Luke 5:32
Luke 5:32 in Multiple Translations
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
I have come, not to get the upright, but sinners, so that they may be turned from their sins.
“I didn't come to call those who are living right to repentance—I came to call sinners.”
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
I came not to call righteous men, but sinners, to reformation.'
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance.
Similarly, I did not come from heaven to invite those who think they are righteous to come to me. On the contrary, I came to invite those who know that they are sinners to turn from their sinful behavior and come to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 5:32
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Luke 5:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Luke 5:32
Study Notes — Luke 5:32
- Context
- Cross References
- Luke 5:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Luke 5:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 5:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 5:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 5:32
- Cambridge Bible on Luke 5:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Luke 5:32
- Sermons on Luke 5:32
Context — Jesus Calls Levi
32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
33Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” 34Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 2 | Luke 15:10 | In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 1:15–16 | This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. |
| 4 | Luke 15:7 | In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. |
| 5 | Acts 3:19 | Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, |
| 6 | Luke 24:47 | and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. |
| 7 | Isaiah 55:6–7 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 8 | Luke 4:18–19 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” |
| 9 | Luke 18:10–14 | “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 10 | 2 Peter 3:9 | The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. |
Luke 5:32 Summary
Jesus came to call people who know they are sinners to turn away from their sins and follow Him. He didn't come for people who think they are already good enough, like the Pharisees. This means that no matter how bad we've been, we can always come to Jesus for forgiveness and a new start (as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8). Jesus loves us just the way we are, but He also wants to change us to be more like Him, and that's what repentance is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'righteous' Jesus is referring to in this verse?
The 'righteous' Jesus is referring to are those who consider themselves to be righteous in their own eyes, like the Pharisees, who thought they were already good enough to be accepted by God without needing repentance, as seen in Luke 18:9-14 and Matthew 9:10-13.
What does Jesus mean by 'sinners' in this context?
By 'sinners', Jesus is referring to those who are aware of their sinful condition and are in need of forgiveness and repentance, as seen in Luke 18:13 and 1 Timothy 1:15.
Is Jesus saying that some people are already righteous and don't need to repent?
No, Jesus is not saying that some people are already righteous and don't need to repent, but rather that those who think they are righteous are often the ones who are most in need of repentance, as seen in Matthew 9:12-13 and Romans 3:23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?
This verse highlights the fact that salvation is not for those who think they are already good enough, but for those who recognize their sinfulness and need for repentance, as seen in Acts 2:38 and Ephesians 2:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be pretending to be 'righteous' when in fact I need to repent?
- How can I, like Jesus, reach out to those who are considered 'sinners' and show them the love and forgiveness of God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a humble and repentant heart, recognizing my own sinfulness and need for God's forgiveness?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of who is acceptable to God and who is not?
Gill's Exposition on Luke 5:32
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 5:32
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 5:32
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 5:32
Cambridge Bible on Luke 5:32
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 5:32
Sermons on Luke 5:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Whatever Happened to Repentance? by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t |
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Free Grace by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowle |
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Whatever Happened to Repentance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t |
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Through the Bible - Genesis - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jacob's love for Rachel and how it inspired him to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. He shares his personal testimony of serving t |
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John Wesley & Christian Zeal by Geoffrey Thomas | In this sermon transcript, the preacher, John Wesley, announces his text from Isaiah 53, emphasizing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Despite initially preaching |
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(Am I Saved?) 3- Except Ye Repent by Michael Pearl | In this sermon, Michael Pearl emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. He challenges the listeners to examine their hearts and question whether |
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I Came Not to Call Righteous by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth of God's word and acknowledging our own wrong thinking. He urges listeners to be open to God's messa |






