And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

LUKE 15:5KJV
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Luke 15:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:5 mean?

Luke 15:5 describes how, after finding the lost sheep, the shepherd lifts it onto his shoulders and celebrates with joy. This verse shows the shepherd’s personal care and happiness at recovering what was lost.

In this part of the story, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes both religious leaders and ordinary people. He uses the image of a shepherd searching for a lost sheep to illustrate how much value and joy there is in recovering even one who has gone astray. The shepherd’s action of carrying the sheep himself highlights a sense of responsibility and affection.

The Greek behind Luke 15:5

  • "ἐπιτίθησιν" (epitithēsin, "layeth"): This word means to place or put upon, and here it emphasizes the shepherd’s deliberate action in lifting the sheep onto his own shoulders, not just leading it back.
  • "ὤμους" (ōmous, "shoulders"): The use of the plural "shoulders" suggests the shepherd is carrying the sheep securely and with effort, showing care and commitment.
  • "χαίρων" (chairōn, "rejoicing"): This word carries the sense of genuine gladness or delight, stressing that the shepherd’s response is not just relief but real joy at finding the sheep.

Why Luke 15:5 matters

  • Luke 15:5 helps clear up the idea that God’s response to someone returning is merely duty or obligation; instead, the shepherd’s joy is personal and heartfelt.
  • The verse connects to the wider parable by showing that each individual is precious, and their recovery is cause for celebration, not resentment.
  • By describing the shepherd carrying the sheep himself, Luke 15:5 highlights the active, compassionate role of the one seeking the lost, rather than leaving the burden to the lost one alone.

Where else these words appear

“shoulders” Greek G5606 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

“layeth” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

“rejoicing” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.