And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

LUKE 5:31KJV
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Luke 5:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:31 mean?

Luke 5:31 records Jesus saying that people who are healthy do not need a doctor, but those who are sick do. Jesus uses this simple comparison to explain why he spends time with people considered "sinners" or outsiders.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to religious leaders who question why he eats with tax collectors and others seen as morally questionable. By comparing himself to a physician, Jesus highlights his mission to help those who recognize their need for spiritual healing, not those who believe they are already "whole" or righteous.

The Greek behind Luke 5:31

  • "Whole" (ὑγιαίνοντες, hygiainontes) is often understood as "healthy" or "sound." Jesus is describing those who see themselves as spiritually well and not in need of help.
  • "Physician" (ἰατρός, iatros) means a medical doctor. Jesus uses this word for himself, showing his role as someone who brings healing, not just physical but spiritual.
  • "Sick" (κακῶς ἔχοντες, kakōs echontes) literally means "those who are badly off" or "those who are ill." This points to people who are aware of their brokenness or need.

Why Luke 5:31 matters

  • Luke 5:31 clears up the idea that Jesus avoided "bad" people; instead, he intentionally reached out to those who knew they needed help.
  • The verse emphasizes that self-righteousness can blind people to their need for what Jesus offers, while those who admit their need are open to his message.
  • This statement sets the stage for the next verse, where Jesus explains his purpose even more directly: to call sinners, not the righteous, to repentance.

Where else these words appear

“physician” Greek G2395 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
  • Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

“whole” Greek G5198 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
  • 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
  • Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

“sick” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.