And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
MATTHEW 18:13KJVWhat does Matthew 18:13 mean?
Matthew 18:13 says that if a shepherd finds a lost sheep, he feels more joy over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that never wandered off. The verse highlights the special happiness that comes from recovering something—or someone—that was lost.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, using the picture of a shepherd and his sheep to make a point about caring for those who have gone astray. The context is a discussion about humility and looking after "little ones" or those considered insignificant. The verse emphasizes the value and joy in restoring even one person who has wandered away.
The Greek behind Matthew 18:13
- χαίρει (chairei, "rejoiceth"): This word means to rejoice or be glad. The Greek here stresses a deep, personal joy, not just a mild happiness, showing the shepherd’s heartfelt response.
- πλανηθέν (planēthén, "went astray"): This word means to wander or go astray. It often carries the sense of being lost or led away, underlining the seriousness of the sheep’s situation and the relief in its recovery.
- ἐπὶ (epi, "of" or "over"): This preposition is used here to show the focus of the shepherd’s joy—specifically directed toward the one sheep found, rather than the group that stayed.
Why Matthew 18:13 matters
- Matthew 18:13 helps clear up the idea that God’s concern is only for the majority or those who never stray; instead, it highlights individual worth and the special attention given to the lost.
- The verse connects to the wider passage about humility and care for the vulnerable, showing that no one is overlooked or unimportant.
- This verse sets up the following teaching about reconciliation and forgiveness, making clear that restoration brings great joy and is at the heart of Jesus’ message.