Luke 5:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:8 mean?

Luke 5:8 shows Simon Peter reacting to an extraordinary catch of fish by recognizing the distance between himself and Jesus. Instead of celebrating the catch, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and speaks of his own sinfulness.

Peter’s position at Jesus’ knees pictures a man brought low by what he has seen. His request, “Depart from me,” expresses how unfit he feels to be near Jesus at that moment.

The Greek behind Luke 5:8

• “sinful” — ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos): This word describes someone who does wrong. Peter applies it to himself as a person, rather than naming one particular action.
• “Lord” — κύριος (kyrios): This word can mean “master” or “lord” and can be used as a respectful form of address. Here Peter uses it to address Jesus directly as he asks him to leave.

Why Luke 5:8 matters

• Peter’s reaction is tied to the catch, not to an ordinary day of fishing. Luke says that Peter “saw it,” and the next verse explains that he and his companions were astonished at the number of fish.
• Peter’s request is not the end of the exchange. In Luke 5:10, Jesus tells Peter not to be afraid and says that from then on he will “catch men,” shifting the picture from gathering fish to gathering people.
• The verse gives a personal response within a shared experience. Others are astonished too, but Luke records Peter’s own words and his action at Jesus’ knees.