1st century. The Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias) was renowned for its abundant fish, but successful catches required skill, knowledge of the waters, and often, nocturnal efforts. Fishermen like Peter, James, and John were not casual hobbyists; they were seasoned professionals whose families depended on their catches. They would typically use large drag nets or casting nets, often working in teams. A "draught" (catch) of fish was their livelihood. For these experienced fishermen to have toiled all night and caught nothing was a common but frustrating experience; for them to then catch such an overwhelming quantity at the command of a carpenter-turned-teacher, in broad daylight, was utterly unprecedented and defied all their professional experience and expectations. This context underscores the extraordinary nature of the miracle and the profound impact it had on those who witnessed it.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [Luke 5:9](/luke/5-9 "Luke 5:9 - The Disciples' Astonishment") powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights Jesus' **divine authority and power** over creation, demonstrating His supernatural control over the natural world, a clear sign of His Messiahship. Second, the disciples' reaction of "astonishment" underscores the theme of **awe and wonder** in the face of divine revelation, emphasizing that God's works often transcend human comprehension. Third, the miracle serves as a crucial moment of **preparation for discipleship**, providing undeniable evidence of Jesus' identity and power, which then compels the fishermen to abandon their former lives and follow Him. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **reward of obedience**, as Peter's willingness to trust Jesus' word, despite his own professional skepticism, results in an unimaginable blessing, far exceeding any human effort or expectation. This sets the stage for the radical commitment required of those who would follow Jesus, as seen in their immediate response in [Luke 5:11](/luke/5-11 "Luke 5:11 - Disciples Leave Everything to Follow Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **astonished (Greek, _thámbos'_):** G2285. This word conveys a deep sense of amazement, wonder, and awe, often accompanied by a feeling of being overwhelmed or even a degree of fear or dread. It is a stronger emotion than mere surprise, indicating a profound impact on the witnesses, suggesting they were dumbfounded by the sheer magnitude and inexplicable nature of the miracle. The accompanying Greek word `periéchō` (G4023), used in the KJV translation "was astonished," means "to hold all around" or "include," figuratively suggesting that the astonishment "held" or "enveloped" them.
* **draught (Greek, _ágra'_):** G61. Derived from the verb "to lead" or "to bring," this noun specifically refers to the act of catching or, concretely, the "haul" or "catch" itself. In this context, it emphasizes the immense quantity of fish that were "brought in" by the nets, highlighting the extraordinary abundance of the catch rather than just the act of fishing.
* **fishes (Greek, _ichthýs'_):** G2486. This is the common Greek word for "fish." Its inclusion here, in conjunction with "draught," simply specifies the nature of the catch. However, in the broader biblical narrative, "fish" often carries symbolic weight, particularly in the context of Jesus' ministry and the future "fishing for men."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he was astonished":** This clause refers specifically to Simon Peter. His astonishment (`thámbos`) was not just surprise but a profound sense of awe and wonder mixed with perhaps a touch of fear or reverence. This reaction is a direct response to the supernatural power displayed by Jesus, which defied all of Peter's professional experience and logic.
* **"and all that were with him":** This expands the scope of the astonishment to include Peter's partners, James and John (sons of Zebedee), and likely other unnamed companions who were involved in the fishing operation. Their shared experience of the miracle led to a collective, overwhelming sense of awe, underscoring the undeniable nature of the event.
* **"at the draught of the fishes":** This specifies the immediate cause of their astonishment – the immense and unprecedented "haul" or "catch" of fish. The sheer quantity, to the point of breaking nets and sinking boats, was beyond anything they had ever experienced, serving as tangible proof of the miracle.
* **"which they had taken":** This final phrase emphasizes that the fish were indeed "taken" or "captured" by them, but critically, it was only *after* Jesus' instruction and divine intervention. It highlights that while they physically brought in the fish, the success was entirely due to a power beyond their own skill or effort.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:9, within its broader narrative, employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the catch, with nets breaking and boats sinking, emphasizing the overwhelming, almost unbelievable, abundance of fish. This exaggeration serves to highlight the miraculous nature of the event and the divine power behind it. The narrative also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the fishermen's fruitless night of toil with the immediate and overflowing success at Jesus' command, underscoring the difference between human effort and divine intervention. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the fact that experienced fishermen failed, while a carpenter-turned-teacher achieved an impossible fishing feat. Finally, the entire episode functions as **Symbolism**, particularly in the immediate follow-up where Jesus calls them to become "fishers of men" ([Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - The Call to Fish for Men")). The miraculous catch of fish foreshadows the spiritual harvest of souls they would gather through the power of the Gospel, transforming their earthly vocation into a spiritual mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:9 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering the divine. The astonishment of Peter and his companions is not merely surprise but a profound recognition of God's sovereign power breaking into their ordinary lives. This miracle reveals Jesus' absolute authority, not only over the natural world but also over the human heart, preparing the ground for Peter's confession of sinfulness and subsequent call to radical discipleship. It underscores that true faith often begins with an overwhelming encounter with God's glory and power, leading to a re-evaluation of one's own life and priorities. This moment serves as a foundational experience for the disciples, demonstrating that following Jesus means trusting in His power and provision, even when it defies logic or human experience, and that such trust leads to abundant blessings and a redirection of purpose.

* [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks, and It Is Done")
* [Matthew 14:33](/matthew/14-33 "Matthew 14:33 - Disciples Worship Jesus After Walking on Water")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Are Clearly Seen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishment of Peter and his companions in Luke 5:9 offers a profound invitation for contemporary believers to cultivate a similar sense of awe in the presence of God's power. In a world often characterized by skepticism and a reliance on human ingenuity, this passage reminds us that God still works in ways that defy our expectations and logic. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional faith to one that is deeply rooted in wonder at His sovereignty and provision. Just as Peter's professional experience was eclipsed by divine intervention, we are called to trust Jesus' word even when it contradicts our own wisdom or seems illogical. This miracle was not an end in itself but a catalyst for a greater calling, prompting us to consider how God's demonstrations of power in our lives might be preparing us for deeper commitment and service. When we truly grasp the magnitude of who Jesus is, our natural response should be one of profound reverence, leading us to surrender our own plans and embrace His divine purpose for us, knowing that His abundance far surpasses our limitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a moment of "astonishment" at God's power or provision in your life, similar to what the disciples felt?**
* **What "nets" (areas of expertise, control, or self-reliance) might Jesus be asking you to "let down" in faith, even when it seems illogical?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus' authority over creation impact your trust in His ability to guide and provide for your life?**
* **In what ways might God be using a powerful experience in your life to prepare you for a new or deeper calling?**

### FAQ
**Why were Peter and the others so astonished by a large catch of fish?**

Answer: Their astonishment went beyond simple surprise at a good haul. As experienced fishermen, they had toiled all night without success, indicating that fish were not present in that area or at that depth. Jesus, a carpenter by trade, then commanded them to cast their nets in the deep during daylight hours, which was not the optimal time or place for such a catch. The sheer, unprecedented volume of fish—enough to break nets and fill two boats to the point of sinking—defied all their professional knowledge and natural explanation. Their astonishment (`thámbos`) was a profound awe and wonder at a clear demonstration of supernatural power, recognizing that this was not merely luck but a divine intervention orchestrated by Jesus. This miracle was a tangible sign of Jesus' authority over creation, leaving them dumbfounded.

**What is the significance of the "draught" of fishes in this narrative?**

Answer: The "draught" (Greek: `ágra`) signifies not just the act of catching, but the immense "haul" or quantity of fish taken. Its significance is multi-layered. First, it serves as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine power and authority, demonstrating His control over the natural world. Second, it highlights God's abundant provision, showing that He can provide far beyond human expectation or effort. Third, and most importantly, it acts as a powerful object lesson for the disciples' future ministry. The miraculous gathering of fish foreshadows their call to become "fishers of men" ([Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - The Call to Fish for Men")), where they would gather a great spiritual harvest of souls through the power of the Gospel. The physical abundance points to a spiritual abundance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:9, with its depiction of overwhelming astonishment at Jesus' power, profoundly points to Christ as the sovereign Lord over all creation and the one who calls humanity to a new purpose. The miraculous catch of fish is not merely an impressive display of power but a tangible demonstration of Jesus' divine nature, echoing the creative power of God found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Just as He commanded the fish, so He commands the elements and ultimately, the hearts of men. This event foreshadows Jesus' greater mission to gather a people for Himself, transforming the disciples from literal fishermen into spiritual fishers, a role explicitly stated in [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - The Call to Fish for Men"). The abundance of the catch prefigures the spiritual harvest of souls that would come through the preaching of the Gospel, empowered by Christ's authority, as seen in the growth of the early church in [Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Thousands Converted at Pentecost"). Peter's immediate response of recognizing his own sinfulness in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession") and his subsequent call to follow Jesus ([Luke 5:11](/luke/5-11 "Luke 5:11 - Disciples Leave Everything to Follow Jesus")) encapsulates the Christ-centered transformation: an encounter with the holy God leads to conviction, repentance, and a radical reorientation of life around the person and mission of Jesus, who alone has the power to call and equip His followers for His kingdom work, promising to be with them even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")).

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 4:32

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Psalms 8:8

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.

Mark 9:6

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Psalms 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet: