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 18:13KJV
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Matthew 18:13 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“nine” Greek G1768 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
  • Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
  • 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.

“went” Greek G4105 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
  • John 7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

“rejoiceth” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“more” Greek G3123 · used in 81 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.