New Testament
Luke 15:8
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 tells a parable about a woman who has ten silver coins but loses one.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Or consider a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. Wouldn't she light a candle, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?
Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a woman who has ten silver coins but loses one. The woman represents someone who values what she has and is determined to find what is lost. She lights a candle to illuminate the dark corners of her house, sweeps the floor to clear away dust and debris, and searches diligently until she finds the lost coin. This story illustrates the importance of persistence and the joy that comes from recovering something valuable. It also reflects God's love for each individual, emphasizing that He actively seeks out those who are lost, just as the woman seeks her lost coin. The act of searching symbolizes the effort we should put into our spiritual lives and relationships, showing that every single person is precious and worth the effort to find and restore. Explore related gods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 15:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to value what we have and to actively seek out what is lost in our lives, whether it be relationships, faith, or personal goals. It reminds us that every effort counts and that recovery brings joy.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the lost coin represent in Luke 15:8?
In Luke 15:8, the lost coin represents something of value that has been misplaced or lost, symbolizing individuals who are spiritually lost or disconnected from God. The woman’s diligent search for the coin illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each person, emphasizing that everyone is precious and worth the effort to find and restore.
How can I apply the lesson of Luke 15:8 in my life?
You can apply the lesson of Luke 15:8 by actively valuing and seeking out what is lost in your life, such as relationships, faith, or personal aspirations. This verse encourages you to be persistent in your efforts, whether it’s mending a broken relationship or rekindling your spiritual journey, reminding you that every effort to recover what is lost can lead to joy and fulfillment.
What does the act of searching in Luke 15:8 teach us?
The act of searching in Luke 15:8 teaches us the importance of diligence and persistence in our pursuits. It encourages us to actively seek out what is valuable in our lives, whether it’s our faith, relationships, or personal goals. This parable illustrates that the effort we put into searching for what is lost reflects our commitment to restoring and valuing those aspects of our lives.
Why does Jesus use a woman in this parable?
Jesus uses a woman in this parable to highlight the universal nature of seeking and valuing what is lost, transcending gender roles. By choosing a woman, He emphasizes that everyone, regardless of gender, has the capacity for love, care, and determination. This choice also resonates with the audience, making the message relatable and illustrating that God's love and pursuit are inclusive.

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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