New Testament
Luke 15:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus begins to share a parable, which is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
So Jesus told them this parable:
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus begins to share a parable, which is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The context suggests that He is addressing a group of people, likely including sinners and religious leaders, to teach them about God's love and mercy. Parables often use everyday situations to convey deeper truths, making them relatable and understandable. By starting with 'So Jesus told them this parable,' it indicates that what follows is meant to provoke thought and reflection. This particular parable will highlight themes of loss, redemption, and the joy of recovery, emphasizing how God values every individual, especially those who are lost or estranged from Him. Jesus uses storytelling to engage His audience and challenge their perceptions about sin, forgiveness, and the nature of God's grace. The parable serves as a bridge to deeper understanding, inviting listeners to consider their own lives and relationship with God. Explore related teaching.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 15:3 to your life
When faced with judgment or criticism, remember that Jesus used stories to convey profound truths. Embrace the lessons in His parables to understand God's love and mercy. Share these stories with others to inspire hope and encourage a deeper relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 15:3 mean?
Luke 15:3 marks the beginning of a parable told by Jesus, indicating that He is about to share a story to illustrate important lessons about God's love and mercy. This sets the stage for deeper reflections on themes like redemption and the value of every individual.
What is the meaning of parable in Luke 15:3?
In Luke 15:3, a parable refers to a simple story that Jesus uses to convey moral or spiritual lessons. Parables often relate to everyday experiences, making complex truths more accessible and relatable to His audience.
Why did Jesus tell parables like in Luke 15:3?
Jesus used parables, such as the one introduced in Luke 15:3, to engage His listeners and provoke thought. These stories help convey profound truths about God's nature and encourage reflection on personal relationships with Him.
How does Luke 15:3 relate to God's mercy?
Luke 15:3 sets the stage for a parable that emphasizes God's mercy, particularly towards those who are lost or estranged. Through storytelling, Jesus illustrates how much God values every individual and the joy that comes from their redemption.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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