Luke 5:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:27 mean?

Luke 5:27 describes Jesus noticing a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax booth and inviting him to become his follower with the words, “Follow me.” This verse marks the moment Jesus calls someone from an unpopular profession to join him.

Jesus is the one speaking in this verse, and he addresses Levi, who is also known as Matthew in other parts of the New Testament. The setting is a public place where Levi is working as a tax collector, a job often disliked by the Jewish people because it involved working for the Roman authorities. Jesus’s invitation to Levi shows that he reaches out to people from all walks of life, even those seen as outsiders or unpopular in society.

The Greek behind Luke 5:27

• The word translated “publican” is τελώνης (telōnēs), which means a tax collector. In the context of first-century Judea, this role was often associated with corruption and collaboration with the occupying Romans, making Levi’s call significant.
• The phrase “Follow me” uses the Greek word ἀκολούθει (akolouthei), which is a command meaning to come after or accompany someone. Here, it is a personal summons from Jesus, not just to walk with him, but to become his disciple and share in his mission.

Why Luke 5:27 matters

• Luke 5:27 highlights that Jesus intentionally calls people who are often rejected or looked down upon by society, emphasizing the inclusive nature of his ministry.
• This verse sets up the story that follows, where Levi responds to Jesus’s call and hosts a meal for him, showing immediate and public commitment.
• Understanding the background of tax collectors in that time helps clarify why this moment would have been surprising and even controversial to those who witnessed it.