And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

LUKE 5:7KJV
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Luke 5:7 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:7 mean?

Luke 5:7 describes how Simon Peter and his companions, overwhelmed by the huge catch of fish, signaled to their partners in another boat to come help them, and together they filled both boats so full that they began to sink. This verse shows the extraordinary abundance of fish that came as a result of Jesus’ instruction, far beyond what the fishermen could handle alone.

In this scene, Simon Peter and his crew are professional fishermen who have just experienced a miraculous catch after following Jesus’ direction. The word “beckoned” suggests they urgently signaled for help, likely with gestures rather than words, because of the distance or noise. The fact that both boats began to sink highlights the sheer scale of the catch, setting the stage for the awe and realization that follows in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 5:7

  • “Beckoned” (κατένευσαν, kateneusan): This word means to signal or make a gesture, often silently. The use of this word suggests urgency and perhaps distance, as the fishermen had to get their partners’ attention quickly.
  • “Partners” (μετόχοις, metochois): This term refers to business associates or those who share in an enterprise. It shows that fishing was a cooperative effort, and these were not just friends but fellow workers with a shared stake in the catch.
  • “Filled” (ἐπλήρωσαν, eplērosan): The Greek word here means to fill up completely. The detail emphasizes that the boats were not just loaded, but packed to the point of almost sinking, underlining the miraculous abundance.

Why Luke 5:7 matters

  • Luke 5:7 helps readers see the scale of the miracle, making it clear this was not just a large catch, but an overwhelming, almost dangerous abundance.
  • The verse shows the teamwork and partnership among the fishermen, highlighting that the blessing affected more than just Peter’s boat.
  • This moment sets up the response of awe and humility in the verses that follow, helping readers understand why Simon Peter reacts so strongly to Jesus’ presence.

Where else these words appear

“sink” Greek G1036 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“partners” Greek G3353 · used in 6 verses

  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
  • Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
  • Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

“both” Greek G297 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
  • Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

“help” Greek G4815 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)