Luke 15:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:3 mean?

Luke 15:3 introduces the beginning of a story Jesus tells, called a parable, directed at the people listening to him. The verse simply states that Jesus spoke this parable to them, setting up what follows in the next verses.

In this setting, Jesus is speaking to a mixed crowd that includes religious leaders and ordinary people. The verse acts as a transition, signaling that what Jesus is about to say is important and meant for those present to hear and consider. The word "parable" points to a teaching style where a story is used to make a deeper point, often about God's character or how people should live.

The Greek behind Luke 15:3

• παραβολή (parabolē): This word, transliterated as "parable," refers to a story or illustration used to teach a lesson. In the context of Luke 15, it signals that Jesus is about to use a story to communicate a spiritual truth in a way that invites the listeners to think more deeply.
• πρὸς (pros): This word, meaning "to" or "toward," shows that Jesus is intentionally directing his teaching to the people gathered around him, not just speaking generally.

Why Luke 15:3 matters

• Luke 15:3 marks the start of a series of well-known parables, including the parable of the lost sheep, which are central to understanding Jesus’s message about God’s care for those who are lost or marginalized.
• The verse highlights that Jesus’s teaching is purposeful and directed at his audience, especially in response to criticism from religious leaders in the previous verses.
• Recognizing that a parable is about to be told helps the reader approach the next verses with an expectation of deeper meaning, rather than just a simple story.