New Testament
Luke 15:8
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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?
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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?
What Luke 15:8 means
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.
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
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 15:8
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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