New International VersionWhen they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
New Living TranslationAnd this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
English Standard VersionAnd when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
Berean Standard BibleWhen they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking.
King James BibleAnd when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
New King James VersionAnd when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
New American Standard BibleAnd when they had done this, they caught a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to tear;
NASB 1995When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break;
NASB 1977And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break;
Legacy Standard BibleAnd when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish. And their nets began to break;
Amplified BibleWhen they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking;
Christian Standard BibleWhen they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear.
American Standard VersionAnd when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking;
Contemporary English VersionThey did this and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart.
English Revised VersionAnd when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter the men had done this, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear.
Good News TranslationThey let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break.
International Standard VersionAfter the men had done this, they caught so many fish that the nets began to tear.
NET BibleWhen they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear.
New Heart English BibleWhen they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke.
Weymouth New TestamentThis they did, and enclosed a vast number of fish; and their nets began to break. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their net began to tear.
World English BibleWhen they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net was breaking,
Berean Literal BibleAnd having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking.
Young's Literal Translation And having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net was breaking,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net broke through; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when they had done this, they enclosed such a copious multitude of fish that their net was rupturing.
New American BibleWhen they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they had done this, they inclosed a great many fish; and their net was breaking.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when they had done this, they caught very many fish and the net was breaking. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when they had done this, they inclosed a great number of fishes, and their net began to break;
Godbey New TestamentAnd having done this, they caught a great multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking;
Haweis New TestamentAnd having done so, they inclosed a prodigious multitude of fishes; and their net was broken.
Mace New Testamentwhich being done, they enclosed such a multitude of fish, the net began to break:
Weymouth New TestamentThis they did, and enclosed a vast number of fish; and their nets began to break.
Worrell New TestamentAnd, doing this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking.
Worsley New TestamentAnd when they had done this, they inclosed a multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The First Disciples… 5“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” 6Whenthey had doneso,they caughtsuch a largenumberof fishthattheirnetsbegan to tear.7So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.…
Cross References John 21:6He told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
Matthew 4:19“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Mark 1:17“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
John 21:11So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn.
Matthew 13:47-48Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. / When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away.
John 6:9-13“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” / “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them. / Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. ...
John 2:7-9Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. / “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, / and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
Mark 4:39-41Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” / Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Matthew 14:17-20“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. / “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said. / And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ...
John 15:5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Exodus 16:4-5Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. / Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
2 Kings 4:42-44Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.
Genesis 22:14And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
Psalm 107:23-30Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...
Isaiah 55:10-11For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
Treasury of Scripture And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke. they inclosed. 2 Kings 4:3-7 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours,even empty vessels; borrow not a few… Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they bothshall be alike good. John 21:6-11 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes… Jump to Previous BrakeBreakBreakingBrokeBrokenCaughtCommandEnclosedFishFishesGreatHardInclosedMultitudeNetNetsNightPeterQuantityRabbiSeemedWorkedJump to Next BrakeBreakBreakingBrokeBrokenCaughtCommandEnclosedFishFishesGreatHardInclosedMultitudeNetNetsNightPeterQuantityRabbiSeemedWorkedLuke 5 1.Jesus teaches the people out of Peter's ship;4.shows how he will make them fishers of men;12.cleanses the leper;16.prays in the desert;17.heals a paralytic;27.calls Matthew the tax collector;29.eats with sinners, as being the physician of souls;33.foretells the fasting and afflictions of the apostles after his ascension;36.and illustrates the matter by the parable of patches.When they had done soThis phrase indicates obedience to Jesus' command. The disciples, experienced fishermen, had been unsuccessful all night, yet they followed Jesus' instruction to cast their nets again. This act of faith and submission to Jesus' authority is a recurring theme in the Gospels, highlighting the importance of trusting in divine guidance over human expertise. It reflects the broader biblical principle of obedience leading to blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. they caught such a large number of fish
The miraculous catch of fish demonstrates Jesus' divine power over nature and His ability to provide abundantly. This event foreshadows the spiritual abundance and success the disciples will experience as "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The large catch symbolizes the future ingathering of believers into the kingdom of God, aligning with prophecies of a great harvest, such as inIsaiah 60:5. that their nets began to tear
The tearing of the nets signifies the overwhelming nature of the blessing received. It underscores the idea that God's provision often exceeds human capacity and expectations. This imagery can be connected to the parable of the new wine in old wineskins (Luke 5:37), illustrating that new, divine realities require new structures and understanding. The tearing nets also serve as a metaphor for the challenges and responsibilities that come with receiving God's blessings, emphasizing the need for preparedness and faithfulness in stewardship. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is the one who instructs Simon Peter to let down the nets for a catch. 2. Simon PeterA fisherman by trade, Simon Peter is one of Jesus' first disciples. He is initially skeptical but obedient to Jesus' command. 3. The DisciplesOther fishermen who are with Simon Peter, likely including James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who are partners in the fishing business. 4. The Sea of GalileeThe body of water where this miraculous catch of fish takes place. It is a significant location for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. 5. The Miraculous CatchThe event where, following Jesus' instructions, the fishermen catch an overwhelming number of fish, symbolizing abundance and divine provision. Teaching Points Obedience to Christ's CommandSimon Peter's willingness to follow Jesus' instruction, despite his initial doubt, demonstrates the importance of obedience in faith. Even when we are skeptical, following Christ can lead to unexpected blessings. Divine ProvisionThe miraculous catch illustrates God's ability to provide abundantly beyond our expectations. Trusting in God's provision is crucial, especially when our own efforts seem fruitless. Faith in ActionThe event encourages believers to act on their faith. Simon Peter's action, based on Jesus' word, resulted in a tangible miracle. Our faith should lead to action, trusting in God's promises. Partnership in MinistryThe involvement of other disciples highlights the importance of working together in ministry. Just as the disciples needed each other to manage the catch, believers are called to support one another in the work of the Gospel. Recognition of Jesus' AuthorityThe miracle leads to a deeper recognition of Jesus' divine authority. Acknowledging Jesus' lordship in our lives is foundational to our faith journey. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 5:6?
2.How does Luke 5:6 demonstrate the power of obedience to Jesus' commands?
3.What does the miraculous catch in Luke 5:6 reveal about Jesus' divine authority?
4.How can we apply the lesson of faith from Luke 5:6 today?
5.In what ways does Luke 5:6 connect to God's provision in Philippians 4:19?
6.How does Luke 5:6 encourage trust in God's timing and abundance?
7.How does Luke 5:6 demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus' teachings?
8.What historical evidence supports the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:6?
9.How does Luke 5:6 challenge our understanding of divine intervention in daily life?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 5?
11.What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee story?
12.What defines a Christian comfort zone?
13.In Luke 5:1-7, how could professional fishermen fail all night but suddenly catch an overwhelming haul simply by following Jesus' command?
14.John 21:6 - How could the disciples instantly catch such a huge number of fish after being unsuccessful all night, in a way that defies normal fishing practices?What Does Luke 5:6 Mean When they had done so- Luke presents a clear sequence: obedience first, miracle second (Luke 5:4-5). - Simon’s action—lowering the nets after an unproductive night—demonstrates faith that trusts Christ’s word above human experience (Proverbs 3:5-6;Hebrews 11:1). - Similar moments of immediate obedience precede God’s intervention throughout Scripture—Joshua’s march around Jericho (Joshua 6:15-20) and Naaman’s dip in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:14). - The lesson: blessings tied to obedience are not earned but received when we align with the Lord’s command (John 14:15;James 1:25).
they caught such a large number of fish- The catch is not symbolic only; it is a literal haul demonstrating Christ’s authority over creation (Colossians 1:16-17). - Abundance is a recurring sign of God’s gracious provision—manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15-18), Elisha’s multiplied oil (2 Kings 4:1-7), and the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 9:16-17). - Jesus turns emptiness into overflow, reminding believers that “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). - The miracle also prefigures the disciples’ future mission: a vast harvest of souls as they become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19;Acts 2:41).
that their nets began to tear- The tearing nets highlight the sheer magnitude of Christ’s provision; their equipment was insufficient to contain it (Malachi 3:10;Ephesians 3:20). - Human limitations become evident when God moves in power—like wineskins bursting with new wine (Mark 2:22) or boat-loads sinking in the same episode (Luke 5:7). - Strained nets push the disciples toward partnership (“they signaled to their partners,” v. 7), reflecting the body of Christ working together (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). - The incident warns against small expectations; we prepare bigger “nets” through faith, obedience, and cooperation (Isaiah 54:2-3).
summaryLuke 5:6 shows a direct link between obedient faith and divine abundance. When the disciples act on Jesus’ word, He responds with unmistakable, overflowing provision that exceeds human capacity. The literal catch underscores Christ’s lordship over nature and foreshadows an even greater spiritual harvest. Obey His voice, expect His plenty, and be ready to share the load. (6) Their net brake.--Better, their nets were breaking, the tense being the imperfect. Verse 6. - And their net brake. Augustine beautifully compares the broken and torn net to the Church that now is, full of divisions and rents; the net unrent and untorn will be the Church of the future, which will know no schisms.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Whenκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they had doneποιήσαντες(poiēsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.so,τοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.they caughtσυνέκλεισαν(synekleisan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4788:To enclose, shut in, make subject to. From sun and kleio; to shut together, i.e. Include or embrace in a common subjection to.[such] a largeπολύ(poly)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.numberπλῆθος(plēthos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4128:A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.of fishἰχθύων(ichthyōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2486:A fish. Of uncertain affinity; a fish.[that]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.netsδίκτυα(diktya)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1350:A fishing-net. Probably from a primary verb diko; a seine.began to tear.διερρήσσετο(dierrēsseto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1284:To tear asunder, burst, rend. From dia and rhegnumi; to tear asunder.
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NT Gospels: Luke 5:6 When they had done this they caught (Luke Lu Lk) |
