Matthew 18:13

KJV

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that [sheep], than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if so {G1437} be {G1096} that he find {G2147} it {G846}, verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}{G3754}, he rejoiceth {G5463} more {G3123} of {G1909} that {G846} sheep, than {G2228} of {G1909} the ninety and nine {G1768} which {G3588} went {G4105} not {G3361} astray {G4105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if he happens to find it? Yes! I tell you he is happier over it than over the ninety-nine that never strayed!

Berean Standard Bible

And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

American Standard Version

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:13, nestled within Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep, profoundly illustrates God's fervent love and relentless pursuit of every individual soul, particularly those who have strayed from the fold. The verse captures the shepherd's immense, celebratory joy upon the recovery of the one lost sheep, powerfully contrasting it with the ninety-nine that remained secure, thereby emphasizing the divine delight in redemption and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse to His disciples in Matthew 18, which begins with teachings on humility and childlike faith. Following warnings about causing "little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warnings Against Causing Offense")), Jesus transitions to the Parable of the Lost Sheep, starting in [Matthew 18:12](/matthew/18-12 "Matthew 18:12 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep Begins"). The parable serves as a compassionate illustration of the Father's heart, demonstrating that His desire is for the restoration of those who wander, not their condemnation. It provides a divine perspective on the value of each individual, reinforcing the seriousness of leading someone astray while simultaneously highlighting God's boundless grace in seeking them out. This parable finds a significant parallel in [Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke"), where it is presented in the context of Jesus' welcoming attitude towards sinners and tax collectors, further underscoring its theme of divine pursuit and joy over repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shepherding was a foundational occupation and a deeply resonant metaphor in ancient Israel. Shepherds were intimately familiar with their flocks, often knowing each sheep by name, and their livelihood depended on the well-being of every animal. Losing even one sheep represented a significant economic and personal loss. The diligent search for a lost sheep, even at great personal risk or inconvenience, was a common and understood practice, making the parable immediately relatable to Jesus' audience. Furthermore, the concept of God as a Shepherd was well-established in the Old Testament, seen in passages like [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") and [Ezekiel 34](/ekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel"), which depicted God's care, guidance, and search for His scattered people. This cultural backdrop amplifies the profound theological implications of Jesus' parable, portraying God not as a distant ruler but as an intimately involved, compassionate Shepherd.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 18:13 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospels and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Pursuit and Redemptive Love**. God is not passive but actively seeks out the lost, demonstrating that His love is proactive and relentless. This aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's initiative in salvation, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Secondly, the parable highlights the **Immense Value of the Individual** in God's eyes. Even among a large number, the loss of one is keenly felt, and its recovery brings extraordinary joy, emphasizing that every soul is precious and worth seeking. This contrasts sharply with human tendencies to dismiss the marginalized or seemingly insignificant. Finally, the verse explicitly states the shepherd "rejoiceth more," illuminating the **Heavenly Joy in Restoration and Repentance**. This theme is powerfully echoed elsewhere in Luke's "lost" parables, particularly in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents") and [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Joy in the Presence of God's Angels"), signifying that God's delight is not in the condemnation of the lost but in their return to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **find (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This word (G2147) means "to find," "get," "obtain," or "perceive." In this context, it signifies the successful outcome of a diligent search. It implies an active quest, not a passive discovery, highlighting the shepherd's intentional effort to locate the lost sheep. The finding is the culmination of the pursuit, leading directly to the subsequent joy.
* **rejoiceth (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This verb (G5463) means "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." It is often used as a greeting ("hail," "farewell") but here denotes a deep, heartfelt joy. The "more" (G3123, _mâllon_) intensifies this emotion, indicating an exceptional, perhaps even overwhelming, gladness that surpasses the ordinary contentment of the ninety-nine safe sheep. It emphasizes the profound emotional response to recovery.
* **went not astray (Greek, _mḗ planáō'_):** This phrase combines the particle of qualified negation _mḗ_ (G3361) with the verb _planáō_ (G4105), meaning "to roam," "go astray," "deceive," or "err." The negation signifies the state of those who remained within the fold, who did not wander from safety or truth. The contrast between the one who "went astray" and the ninety-nine who "went not astray" highlights the distinct condition of being lost versus being secure, setting the stage for the shepherd's differential joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if so be that he find it":** This clause sets up the condition for the shepherd's joy. The "if" (G1437, _eán_) implies a potential outcome of the search, underscoring that the finding is not guaranteed but is the desired result of the shepherd's effort. It emphasizes the active pursuit and the successful conclusion of that pursuit.
* **"verily I say unto you":** This is a characteristic phrase of Jesus, often translated "Truly, I tell you." The Greek _amḗn_ (G281, "verily" or "amen") introduces a statement of profound truth and authority, signaling that what follows is of utmost importance and certainty. It demands the disciples' full attention and belief in the divine reality being revealed.
* **"he rejoiceth more of that [sheep]":** This is the core declaration of the verse. The shepherd's joy is not merely present but *greater* over the one recovered sheep than over the many who were never lost. This highlights the unique, celebratory nature of finding what was lost, a joy born of relief, successful endeavor, and the restoration of what was feared gone. It speaks to the special value placed on the redeemed.
* **"than of the ninety and nine which went not astray":** This final clause provides the crucial comparative element. The joy is not *instead* of the ninety-nine, nor does it diminish their value. Rather, it is a joy *superimposed* upon the existing contentment, a distinct and elevated joy that arises specifically from the act of rescue and restoration. It underscores the unique significance of bringing the wandering back into the fold.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that uses familiar earthly scenarios to explain heavenly truths. Here, the everyday experience of a shepherd and his flock serves as an **Allegory** for God's relationship with humanity, with the shepherd representing God, the sheep representing individuals, and being lost symbolizing spiritual wandering or separation from God. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the one found sheep against the ninety-nine who did not stray. This contrast is not meant to devalue the faithful but to highlight the extraordinary nature of redemption and the unique joy it brings to the divine heart. Furthermore, the phrase "rejoiceth more" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. While God certainly values all His children, the "more joy" emphasizes the celebratory relief and divine delight specifically associated with the act of seeking and saving the lost, underscoring the intensity of God's redemptive love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:13 offers a profound glimpse into the very heart of God, revealing Him as a compassionate Shepherd who actively seeks out and rejoices over the restoration of every lost soul. This verse underscores the infinite value God places on each individual, demonstrating that His love is not merely for the collective but intensely personal and relentlessly pursuing. It challenges any notion of divine indifference or a preference for the "safe" over the "strayed," instead proclaiming a God whose deepest joy is found in reconciliation and bringing the wandering back into His fold. This divine joy over repentance is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting God's ultimate desire for all to come to repentance and be saved.

* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over Repentance")
* [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Angels Rejoice Over a Repenting Sinner")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Seek His Sheep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:13 provides immense comfort and a powerful call to action for believers today. For those who feel lost, strayed, or distant from God, it serves as a profound reassurance: you are not forgotten, you are infinitely valuable, and God's heart is actively seeking you out, not to condemn but to restore. His joy is complete when you return. For the church and individual believers, this verse is a mandate to embody the shepherd's heart. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation and actively pursue those who have wandered from faith, community, or truth. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of compassion, patience, and relentless love, valuing each person as God does, and celebrating every instance of repentance and restoration with genuine, overflowing joy. This parable reminds us that our mission is to participate in God's redemptive work, reflecting His character to a world in need of finding its way home.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shepherd's joy over the one lost sheep challenge your understanding of God's love and priorities?**
* **In what ways can you, or your community, actively seek out those who have strayed, embodying the heart of the shepherd?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the value of your own soul in God's eyes, regardless of your past or present circumstances?**
* **How might the "joy in heaven" motivate your efforts in evangelism or discipleship?**

### FAQ
**Does this parable mean God loves lost people more than faithful ones?**

Answer: No, the parable does not suggest that God loves the lost more than the faithful. Instead, it highlights the unique and intense joy that accompanies the recovery of something precious that was once lost. The shepherd's joy is not a diminishing of his love for the ninety-nine, but an additional, celebratory joy born of relief and successful restoration. It underscores the immense value God places on every individual and His passionate desire for all to be in His fold. Just as a parent rejoices profoundly when a child who was missing is found, without loving their other children any less, so too does God rejoice over the return of a prodigal. This joy is a testament to God's redemptive character and His relentless pursuit of those who have wandered from Him, as further illuminated in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). His entire earthly ministry was a living embodiment of the shepherd's relentless pursuit of the lost. He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), actively reaching out to tax collectors, sinners, and the marginalized—those considered "lost sheep" by society. The joy described in Matthew 18:13 is the very joy that motivated Christ's mission and culminated in His sacrificial death on the cross, which made reconciliation possible. His resurrection is the ultimate "finding" of humanity, bringing us back into relationship with God. Thus, the shepherd's joy over the one found sheep is a prophetic foreshadowing of the Father's immense delight in the salvation accomplished through His Son, Jesus, who is both the seeker and the ultimate sacrifice for His wandering flock ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")).

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

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 4:36

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Luke 15:5

And when he hath found [it], he layeth [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Jeremiah 32:37

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: