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Luke 5:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Luke 5:8 follows Jesus' extraordinary demonstration of power on the Sea of Galilee. After teaching from Simon Peter's fishing boat, Jesus commanded Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." Despite having toiled all night and caught nothing, Peter obeyed. The result was an astonishing, miraculous catch of fish so vast that their nets began to break, and the boats belonging to Peter and his partners, James and John, were filled to the point of sinking. This overwhelming display of divine power elicited a profound, humbling response from Peter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Authority: The miraculous catch of fish unequivocally demonstrated Jesus' supernatural power over creation, a power that transcends human effort and understanding.
  • Human Sinfulness and Unworthiness: Peter's immediate reaction was a stark acknowledgment of his own moral inadequacy in the presence of such holiness and power. He recognized the vast chasm between his fallen nature and Jesus' divine purity.
  • Humility and Awe: Peter's act of falling at Jesus' knees signifies profound reverence, submission, and overwhelming awe. It's an appropriate posture when confronted with the manifest glory of God.
  • Recognition of Jesus' True Identity: Peter's address of Jesus as "O Lord" indicates a dawning realization that Jesus was more than just a teacher or a prophet; He possessed divine authority. This encounter was a pivotal moment in Peter's journey towards full discipleship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Lord" used by Peter (Greek: Kyrios) is significant. While it could simply mean 'sir' or 'master,' in this context, especially coupled with Peter's profound awe and recognition of Jesus' power, it carries a deeper theological weight, pointing towards Jesus' divine nature and authority. Peter's self-description as a "sinful man" (Greek: anthrōpos hamartōlos) is a raw and honest confession, emphasizing his moral imperfection and unworthiness in the face of absolute holiness.

Practical Application

Peter's reaction in Luke 5:8 serves as a powerful model for encountering God. When we truly grasp God's holiness and power, we are often brought to a place of humility and self-awareness regarding our own sinfulness. This isn't a call to despair, but rather an invitation to acknowledge our need for God's grace and mercy. Just as Jesus did not "depart" from Peter but instead called him to a greater purpose ("Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."), God uses our moments of brokenness and confession to draw us closer and equip us for His service. It reminds us that God calls the unworthy and empowers them for His kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 6:5 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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

  • Job 42:6 (6 votes)

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

  • Judges 13:22 (6 votes)

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

  • Revelation 1:17 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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?