And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

LUKE 5:2KJV
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Luke 5:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:2 mean?

Luke 5:2 describes how Jesus saw two boats by the lake, with the fishermen not in them because they were nearby cleaning their nets. The verse sets the scene for what happens next, showing that the fishermen had finished working and were tending to their equipment on shore.

This moment takes place at the Lake of Gennesaret (also known as the Sea of Galilee). Jesus is present, and the fishermen—who will soon become his disciples—are busy with the routine task of washing their nets after a night of fishing. The detail about the empty boats and the fishermen cleaning their nets highlights that their workday is over, making what follows more unexpected.

The Greek behind Luke 5:2

  • "πλοῖα" (ploia, "ships" or "boats"): The Greek word refers to small fishing boats, not large ships, which fits the setting of local fishermen on the lake.
  • "ἁλιεῖς" (halieis, "fishermen"): This word specifically points to people whose trade is fishing, emphasizing their profession and daily life.
  • "πλύνω" (plynō, "washing"): The Greek word for "washing" here means to thoroughly clean, not just rinse, showing the care and routine involved in maintaining fishing nets after use.

Why Luke 5:2 matters

  • This verse shows the ordinary, everyday lives of the fishermen before Jesus calls them, grounding the story in real, relatable work.
  • The detail about washing nets signals that the fishermen were done for the day, making Jesus’ upcoming request for them to go out again more surprising and significant.
  • Luke 5:2 prepares the reader for the calling of the first disciples, highlighting their situation and readiness for something new to happen.

Where else these words appear

“gone” Greek G576 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
  • Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

“fishermen” Greek G231 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
  • Mark 1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

“lake” Greek G3041 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
  • Luke 8:33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
  • Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

“nets” Greek G1350 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
  • Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.