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Luke 15:3

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 15:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he spake unto them this parable, saying,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
Luke 15:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him.
2And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
4What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.
← Luke 15:2Luke 15:4 →
← Full Chapter 15 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he spake this parable unto them, etc.] To the Pharisees, for their conviction and confutation; and to the publicans and sinners for their encouragement; and in vindication of himself; and not only this, but the other two, concerning the lost piece of money, and the prodigal son, which were said at this time, and on the same occasion; saying, as follows.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I. THE LOST SHEEP. (Luk 15:3-7) Occurring again (Mat 18:12-14); but there to show how precious one of His sheep is to the Good Shepherd; here, to show that the shepherd, though the sheep stray never so widely, will seek it out, and when he hath found, will rejoice over it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He spake - Three parables of the same import: for the sheep, the piece of silver, and the lost son, all declare (in direct contrariety to the Pharisees and scribes) in what manner God receiveth sinners. Luke 15:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification