And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

LUKE 15:2KJV
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Luke 15:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:2 mean?

Luke 15:2 describes how the Pharisees and scribes complained that Jesus was welcoming people they considered sinners and even sharing meals with them. This verse shows their disapproval and surprise at Jesus’ willingness to associate closely with those seen as morally or religiously unclean.

The scene takes place as Jesus is gathering with tax collectors and others who were often looked down upon in Jewish society. The Pharisees and scribes, who were respected religious leaders, are speaking among themselves, expressing criticism. Their reaction sets the stage for Jesus to respond with parables about God’s joy over the lost being found, highlighting a key theme in this chapter.

The Greek behind Luke 15:2

  • "ἐδέχετο" (edecheto, transliterated as "receiveth"): This Greek word often means to welcome or accept, not just to tolerate. The sense is that Jesus was actively receiving these people, not merely allowing them to be present.
  • "ἁμαρτωλούς" (hamartōlous, transliterated as "sinners"): In this context, the word refers to those seen as failing to keep the religious laws, not just people who did wrong in general. The label was socially loaded, marking people as outsiders.
  • "συναναλίσκει" (synanaliskei, transliterated as "eateth with them"): This word means to eat together, which in that culture implied friendship, acceptance, and shared life. Sharing a meal was a sign of close association, not just casual contact.
  • "διαγογγύζον" (diagongyzon, transliterated as "murmured"): This word means to grumble or complain quietly, showing their discontent was not just a passing thought but a real objection.

Why Luke 15:2 matters

  • Luke 15:2 helps explain why Jesus tells the parables that follow, showing they are a direct response to criticism about whom he chooses to welcome.
  • The verse highlights the social and religious barriers of the time, making clear that sharing a meal was seen as a strong statement of acceptance.
  • Understanding the Pharisees’ and scribes’ reaction clarifies the radical nature of Jesus’ actions and teachings about God’s mercy and inclusion.

Where else these words appear

“murmured” Greek G1234 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

“eateth” Greek G4906 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
  • Acts 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

“receiveth” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
  • Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

“sinners” Greek G268 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
  • John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.