Luke 15:8

Luke 15:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it?

King James Version KJV

¶ Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

American Standard Version ASV

Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Or what woman, having ten bits of silver, if one bit has gone from her hands, will not get a light, and go through her house, searching with care till she sees it?

Free Bible Version FBV

Imagine a woman who has ten silver coins, and loses one of them. Wouldn't she light a lamp and sweep the house, carefully searching until she finds it?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Either what woman hauing ten groates, if she lose one groate, doth not light a candle, and sweepe the house, and seeke diligently till shee finde it?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Or what woman having ten drachms, if she may lose one drachm, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek carefully till that she may find?

World English Bible WEB

“Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma coin, wouldn’t light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loseth one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she findeth it ?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Or what woman having ten groats; if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?

Translation for Translators T4T

Or, suppose that a woman has ten very valuable silver coins. If she loses one of them, ◄she will certainly light a lamp and sweep the floor and search carefully until she finds it!/will she not light a lamp and sweep the floor and search carefully until she finds it?► [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

Jesus told them another picture story. He said, “Suppose a woman has 10 coins, but then she loses one of them in her house. What do you think she will do? She will get a torch and look carefully everywhere in that house. She will even sweep all the floors, and she will keep on looking for her money until she finds it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 15:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Luke 15:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK η τις γυνη δραχμας εχουσα δεκα εαν απολεση δραχμην μιαν ουχι απτει λυχνον και σαροι την οικιαν και ζητει επιμελως εως οτου ευρη

η ē G2228 or Particle

τις tis G5101 which? Interrog-NSF

γυνη gunē G1135 woman Noun-NSF

δραχμας drachmē G1406 drachma Noun-APF

εχουσα echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAP-NSF

δεκα deka G1176 ten Adj-NUI

εαν ean G1437 if COND

απολεση apolluō G622 to destroy Verb-AAS-3S

δραχμην drachmē G1406 drachma Noun-ASF

μιαν ehis G1520 one Adj-ASF

ουχι ouchi G3780 not! Particle-I

απτει haptō G681 to touch Verb-PAI-3S

λυχνον luchnos G3088 lamp Noun-ASM

και kai G2532 and Conj

σαροι saroō G4563 to sweep Verb-PAI-3S

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

οικιαν oikia G3614 home Noun-ASF

και kai G2532 and Conj

ζητει zēteō G2212 to seek Verb-PAI-3S

επιμελως epimelōs G1960 carefully Adv

εως heōs G2193 until Adv

οτου hotou G3755 until Rel-GSN-ATT

ευρη ehuriskō G2147 to find/meet Verb-2AAS-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 15:8

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

τις tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-NSF

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

γυνη gunē G1135 "woman" Noun-NSF

A woman, either married or unmarried, and sometimes specifically a wife, as in Matthew 11:11 and Romans 7:2. This term is also used as a term of respect and endearment.

Definition: γυνή, -αικός, ἡ, [in LXX for אִשָּׁה ;] __1. a woman, married or unmarried: Mat.11:11 14:21, al.; ὕπανδρος γ., Rom.7:2; γ. χήρα, Luk.4:26; in vocat., γύναι implies neither reproof nor severity, but is used frequently as a term of respect and endearment, Mat.15:28, Jhn.2:4, 4:21 19:26. __2. a wife: Mat.1:20, 1Co.7:3, 4 al.; γ. ἀπολύειν, Mrk.10:2, al.; γ. ἔχειν Mrk.6:18; γ. λαβεῖν, Mrk.12:19; γ. γαμεῖν, Luk.14:20. __3. a deaconess, 1Ti.3:11 (CGT, in l.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 200 NT verses. KJV: wife, woman See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; Luke 4:26; 1 Peter 3:1.

δραχμας drachmē G1406 "drachma" Noun-APF

A drachma was a type of silver coin used in ancient times, similar to the Roman denarius. It's mentioned in Luke 15:8-9 as a piece of silver. The KJV translates it as 'piece'.

Definition: δραχμή, -ῆς, ἡ (δράσσομαι), [in LXX: in Hex. for in בֶּקַע, שֶׁקֶל Ezra for אֲדַרְכֹּן, דַּרְכְּמוֹן ;] a drachma, nearly equal to the Roman denarius (see: δηνόριον): Luk.15:8-9 (DCG, ii, 200).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: piece (of silver) See also: Luke 15:8; Luke 15:9.

εχουσα echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAP-NSF

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

δεκα deka G1176 "ten" Adj-NUI

This is the Greek word for the number ten. It appears in many Bible verses, including Matthew 20:24 and Revelation 2:10, where it describes a brief period of trouble.

Definition: δέκα, οἱ, αἱ, τά, ten: Mat.20:24, al.; θλίψις ἡμερῶν δ., i.e. of brief duration: Rev.2:10.† δεκα-οκτώ, T for δέκα ὀκτώ, eighteen: Luk.13:4.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: (eight-)een, ten See also: Acts 25:6; Luke 19:25; Revelation 2:10.

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

Definition: ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Hebrews 13:23; 1 Peter 3:13.

απολεση apolluō G622 "to destroy" Verb-AAS-3S

This Greek word means to destroy or lose something completely, and is used in the Bible to describe physical or spiritual destruction, such as in Matthew 10:28 and John 6:39. It can also mean to perish or die. Jesus uses it to warn against causing others to stumble.

Definition: ἀπ-όλλυμι and ἀπολλύω [in LXX for אָבַד, etc. (38 words in all)]. __1. Act., __1 to destroy utterly, destroy, kill: Mk 124, 922, al.; τ. ψνχήν, Mat.10:28, al.; __2 to lose utterly: Mat.10:42, al.; metaphorically, of failing to save, Jhn.6:39 18:9. __2. Mid., __1 to perish; __(a) of things: Mat.5:29, Jhn.6:12, Heb.1:11 (LXX, al.; __(b) of persons: Mat.8:26, al. Metaphorical, of loss of eternal life, Jhn.3:15-16 10:28 17:12, Rom.2:12, 1Co.8:11 15:18, 2Pe.3:9. In οἱ ἀπολλὺμενοι, the perishing, contrasted in 1Co.1:18, al., with οἱ σωζόμενοι, the "perfective" force of the verb, WH. " implies the completion of the process of destruction," is illustrated (see M, Pr., 114 f.; M, Th., ii, 2:10); __2 to be lost: Luk.15:4 21:18. Metaphorical, on the basis of the relation between shepherd and flock, of spiritual destitution and alienation from God: Mat.10:6 15:24, Luk.19:10 (MM, see word; DCG, i, 191 f., ii, 76, 554; Cremer, 451) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 85 NT verses. KJV: destroy, die, lose, mar, perish See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 15:4; 1 Peter 1:7.

δραχμην drachmē G1406 "drachma" Noun-ASF

A drachma was a type of silver coin used in ancient times, similar to the Roman denarius. It's mentioned in Luke 15:8-9 as a piece of silver. The KJV translates it as 'piece'.

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: piece (of silver) See also: Luke 15:8; Luke 15:9.

μιαν ehis G1520 "one" Adj-ASF

The Greek word for one, used to describe unity or agreement, as seen in John 10:30 and Romans 12:4-5. It emphasizes oneness and togetherness. This concept is key in Christian teachings.

Definition: εἷς ιά, ἕν, genitive ἑνός, μιᾶς, ἑνός, cardinal numeral, one; __1. one, as opposite to many: Mat.25:15, Rom.5:12, 1Co.10:8, al.; as subst., Rom.5:15, Eph.2:14; id. with genitive partit., Mat.5:19, al.; before ἐκ (ἐξ), Mrk.14:18, Jhn.6:8, al.; metaphorically, of union and concord, Jhn.10:30 17:11, Rom.12:4-5, Php.1:27; ἀπὸ μιᾶς (B1., § 44, 1), Luk.14:18; with neg., εἷς. . . οὐ (μή), more emphatic than οὐδείς, no one, none (cl.), Mat.5:18 10:29, Luk.11:46 12:6. __2. Emphatically, to the exclusion of others; __(a) a single (one): Mat.21:24, Mrk.8:14; absol., 1Co.9:24, al.; οὐδὲ εἷς, Mat.27:14, Jhn.1:3, Rom.3:10, al.; __(b) one, alone: Mrk.2:7 10:18, Luk.18:19; __(with) one and the same: Rom.3:30, 1Co.3:8 11:5 12:11, 1Jn.5:8. __3. In late Gk., with weakened force, = τις or indef. art. (of. Heb. אֶחָד, Gen.22:13, al.; see B1., § 45, 2; M, Pr., 96 f.): Mat.8:19 19:6, Rev.8:13, al.; εἷς τις (Bl., l.with), Luk.22:50, Jhn.11:49 __4. Distributively: εἷς καστος (cl.), Luk.4:40, Act.2:6, al.; εἷς . . . καὶ εἷς (cl., εἷς μὲν . . . εἷς δέ), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.20:12, al. (cf. LXX and use of Heb. אֶחָד, Exo.17:12, al); ὁ εἷς . . . ὁ ἕτερος (ἄλλος) = cl. ὁ μὲν (ἕτερος) . . . ὁ δέ (ἕτερος), Mat.6:24, Luk.7:41, Rev.17:10; καθ᾽ εἷς, εἷς κ. είς (in which καθ᾽ is adverbial, or the expression formed from the analogy of ἕν καθ᾽ ἔν; M, Pr., 105), one by one, severally: Mrk.14:19, Rom.12:5, al.; εἷς τὸν ἕνα = ἀλλήλους (B1., 45, 2; M, Pr., 246), 1Th.5:11. __5. As ordinal = πρῶτος (like Heb. אֶחָד; Bl., § 45, 1; M, Pr., 95 f.), first: Mat.28:1, Mrk.16:2, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 291 NT verses. KJV: a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; John 12:4; Hebrews 2:11.

ουχι ouchi G3780 "not!" Particle-I

Ouchi is a strong way of saying no in Greek, like saying not at all. It's used in Luke 1:60 and John 13:10 to show a strong negative response.

Definition: οὐχί strengthened form of οὐ, not; __(a) in neg. sentences, not, not at all: Luk.1:60 12:51, Jhn.13:10, al.; __(b) more frequently in questions where an affirm. ans. is expected (Lat. nonne) : Mat.5:46-47, Luk.6:39, Jhn.11:9, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 54 NT verses. KJV: nay, not See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Luke 12:6; Hebrews 1:14.

απτει haptō G681 "to touch" Verb-PAI-3S

To touch or fasten to, like setting a fire or clinging to someone, as seen in Matthew 8:3 and John 20:17.

Definition: ἅπτω [in LXX chiefly for נָגַע ;] prop., to fasten to; hence, of fire, to kindle, light: Luk.8:16 11:33 15:8, Act.28:2. Mid., with genitive, to fasten oneself to, cling to, lay hold of (so in π.; MM, see word): Mat.8:3, 15, Jhn.20:17, al.; of carnal intercourse, 1Co.7:1; with reference to levitical and ceremonial prohibitions, 2Co.6:17, Col.2:21; of hostile action, 1Jn.5:18 (cf. ἀν-, καθ-, περι- άπτω) SYN.: θιγγάνω, ψηλαφάω. ἅ. is the stronger, θ., to touch, the lighter term. ψ. is to feel, as in search of something (Tr., Syn., § xvii; Lft., Col., 201 f.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: kindle, light See also: Luke 8:16; Luke 15:8; Luke 22:55.

λυχνον luchnos G3088 "lamp" Noun-ASM

A lamp is a portable light source, used in the Bible to symbolize spiritual guidance, as seen in Matthew 5:15 and Luke 11:36.

Definition: λύχνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for נִיר (Exo.25:37), al.) ;] a lamp (portable, and usually set on a stand, λυχνία): Mat.5:15, Luk.11:36; ἔρχεται ὁ λ., Mrk.4:21; λ. ἅπτειν Luk.8:16 11:33 15:8; φῶς λύχνου, Rev.18:23; id. opposite to φ.ἡλίου, Rev.22:5; metaphorically, of the eye, Mat.6:22 Luk.11:34; of John the Baptist, Jhn.5:35; of the Lamb, Rev.21:23; of prophecy, 2Pe.1:19; of spiritual readiness, pl., λύχνοι (as always in LXX; frequently in Att.. λύχνα), Luk.12:35.† SYN.: λαμπάς, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: candle, light See also: 2 Peter 1:19; Luke 15:8; Revelation 18:23.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

σαροι saroō G4563 "to sweep" Verb-PAI-3S

To sweep means to clean an area by removing dirt or debris, like sweeping a floor, as seen in Matthew 12:44 and Luke 15:8.

Definition: σαρόω, -ῶ late form of σαίρω, to sweep: with accusative, Luk.15:8; pass., Mat.12:44, Luk.11:25.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: sweep See also: Luke 11:25; Luke 15:8; Matthew 12:44.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

οικιαν oikia G3614 "home" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for home or house, referring to a physical dwelling or a family. It appears in Matthew 2:11 and John 14:2, where Jesus talks about his Father's house. It can also mean the body as a dwelling for the soul, as in 2 Corinthians 5:1.

Definition: οἰκία, -ας, ἡ (οἶκος), [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for בַּיִת ;] a house, dwelling: Mat.2:11 7:24-27, Mrk.1:29, al.; ἐν οἰκίᾳ (= cl. κατ ̓ οἰκίαν), at home, Luk.8:27; εἰς οἰ., II Jn 10; οἰ, with genitive of person(s), usually has the art. (Mat.8:14, al., but cf. οἶκος and see Bl., § 46, 9); ἡ οἰ. τ. πατρός μου, Jhn.14:2. Metaphorical, __(a) of the body as the dwelling of the soul: 2Co.5:1; __(b) of property (as בַּיִת, Gen.45:18, LXX, τ. υπάρχοντα; 3Ki.13:8, LXX, οἶκος) = οἶκος (which see): Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47; __(with) of the inmates of the dwelling, the household: Mat.12:25; with genitive of person(s), Jhn.4:53, 1Co.16:15 SYN.: οἶκος, which in Attic law denoted the whole estate, οἰκία, the dwelling only. In cl. poets οἶκος has also the latter sense, but not in prose, except in metaphorically usage, where it signifies both property and household. The foregoing distinction is not, however, consistently maintained in late Greek; cf. MM, ii, xvii, and see Thayer, see word οἰκία (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 85 NT verses. KJV: home, house(-hold) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:22; Luke 22:11; Philippians 4:22.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ζητει zēteō G2212 "to seek" Verb-PAI-3S

To seek something means to look for it or try to find it, like when Jesus teaches to seek first God's kingdom in Matthew 7:7. It can also mean to worship or plot against someone.

Definition: ζητέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for בּקשׁ pi., also for דּרשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to seek, seek for: Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.1:37, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:24, al.; id. before ἐν, Act.9:11; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:45, Luk.19:10; before ἐν, Luk.13:6, 7; ψυχήν, of plotting against one's life ( Exo.4:19, al.), Mat.2:20, Rom.11:3" (LXX) . Metaphorical, to seek by thinking, search after, inquire into: Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:28, Jhn.16:19; τ. θεόν, Act.17:27. __2. to seek or strive after, desire: Mat.12:46, Mrk.12:12, Luk.9:9, Jhn.5:18, Rom.10:3, al.; τ. θάνατον, Rev.9:6; τ. βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Mat.6:33 (Dalman, Words, 121f.); τὰ ἄνω, Col.3:1; εἰρήνην, 1Pe.3:11 (LXX). __3. to require, demand: with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.8:12, Luk.11:29, 1Co.1:22, 2Co.13:3; before παρά, Mrk.8:11, al.; ἵνα, 1Co.4:2 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, συν-ζητέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 115 NT verses. KJV: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 18:8; 1 Peter 3:11.

επιμελως epimelōs G1960 "carefully" Adv

The adverb for carefully means doing something with attention to detail. In Luke 15:8, it describes searching diligently for something lost.

Definition: ἐπιμελῶς adv., [in LXX for רַק, etc. ;] carefully: Luk.15:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: diligently See also: Luke 15:8.

εως heōs G2193 "until" Adv

A Greek word for until, showing when something continues or ends. It is used in Matthew 2:9 and 5:18 to indicate a time or place. It helps show when events happen or stop.

Definition: ἕως, relative particle (Lat. donee, usque), expressing the terminus ad quem (cf. Burton, §321ff.). __I. As conjunction; __1. till, until; __(a) of a fact in past time, with indic.: Mat.2:9, al. (Wis.10:14, al.); __(b) ἕως ἄν, with subjc. aor.: Mat.2:13 5:18, Mrk.6:10, al.; without ἄν (M. Pr., 168f.; Lft., Notes, 115), Mrk.14:32 (Burton, §325), Luk.12:59, 2Th.2:7, al.; __(with) with indic., present (Burton, §328; BL, §65, 10): Mrk.6:45, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Ti.4:13. __2. C. indic., as long as, while (Burton, §327): Jhn.9:4 (Plat., Phaedo, 89c). __II. As an adverb (chiefly in late writers). __1. Of time, until, unto; __(a) as prep. with genitive (BL, §40, 6; M, Pr., 99): τ. ἡμέρας, Mat.26:29, Luk.1:80, Rom.11:8, al.; ὥρας, Mat.27:45, al.; τέλους, 1Co.1:8, 2Co.1:13; τ. νῦν, Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19 (1Ma.2:33); ἐτῶν ὀγ. (Field, Notes, 49f.), Luk.2:37; τ. ἐλθεῖν, Act.8:40; before names and events, Mat.1:17 2:15, Luk.11:51, Jas.5:7, al.; __(b) before οὗ, ὅτου, with the force of a conjc. (Burton, §330; M, Pr., 91); __(α) ἕ. οὗ (Hdt., ii, 143; Plut., al.): with indic., Mat.1:25 (WH br., οὗ) 13:33, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.14:22, al.; __(β) ἔ. ὅτου: with subjc., Luk.13:8; with indic., Mat.5:25 (until), Jhn.9:18; __(with) with adv. (ἔ. ὀψέ, Thuc, iii, 108): ἄρτι, Mat.11:12, Jhn.2:10, 1Co.4:13, al.; πότε (M, Pr., 107), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Jhn.10:24, al. __2. Of place, as far as, even to, unto (Arist., al.); __(a) as prep. with genitive (see supr.): Mt 1123, Lk 1015, al.; __(b) with adv. (BL, §40, 6): ἄνω, Jhn.2:7; ἔσω, Mrk.14:54; κάτω, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38; ὧδε, Luk.23:5; __(with) with prep.: ἔξω, Act.21:5; πρός, Luk.24:50 (Field, Notes, 83). __3. Of quantity, measure, etc.: Mat.18:21, Mrk.6:23, Luk.22:51, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 137 NT verses. KJV: even (until, unto), (as) far (as), how long, (un-)til(-l), (hither-, un-, up) to, while(-s) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Luke 20:43; Hebrews 1:13.

οτου hotou G3755 "until" Rel-GSN-ATT

This word means 'until' or 'while', showing something happens during the same time as something else. It is used in phrases like 'until that time' in Matthew 5:41. It indicates a time period.

Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: whiles See also: John 9:18; Luke 22:16; Matthew 5:25.

ευρη ehuriskō G2147 "to find/meet" Verb-2AAS-3S

To find or discover something, like in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches that those who seek will find. This word is about searching and finding, whether it's a physical object or a spiritual truth.

Definition: εὑρίσκω, [in LXX chiefly for מצא, also for נשׂג hi., etc. ;] to find, with or without previous search: absol., opposite to ζητέω, Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative, Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:37, Act.13:22, 2Ti.1:17, al.; pass., οὐχ εὑ., of disappearance, Heb.11:5, Rev.16:20, al.; γῆ κ. τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔργα εὑρεθήσεται (for conjectures as to the meaning of this reading, see Mayor, ICC, in l.), 2Pe.3:10, WH, R, mg. Metaphorical, to find, find out by inquiry, learn, discover: Luk.19:48, Act.4:21; αἰτίαν, Jhn.18:38, Act.13:28, al.; pass., Mat.1:18, Luk.17:18, Rom.7:10, 1Co.4:2, Gal.2:17, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.5:4, al.; of attaining to the knowledge of God, εὑ. θεόν, Act.17:27; pass., Rom.10:20 (LXX). Mid., to find for oneself, gain, procure, obtain: with accusative of thing(s), λύτρωσιν, Heb.9:12; act. in same sense (so cl. poets, but not in Attic prose), Mat.10:39 11:29, Luk.1:30, Act.7:46, 2Ti.1:18, al. (cf. ἀν-ευρίσκω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 167 NT verses. KJV: find, get, obtain, perceive, see See also: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:37; 1 Peter 1:7.

Study Notes — Luke 15:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 15:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 15:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 15:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 15:8
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 15:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 15:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 15:8
Cambridge Bible on Luke 15:8
Barnes' Notes on Luke 15:8
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 15:8
Sermons on Luke 15:8

Context — The Parable of the Lost Coin

6comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

8Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it?

9And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors to say, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.’ 10In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 19:10	For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
2	Ezekiel 34:12	As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
3	John 10:16	I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
4	John 11:52	and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.
5	Ephesians 2:17	He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Luke 15:8 Summary

This verse is saying that if a woman loses something very valuable to her, like a silver coin, she will do everything she can to find it. She will light a lamp, sweep her house, and search carefully until she finds it. In the same way, God values each person and will do everything He can to find those who are lost, as seen in John 3:16. This shows us that God loves us so much that He wants to have a relationship with us and will go to great lengths to make that happen, as stated in Romans 5:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the woman having ten silver coins in Luke 15:8?

The ten silver coins represent something of great value to the woman, similar to how God values each individual, as seen in Matthew 18:14, where Jesus says that it is not the will of the Father that one of these little ones should perish.

Why does the woman search carefully for the lost coin?

The woman searches carefully for the lost coin because it is precious to her, and she wants to recover what was lost, illustrating God's desire to seek and save the lost, as stated in Luke 19:10.

Is the story of the lost coin meant to be taken literally?

While the story of the lost coin is a real-life scenario, its primary purpose is to convey a spiritual truth, that God is a seeking God who desires to find and restore those who are lost, as seen in John 3:17, where Jesus says that God did not send Him to condemn the world, but to save it.

How does the story of the lost coin relate to the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:6?

Both parables, the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrate God's desire to seek and save the lost, with the lost coin emphasizing the value God places on each individual, much like the shepherd values each sheep in Matthew 18:12-14.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I have lost, and how can I apply the principle of diligent searching to recover them?
How does the story of the lost coin make me feel about God's love and desire to seek me out?
In what ways can I be like the woman in the story, shining a light and sweeping my 'house' to find what is lost?
What are some areas in my life where I need to be more diligent in searching for what is lost, whether it be a relationship, a dream, or a sense of purpose?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 15:8

Either what woman, having ten pieces of silver,.... Or "drachmas": a "drachma" was the fourth part of a shekel, and of the same value with a Roman penny; and was worth of our money, seven pence half

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 15:8

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 15:8

Ver. 8-10. This parable (as appeareth by the conclusion of it) is of the same import with the other, and needs no further explication. By both these parables our blessed Lord lets the Pharisees know the end he aimed at in conversing with publicans and sinners, viz. In order to their repentance and conversion, than which nothing could be more grateful and well pleasing to that God who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that they should turn from their wickedness and live. Of the same import is also the following parable, which taketh up all the remaining part of this chapter.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 15:8

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? Ver. 8. If she lose once piece] One Tester. Drachma enim valebat septem denarios cum dimidio. (Breerwood de Num.) Judges 1:1. See the margin of our new translation. And sweep the house] óáñïé, everrit, not evertit, as the Vulgate hath it corruptly: and Gregory with others were deceived by it in their descants and glosses, nothing to the purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 15:8

(8) Either what woman having ten pieces of silver.—The main lesson of the parable that thus opens is, of course, identical with that of the Lost Sheep. We are justified, however, in assuming that the special features of each were meant to have a special meaning, and that we have therefore more than a mere ornamental variation of imagery. Looking to these points of difference we note (1) the use of the silver coin (the drachma) as a symbol of the human soul. Here the reason of the choice lies on the surface. The coin is what it is because it has on it the king’s image and superscription. Man is precious because he too has the image and superscription of the great King, the spiritual attributes of Thought and Will, by which he resembles God, stamped upon him. (2) There is, perhaps, a special significance in the fact that the coin is lost in the house, while the sheep strays from the fold. What seems implied here is the possibility that a soul that is precious in the sight of God may be lost even within the society, Israel or the Church of Christ, which is for the time being the visible house of God. (3) It is a woman who seeks, and not a man, and the change, at least, reminds us of the woman in the parable of the Leaven. (See Note on Matthew 13:33.) It is hardly an adequate explanation in either case, though it may be true in itself, that the variation was made to interest a different class of hearers, the women who were listening, who had no experience in going after the sheep that was lost. We must at least see in it the lesson that what we call feminine virtues and graces are needed for the deliverance of souls that have fallen—patience, and diligence, and minute observation—not less than what we think of as the more manly qualities of courage, and enterprise, and endurance. Lastly, in the “woman” of the parable we may venture to see that which answers in part to the ideal representation of Wisdom in the book of Proverbs (Luke 8, 9), in part to the Church as answering in its collective unity to the ideal of womanhood, as Christ Himself does to the ideal of manhood (Ephesians 5:23). Doth not light a candle, and. . . . seek diligently . . .?—The symbolic meaning of each act lies almost on the surface. To “light the candle” can be nothing else than to put forth the full power of truth and holiness. To “sweep the house” can be nothing else than to use all available means for discovering the possible good that lies hidden or seemingly lost. In the later actual life of the Church, faithful preaching of the word answers to the one, faithful organisation of charity to the other. The rest of the parable is simply an identical reproduction, mutatis mutandis, of the conclusion of the former.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 15:8

Verse 8. Ten pieces of silver] δραχμαςδεκα, ten drachmas. I think it always best to retain the names of these ancient coins, and to state their value in English money. Every reader will naturally wish to know by what names such and such coins were called in the countries in which they were current. The Grecian drachma was worth about sevenpence three farthings of our money; being about the same value as the Roman denarius. The drachma that was lost is also a very expressive emblem of a sinner who is estranged from God, and enslaved to habits of iniquity. The longer a piece of money is lost, the less probability is there of its being again found; as it may not only lose its colour, and not be easily observed, but will continue to be more and more covered with dust and dirt: or its value may be vastly lessened by being so trampled on that a part of the substance, together with the image and superscription, may be worn off. So the sinner sinks deeper and deeper into the impurities of sin, loses even his character among men, and gets the image and superscription of his Maker defaced from his heart. He who wishes to find the image of God, which he has lost by sin, must attend to that word which will be a lantern to his steps, and receive that Spirit which is a light to the soul, to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He must sweep the house-put away the evil of his doings; and seek diligently-use every means of grace, and cry incessantly to God, till he restore to him the light of his countenance. Though parables of this kind must not be obliged to go on all fours, as it is termed; yet they afford many useful hints to preachers of the Gospel, by which they may edify their hearers. Only let all such take care not to force meanings on the words of Christ which are contrary to their gravity and majesty.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 15:8

8. having ten pieces of silver] Ten drachmas. This parable is peculiar to St Luke. The Greek drachma (about ]od.) corresponds to the Latin denarius. Each represented a day’s wages, and may be roughly rendered shilling. Tob 5:14; Thuc. Til. 17; Tac. Ann. I. 17. These small silver coins were worn by women as a sort of ornamental fringe round the forehead (the semedi). The loss might therefore seem less trying than that of a sheep, but (1) in this case it is a tenth (not a hundredth) part of what the woman possesses; and (2) the coin has on it the image and superscription of a king (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:20). “We are God’s drachma”—“I feel more strongly every day that everything is vanity; I cannot leave my soul in this heap of mud.” Lacordaire (Chocarne, p. 42, E. Tr.).light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently] We should notice the thorough and deliberate method of the search. Some see in the woman a picture of the Church, and give a separate meaning to each particular; but “if we should attribute to every single word a deeper significance than appears, we should not seldom incur the danger of bringing much into Scripture which is not at all contained in it.” Zimmermann.till she find it] If it be admissible to build theological conclusions on the incidental expressions of parables, there should be, in these words, a deep source of hope.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 15:8

Ten pieces of silver - In the original, ten “drachmas.” The drachma was about the value of fifteen cents, and consequently the whole sum was about a dollar and a half, or six shillings. The sum was small, but it was all she had.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 15:8

8. What woman—The woman here is the Lamb’s wife, the Church. But if we adopt the interesting view that, while the shepherd is the Son of God, the woman the Holy Spirit, and the father in the last

Sermons on Luke 15:8

	Sermon	Description
	The Voice of God's Love by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revelation and how it relates to our understanding of the human condition. He acknowledges that we already know that the creati
	The Gospel for Outcasts by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader turned preacher, shares a powerful message about God's heart for outcasts. He uses three illustrations - a lost sheep, a lost coin,
	God Wants You by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having multiple perspectives on the word of God. He highlights the value of having four Gospels written by different author
	Jesus Came to Save That Which Was Lost - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of repentance, faith in Jesus, and the transformative power of God's grace. It addresses the prevalence of sin, dishonesty, a
	Restored Glory, the Found Coin by Erlo Stegen	This sermon focuses on the parable of the woman with the lost coin from Luke 15:8-10, highlighting the value God places on each individual and the joy in heaven over one sinner who
	The Life of a Man Who Lost Something by David Ravenhill	This sermon focuses on the story of a man who lost his axe head and the process of restoration, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging where we have lost our spiritual cutting
	The Parables of Jesus by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righte