I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

LUKE 5:32KJV
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Luke 5:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:32 mean?

Luke 5:32 records Jesus saying that he did not come to invite those who see themselves as righteous, but rather to call sinners to turn away from their wrongdoings. The focus is on Jesus’ purpose: reaching out to those who know they need help and change, not those who believe they are already good enough.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to criticism from religious leaders who questioned why he was eating with tax collectors and others seen as morally questionable. Jesus explains that his mission is to seek out people who recognize their faults and are willing to change, rather than those who think they have nothing to repent of.

The Greek behind Luke 5:32

  • ἁμαρτωλούς (hamartōlous, “sinners”): This word refers to people who are seen as missing the mark or falling short, not just in a legal sense but in their relationship with God. Jesus’ use of this word highlights that his call is for those aware of their shortcomings.
  • μετάνοιαν (metanoian, “repentance”): This word means a change of mind or heart, often understood as turning away from past behavior. Jesus is not just calling people to feel sorry, but to truly change direction in life.
  • καλέσαι (kalesai, “to call”): The Greek here carries the sense of inviting or summoning. Jesus is actively reaching out, not just passively waiting for people to come to him.

Why Luke 5:32 matters

  • Luke 5:32 clarifies that Jesus’ message is especially for those who know they need forgiveness and are open to transformation, not for those who are self-satisfied.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that Jesus avoided people considered “bad” by society; instead, he intentionally sought them out.
  • The statement ties into the larger theme in Luke’s Gospel of God’s concern for the outcast and the humble, showing that no one is beyond the reach of grace if they are willing to change.

Where else these words appear

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“sinners” Greek G268 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
  • John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“call” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.