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 15:9KJVWhat 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.