And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

LUKE 15:9KJV
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Luke 15:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:9 mean?

Luke 15:9 describes a woman who, after finding a lost coin, calls her friends and neighbors together to celebrate with her, saying, “Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.” The verse shows the joy and relief that comes from recovering something valuable that was lost.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, he is telling a story to a crowd that includes both religious leaders and ordinary people. The woman’s reaction—gathering others to share her happiness—highlights how significant the recovery is to her. The verse sets up a picture of communal joy, not just private satisfaction, and points to the value of what was lost being found.

The Greek behind Luke 15:9

  • The word for "rejoice" is συγχαίρω (synchairō), which means to rejoice together or to share in someone’s joy. This shows that the woman is not just happy herself but wants others to join in her celebration.
  • The word for "friends" is φίλος (philos), meaning close companions or loved ones, and "neighbors" is γείτων (geitōn), meaning people who live nearby. The use of both terms suggests she invites a wide circle, emphasizing that the joy is meant to be shared broadly.
  • The verb for "calleth together" is συγκαλέω (synkaleō), which means to summon or invite together. This highlights the intentional act of gathering people for a communal response, not just a casual mention.

Why Luke 15:9 matters

  • Luke 15:9 helps clarify that the parable is about more than just finding lost property; it is about the deep joy that comes when something precious is restored, which Jesus later connects to the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
  • The verse emphasizes the social aspect of joy—how important it is to share good news and celebration with others, not just keep it private.
  • By including both friends and neighbors, the story shows that the restoration of what was lost is significant to the whole community, not just the individual. This prepares the listener for the broader spiritual point Jesus is making in the parable.

Where else these words appear

“piece” Greek G1406 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

“neighbours” Greek G1069 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
  • Luke 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
  • John 9:8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

“Rejoice” Greek G4796 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
  • Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

“calleth” Greek G4779 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Luke 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
  • Acts 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.