Luke 5:1-11
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IOnce while Jesus wasII standingIII beside the LakeIV of GennesaretV and the crowdVI

Notes on verse 1a

I {untranslated} = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
II “was” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
III “standing” = histemi. This is to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast.
IV “Lake” = limne. 11x in NT. Probably from limen (harbor, haven). This is a lake or small pond. It is used for earthly lakes as well as the lake of fire in Revelation.
V “Gennesaret” = Gennesaret. 3x in NT. From Hebrew Kinaroth (lyre, maybe harp-shaped; root may mean to twang). This is west of the Sea of Galilee.
VI “crowd” = ochlos. Perhaps from echo (to have, hold, possess). This is a crowd, the common people, a rabble. Figuratively, it can refer to a riot.

was pressing in onVII him to hearVIII the wordIX of God,X 

Notes on verse 1b

VII “pressing in on” = epikeimai. 7x in NT. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + keimai (to lie, recline, be placed, lie outstretched, be appointed). This is to lie up, impose, insist, oblige, press on.
VIII “hear” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
IX “word” = logos. From lego (to speak, tell, mention). This is word, statement, speech, analogy. It is a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying. It could refer to a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words. By implication, this could be a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive. It can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ.
X “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

he sawXI twoXII boatsXIII thereXIV at the shore of the lake;

Notes on verse 2a

XI “saw” = horao. To see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience. Properly, to stare at and so implying clear discernment. This, by extension, would indicate attending to what was seen and learned. This is to see, often with a metaphorical sense. Can include inward spiritual seeing.
XII “two” = duo. This is two or both.
XIII “boats” = ploion. From pleo (to sail, voyage); probably from pluno (to plunge – so to wash); from pluo (to flow). This is a boat, ship, or vessel.
XIV “there” = histemi. Same as “standing” in v1. See note III above.

the fishermenXV had gotten out ofXVI them and were washingXVII their nets.XVIII 

Notes on verse 2b

XV “fishermen” = halieus. 5x in NT. From hals (salt or a body of salt water). This is a sailor, which implies fishermen. The term is used for those who fish on saltwater and freshwater.
XVI “gotten out of” = apobaino. 4x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + baino (to walk,). This is to go out, become, happen, disembark.
XVII “washing” = pluno. Related to “boats” in v2. 3x in NT. See note XIII above.
XVIII “nets” = diktuon. 12x in NT. From dikein (to cast); probably from diko (to cast). A fishing net or any net used in hunting.

He gotXIX into oneXX of the boats, the one belonging toXXI Simon,XXII

Notes on verse 3a

XIX “got” = embaino. Related to “gotten out of” in v2. 17x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + baino (see note XVI above). This is to step onto – embark on a boat.
XX “one” = heis. This is one, a person, only, some.
XXI “belonging to” = eimi. Same as “was” in v1. See note II above.
XXII “Simon” = Simonos. From Hebrew Shimon (Simon – Jacob’s son and his tribe); from shama (to hear, often implying attention and obedience). This is Simon, meaning “he who hears.”

and askedXXIII him to put outXXIV a little wayXXV from the shore.XXVI

Notes on verse 3b

XXIII “asked” = erotao. From eromai (to ask) OR from ereo (to say, tell, call, speak of). This is asking a question or making an earnest request. It is used between someone with whom the asker is close in some sense. So, they anticipate special consideration for their request.
XXIV “put out” = epanago. From epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + anago (to lead up, offer, produce, set sail); {from ana (up, again, back, among, anew) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, drive, go)}. This is to sail off from shore, to sail to deeper waters, to depart, return.
XXV “little way” = oligos. This is few or small – it can be a short time or extent, low light, amount, or worth.
XXVI “shore” = ge. This is earth, land, soil, region, country, the inhabitants of an area.

Then he sat downXXVII and taughtXXVIII the crowds from the boat. When he had finishedXXIX speaking,

Notes on verses 3c-4a

XXVII “sat down” = kathizo. From kathezomai (to sit down, be seated); {from kata (down, against, according to, among) + hezomai (to sit); {from aphedron (a seat, a base)}}. This is to sit, set, appoint, stay, rest.
XXVIII “taught” = didasko. From dao (learn). This is to teach, direct, instruct, or impart knowledge. In the New Testament, this is almost always used for teaching scripture.
XXIX “finished” = pauo. 15x in NT. To stop, refrain, pause, restrain, quit, or come to an end.

he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep waterXXX and let downXXXI your nets for a catch.”XXXII 

Notes on verse 4b

XXX “deep water” = bathos. 8x in NT. From bathus (deep in a literal or figurative sense); from the same root as basis (step, foot). This is depth, fullness, profundity, or immensity. This is where the term “bathysphere” comes from, but not the English word “bath.”
XXXI “let down” = chalao. 7x in NT. Perhaps from the base of chasma (gap, gulf, chasm, open space); from chasko (to gape, yawn). This is let down, slacken, loosen.
XXXII “catch” = agra. Related to “put out” in v3. Probably akin to agros (a field as a place where one grows crops or pastures cattle; a farm or lands); from ago (see note XXIV above). This is a catch or hunting.

Simon answered, “Master,XXXIII we have workedXXXIV allXXXV night long but have caughtXXXVI nothing.

Notes on verse 5a

XXXIII “Master” = epistates. Related to “standing” in v1. 7x in NT– all in Luke. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + histemi (see note III above). This is a master, teacher, or commander. It is one who is in charge or who has authority.
XXXIV “worked” = kopiao. From kopos (labor that leads to exhaustion, depletion, weariness, fatigue; working until worn out); from kopto (to cut, strike, cut off; beating the chest to lament and so to mourn). This is working with effort, whether of the body or mind, growing weary, feeling tired, working hard.
XXXV “all” = holos. This is whole, complete, or entire. It is a state where every member is present and functioning in concert. This is the root of the word “whole.”
XXXVI “caught” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.

Yet if you say so,XXXVII I will let down the nets.” When they had doneXXXVIII this, they caughtXXXIX

Notes on verses 5b-6a

XXXVII “say so” = rhema. Literally, “at your word.” Related to “asked” in v3. From rheo (to speak, command, make, say, speak of); from ereo (see note XXIII above). This is word, which implies a matter or thing spoken, a command, report, promise, thing, or business. Often used for narration, commands, or disputes.
XXXVIII “done” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.
XXXIX “caught” = sugkleio. 4x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + kleio (to close, lock, shut). This is to shut in, enclose, shut up completely. It can also mean to make subject to.

so manyXL fishXLI that their nets were beginningXLII to burst.XLIII 

Notes on verse 6b

XL “many” = plethos. From pletho (to fill, accomplish, supply; to fill to maximum capacity). This is fullness, multitude, great number.
XLI “fish” = ichthus. This means fish. It was also an early, secret Christian symbol – the “sign of the fish.” It was short for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in Greek. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthys
XLII {untranslated} = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.
XLIII “burst” = diarresso. 5x in NT. From dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + rhegnumi (to break, burst, wreak, crack, break apart). This is to tear apart or burst.

So they signaledXLIV their partnersXLV in the otherXLVI boat

Notes on verse 7a

XLIV “signaled” = kataneuo. 1x in NT. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + neuo (to nod, to signal). This is to nod the head as a signal, to nod down at someone in order to beckon them.
XLV “partners” = metochos. Related to “crowd” in v1. 6x in NT. From metecho (to share in, participate, belong, eat or drink, be a member); {from meta (with, among, behind, beyond) + echo (see note VI above)}. This is a partner, one who actively shares with, associate.
XLVI “other” = heteros. This is other, another, different, strange. It is another of a different kind in contrast to the Greek word allos, which is another of the same kind. This could be a different quality, type, or group.

to comeXLVII and helpXLVIII them. And they came and filledXLIX both boats, so that they began to sink.L 

Notes on verse 7b

XLVII “come” = erchomai. This is to come or go.
XLVIII “help” = sullambano. Related to “caught” in v5. 16x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + lambano (see note XXXVI above). This is to take, take part in, conceive, help. It can also be clasp or seize as to arrest or take hold of someone.
XLIX “filled” = pleitho. This is to fill to the highest level possible – to accomplish, supply, or complete.
L “sink” = buthizo. Related to “deep water” in v4. From buthos (deep, bottom, deep sea); {akin to bathos (see note XXX above). This is to plunge, submerge, or sink.

But when Simon PeterLI saw it, he fell downLII at Jesus’sLIII knees, saying,LIV

Notes on verse 8a

LI “Peter” = Petros. Related to petra (large rock that is connected and or projecting like a rock, ledge, or cliff; can also be cave or stony ground). This is Peter, a stone, pebble, or boulder.
LII “fell down” = prospipto. 8x in NT. From pros (at, to, toward, with) + pipto (to fall in a literal or figurative sense). This is to fall on or fall before. It can be a violent attack, bowing before, or beat against.
LIII “Jesus’s” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
LIV “saying” = lego. Related to “word” in v1. See note IX above.

“Go awayLV from me, Lord,LVI for I am a sinfulLVII man!”LVIII 

Notes on verse 8b

LV “go away” = exerchomai. Related to “come” in v7. From ek (from, from out of) + erchomai (see note XLVII above). This is to go out, depart, escape, proceed from, spread news abroad.
LVI “Lord” = Kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.
LVII “sinful” = hamartolos. From hamartano (to miss the mark, do wrong, make a mistake, sin); {from a (not) + meros (a part or share)}. This is sinning, sinful, sinner. It referred to missing the mark or falling short. The term was also used in archery for missing the target.
LVIII “man” = aner. This is man, male, husband, or fellow. It can also refer to an individual.

For he and allLIX who were with him were astoundedLX at the catch of fish that they had taken,LXI 

Notes on verse 9

LIX “all” = pas. This is all or every.
LX “were astounded” = thambosperiecho. Literally, “amazement took hold.” Thambos is 3x in NT– 2x in Luke and 1x in Acts. Akin to tapho (dumbfounded). This is amazement, wonder, being stunned or dumbfounded because something unusual happened. It can be positive or negative. Periecho is 2x in NT. From peri (all-around, encompassing, excess) + echo (see note VI above). This is to surround, contain.
LXI “taken” = sullambano. Same as “help” in v11. See note XLVIII above.

10 andLXII so also were JamesLXIII and John,LXIV sonsLXV of Zebedee,LXVI

Notes on verse 10a

LXII {untranslated} = homoios. From the same as homou (together); from homos (the same). This is similar to, resembling, like.
LXIII “James” = Iakobos. From Hebrew Yaaqob (Jacob); from the same as aqeb (heel, hind part, hoof, rear guard of an army, one who lies in wait, usurper). This is James, meaning heel grabber or usurper.
LXIV “John” = Ioannes. Related to “Jesus” in v8. From Hebrew yochanan (Johanan); from Yehochanan (“the Lord has been gracious”); {from YHVH (see note LIII above)} + chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is John, meaning “the Lord has been gracious.”
LXV “sons” = huios. This is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship.
LXVI “Zebedee” = Zebedaios. Related to “Jesus” in v8 & “John” in v10. 12x in NT. From Hebrew zebadyah (Zebadiah, “The Lord has bestowed”); {from Zabad (to bestow, confer, endure) + Yah (God, the Lord; a shortening of the sacred name of the God of Israel); {from YHVH (see note LIII above)}. This is Zebedee, meaning “the Lord has bestowed.”

who were partnersLXVII with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;LXVIII from now on you will be catchingLXIX people.”LXX 

Notes on verse 10b

LXVII “partners” = koinonos. 10x in NT. From koinonoia (sharing in common so it is fellowship, participation, communion, and aid that comes from the community); from koinos (common, shared, unclean, ritually profane); probably from sun (with, together with). This is partner, companion, partaker, sharer.
LXVIII “be afraid” = phobeo. From phobos (panic flight, fear, fear being caused, terror, alarm, that which causes fear, reverence, respect); from phebomai (to flee, withdraw, be put to flight). This is also to put to flight, terrify, frighten, dread, reverence, to withdraw or avoid. It is sometimes used in a positive sense to mean the fear of the Lord, echoing Old Testament language. More commonly, it is fear of following God’s path. This is where the word phobia comes from.
LXIX “catching” = zogreo. Related to “put out” in v3 & “catch” in v4. 2x in NT. From zoon (an animal, something alive, creature); {from zoos (alive); from zao (to live literally or figuratively)} + agreuo (to catch or capture or trap as an act of hunting); {from agra (see note XXXII above)}. This is something caught alive or taken captive. So, it could be an animal in a trap or a prisoner of war.
LXX “people” = anthropos. Related to “man” in v8 & “saw” in v2. Probably from aner (see note LVIII above) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (see note XI above)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.

11 When they had broughtLXXI their boats to shore, they leftLXXII everythingLXXIII and followedLXXIV him.

Notes on verse 11

LXXI “brought” = katago. Related to “put out” in v3 & “catch” in v4 & “catching” in v10. 9x in NT. From kata (down, against, according to, among) + ago (see note XXXII above). This is to bring or lead down. It could be from higher to lower ground or from out to sea closer to the land.
LXXII “left” = aphiemi. From apo (from, away from) + hiemi (to send). This is send away, release, permit, forgive, allow to depart, discharge, or send forth.
LXXIII “everything” = pas. Same as “all” in v9. See note LIX above.
LXXIV “followed” = akoloutheo. From a (with, fellowship, union) + keleuthos (road, way). This is to accompany or follow someone, especially the way a disciple does.


Image credit: “Jesus Calls his First Disciples” by LUMO Project.