Matthew 18:12

KJV

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G5101} think {G1380} ye {G5213}? if {G1437}{G5100} a man {G444} have {G1096} an hundred {G1540} sheep {G4263}, and {G2532} one {G1520} of {G1537} them {G846} be gone astray {G4105}, doth he {G863} not {G3780} leave {G863} the ninety and nine {G1768}, and goeth {G4198} into {G1909} the mountains {G3735}, and seeketh {G2212} that which {G3588} is gone astray {G4105}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"What's your opinion? What will somebody do who has a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away? Won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go off to find the stray?

Berean Standard Bible

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

American Standard Version

How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:12 introduces the profound Parable of the Lost Sheep, a pivotal illustration in Jesus' discourse on the value of every individual in God's kingdom. Through the relatable scenario of a shepherd diligently seeking one lost sheep out of a hundred, Jesus powerfully conveys the divine heart of God: His relentless compassion, His active pursuit of those who have wandered spiritually, and the immense worth He places on each soul, emphasizing that no one is insignificant or beyond His loving reach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is embedded within Jesus' "Discourse on Humility and Forgiveness" in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on Humility and Forgiveness"). The chapter begins with the disciples' question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 18:1](/matthew/18-1 "Matthew 18:1 - Humility of a Child")). Jesus responds by emphasizing the necessity of childlike humility ([Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children")), followed by a stern warning against causing "little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:6-9](/matthew/18-6-9 "Matthew 18:6-9 - Warnings Against Stumbling Blocks")). The parable of the lost sheep immediately follows the declaration that "it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish" ([Matthew 18:10](/matthew/18-10 "Matthew 18:10 - God's Care for the Little Ones")). Thus, the parable serves to illustrate the Father's active will and passionate pursuit of those who might be vulnerable or have strayed, reinforcing the immense value He places on each individual, particularly those who are marginalized or spiritually lost.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shepherding was a ubiquitous and highly respected profession in ancient Israel, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and religious metaphor. Shepherds were known for their intimate knowledge of their flock, their protective instincts, and their willingness to endure hardship to care for their sheep. The image of a shepherd leaving the majority to find a single lost animal would have resonated strongly with Jesus' audience, who understood the dangers of the Judean wilderness—predators, treacherous terrain, and the risk of a lost sheep perishing quickly. This cultural understanding amplified the shepherd's dedication and the inherent vulnerability of the sheep, making the parable a powerful metaphor for God's relationship with humanity.

* **Key Themes:** The Parable of the Lost Sheep in [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Pursuit and Compassion**, revealing God's active, relentless, and compassionate seeking of those who are lost or have strayed from His fold. This is not a passive waiting but an engaged, sacrificial search. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Immeasurable Value of Every Individual Soul** in God's eyes. The shepherd's willingness to risk the ninety-nine for the one demonstrates that no person is insignificant or expendable to God, directly connecting to Jesus' teaching about not despising "one of these little ones" in [Matthew 18:10](/matthew/18-10 "Matthew 18:10 - God's Care for the Little Ones"). Finally, the parable vividly portrays **God's Heart of Rejoicing over Repentance**, a theme further developed in the parallel account in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents"), where there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **think (Greek, _dokéō'_):** G1380. This word means "to think" or "to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)." Here, it functions as an invitation for the listener to consider and agree with the logical conclusion of the scenario Jesus presents. It prompts a reflective engagement with the parable's premise, drawing the audience into the shepherd's perspective.
* **gone astray (Greek, _planáō'_):** G4105. This verb means "to roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)," "to be led astray," "to err," or "to be deceived." It denotes a state of wandering, whether intentional or unintentional, implying vulnerability and danger. The sheep is not merely absent but has taken a wrong, perilous path, highlighting its need for rescue.
* **seeketh (Greek, _zētéō'_):** G2212. This word means "to seek" (literally or figuratively), "to desire," or "to endeavor." In this context, it describes the shepherd's active, determined, and purposeful search for the lost sheep. It signifies a diligent and persistent effort to recover that which is missing, underscoring the shepherd's commitment and love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How think ye?":** Jesus opens with a rhetorical question, inviting His audience to engage their reason and empathy. He appeals to their common understanding of a shepherd's responsibility and the value of his flock, setting the stage for a self-evident truth about divine care.
* **"if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray":** This sets up the hypothetical but relatable scenario. The "hundred sheep" represent a complete flock, and the "one... gone astray" highlights the individual nature of the loss. The phrase "gone astray" emphasizes the sheep's vulnerable and lost condition, not merely a temporary absence but a deviation from the safe path.
* **"doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?":** This is the heart of the parable's action. The shepherd's immediate and seemingly disproportionate response—leaving the secure majority to pursue the single lost one—underscores the immense value placed on the individual. The "mountains" suggest a difficult, dangerous, and solitary search, emphasizing the shepherd's sacrificial effort and relentless pursuit.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Lost Sheep in [Matthew 18:12](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") is rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The "man" or "shepherd" is an allegorical representation of God, specifically Jesus Himself, who is later identified as the Good Shepherd. The "hundred sheep" symbolize humanity, particularly those within God's care or potential care. The "one... gone astray" represents a lost soul, someone who has wandered from the path of righteousness or the community of faith. The act of "leaving the ninety and nine" and "going into the mountains" to "seek" the lost one symbolizes God's active, compassionate, and often sacrificial pursuit of individuals who are spiritually lost, demonstrating His immense love and determination to restore them. The rhetorical question format also employs **Hypophora**, where the speaker asks a question and then immediately answers it, guiding the audience to the intended conclusion about the shepherd's (and God's) nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:12 profoundly reveals the character of God as a diligent, compassionate, and actively seeking Shepherd, challenging any notion that God is indifferent to the plight of a single individual. This parable is a powerful testament to the immeasurable value God places on each human soul, emphasizing that His love extends even to those who have wandered furthest. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation, where God actively pursues the lost rather than passively waiting for them to return. This proactive love forms the foundation for understanding God's grace and His desire for all to come to repentance and salvation.

* [Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "The Parable of the Lost Sheep")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "God as the True Shepherd")
* [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalms/23-1-3 "The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Parable of the Lost Sheep in [Matthew 18:12](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") offers a deeply comforting and challenging message for believers today. For those who feel lost, overlooked, or insignificant, it serves as a profound assurance of God's personal and relentless love. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, God's heart yearns for our return, and He actively seeks us out. For those within the fold, it is a powerful call to embody the Shepherd's heart. It compels us to prioritize evangelism, not as a duty, but as an overflow of God's own passion for the lost. It also challenges us to care for the vulnerable within our communities and churches, to actively seek out those who are struggling, marginalized, or have fallen away, and to participate in the joyful work of restoration, reflecting the very nature of our heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shepherd's pursuit of the one lost sheep challenge your understanding of God's love for individuals?**
* **In what ways might you be called to "seek" those who have "gone astray" in your own life or community?**
* **What comfort does this parable offer to someone who feels distant from God or believes they are too far gone to be found?**

### FAQ

**What is the main message of the Parable of the Lost Sheep?**

Answer: The main message of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, particularly as presented in [Matthew 18:12](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), is the immense value God places on every individual, especially those who are spiritually lost or vulnerable. It highlights God's active, compassionate, and relentless pursuit of the one who has strayed, demonstrating His desire for all to be found and restored. It underscores that no one is insignificant to Him, and He rejoices greatly when a lost soul is brought back into the fold, as further emphasized in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Parable of the Lost Sheep in [Matthew 18:12](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek and save the one. Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), stating, "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This foreshadows His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of seeking and rescuing humanity from the lostness of sin. His entire earthly ministry, characterized by His compassion for sinners, His healing of the sick, and His teaching of the marginalized, exemplifies the Shepherd's tireless search. Through His atoning work, He gathers those who were scattered and brings them back into the Father's fold, fulfilling the very purpose of the shepherd in the parable: to ensure that "not one of these little ones should perish" ([Matthew 18:14](/matthew/18-14 "Matthew 18:14 - God's Will for the Lost")). Thus, Jesus is not just the teller of the parable but its living fulfillment, the One who actively seeks, finds, and restores His lost sheep.

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

Ezekiel 34:12

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Luke 15:4

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

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.

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Ezekiel 34:28

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Ezekiel 34:6

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.