Luke 5:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”

NIV: Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'

NASB: Simon responded and said, 'Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.'

CSB: "Master," Simon replied, "we've worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll let down the nets."

NLT: Master,' Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.'

KJV: And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

NKJV: But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

Jesus has finished using Peter and Andrew's boat (Mark 1:16) as a stage to teach a crowd on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Now He will reward the fishermen with a good catch. He has told Peter to take the boat out into deeper water and let down the nets (Luke 5:1–4).

The verb "toiled" is plural and likely includes at least Andrew. It may cover James and John as well. Peter and Andrew are experienced fishermen. They were out all night and didn't catch anything. They know the likelihood the fish will suddenly appear in the day is negligible. Jesus is a builder, not a fisherman. But the brothers know there is something special about Him. While listening to John the Baptist speak, they learned that Jesus is the Messiah they have been waiting for (John 1:36–42). When the Messiah tells you to fish, you fish.

"Master" in reference to Jesus is used primarily in Luke (Luke 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13). In Gentile cultures, it means "tutor;" Matthew and Mark are more likely to use "teacher." Luke uses both.

Luke 5:1–11 records Jesus' first call to specific disciples and the importance of humility for His followers. Andrew and Peter met Jesus before (John 1:35–42) and likely know of Jesus' power and authority (Luke 4:31–44). When Jesus uses that power to directly bless the fishermen, Peter humbly acknowledges his unworthiness. Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave everything to follow Jesus. Luke continues by showing the importance of cleanness, forgiveness in response to faith, and repentance. Matthew 4:18–22 and Mark 1:16–20 also record Jesus' call to the four fishermen but not the fishing; John 21 provides a parallel scene after Jesus' resurrection.

Luke 5 continues Jesus' Galilean Ministry (Luke 4:14—9:50). The passage alternates calls to discipleship with miracles and teachings which demonstrate what discipleship entails. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, and their business partners, James and John, to follow Him and make more disciples. Then Jesus makes a man with leprosy ceremonially clean. He forgives the sins of a paralytic. After He calls Levi to follow Him, Jesus celebrates instead of fasting. This draws critical questions from the crowd. The religious leaders consider Jesus' actions blasphemous. His message of forgiveness, faith, and repentance cannot be contained by their tradition.

Jesus has already proved He can expel demons, heal ailments, and reveal the kingdom of God (Luke 4:31–44). In this chapter, He begins to separate His followers from His detractors. This begins with calling the first five disciples and emphasizing faith and repentance over religious tradition. He will drive home the point by treating the Sabbath as a blessing rather than a burden (Luke 6:1–11). After formally inviting the Twelve to follow Him, Jesus will explain to a crowd what discipleship looks like and invite them to build their lives on Him (Luke 6:12–49). In chapter 7, Jesus champions Gentiles and the marginalized.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 4/30/2024 7:08:52 AM