And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

LUKE 5:3KJV
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Luke 5:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:3 mean?

Luke 5:3 describes Jesus stepping into Simon’s boat, asking Simon to move it a little away from the shore, and then sitting down to teach the crowd from the boat. This verse shows Jesus using the boat as a practical way to address the people gathered on the shore.

In this scene, Jesus is by the Lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee), and a large crowd is pressing in to hear Him. Simon (also called Peter) owns one of the boats. Jesus chooses Simon’s boat, asks for a bit of distance from the land, and then teaches while seated, which was the usual posture for a teacher in that time. This detail sets up the relationship between Jesus and Simon that unfolds in the following verses.

The Greek behind Luke 5:3

  • πλοῖον (ploion, "ship" or "boat"): This word refers to a small fishing vessel, not a large ship. Knowing this helps picture the scene more accurately—Jesus is not far from the crowd, just a short distance offshore.
  • παρεκάλεσεν (parekalesen, "prayed him" or "asked him"): The Greek verb here often means to ask or urge, not to pray in the sense of worship. Jesus is making a polite, practical request of Simon, not offering a prayer.
  • ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς (epanagagein oligon apo tēs gēs, "thrust out a little from the land"): The phrase means to move the boat just a short distance from shore, emphasizing that Jesus wanted some space to teach but still be heard by the crowd.

Why Luke 5:3 matters

  • Luke 5:3 shows Jesus using everyday settings and objects—like a fishing boat—to connect with people and teach them, making His message accessible.
  • This verse highlights Simon’s willingness to cooperate with Jesus, which becomes important as their relationship develops in the following verses.
  • The detail of Jesus sitting down to teach underlines His role as a recognized teacher (rabbi), and the practical arrangement helps the crowd hear Him better, showing thoughtfulness in how He communicates.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G1877 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 21:18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

“entered” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“little” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“down” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.