And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

LUKE 5:10KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 5:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:10 mean?

Luke 5:10 shows Jesus telling Simon (Peter) not to be afraid, because from that moment on, Simon will be "catching" people instead of fish. Jesus is calling Simon, along with James and John, to a new purpose: inviting people into God's kingdom.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to Simon Peter after a miraculous catch of fish, with James and John (the sons of Zebedee) also present as Simon’s business partners. The phrase "catch men" uses the everyday work of fishing as a picture for reaching out to people. Jesus is reassuring Simon, who may feel overwhelmed or unworthy, and is giving him a new role that goes beyond his old job.

The Greek behind Luke 5:10

  • "Catch" (ζωγρέω, zōgreō): This Greek word means to catch alive, not just to trap or kill. Here, it suggests bringing people into a new, living relationship rather than simply gathering them in.
  • "Men" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): This word means people in general, not just males, showing that the call is broad and inclusive.
  • "Fear not" (μὴ φοβοῦ, mē phobou): Jesus uses a gentle command, often spoken by God or angels in the Bible, to calm someone who is anxious or awestruck.

Why Luke 5:10 matters

  • Luke 5:10 makes it clear that Jesus’s call is not just for religious leaders, but for ordinary working people like fishermen, showing that anyone can be invited to join his mission.
  • The verse connects the miracle of the fish with the new mission Jesus gives, helping readers see that God can use everyday skills and experiences for a greater purpose.
  • The reassurance "Fear not" highlights that Jesus understands people’s fears and uncertainties when facing big changes, and he offers comfort along with his calling.

Where else these words appear

“catch” Greek G2221 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

“partners” Greek G2844 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
  • Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

“Zebedee” Greek G2199 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
  • Mark 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

“so” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.