New Testament
Luke 19:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Son of Man came to seek and to save those who are lost."
Compare translations
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
What Luke 19:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus identifies himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that emphasizes his humanity and mission. He explains that his purpose is to seek out and save those who are spiritually lost. This reflects God's deep love and desire for all people to find redemption and restoration. The term 'lost' refers to individuals who are separated from God due to sin and are in need of salvation. Jesus' mission is not just to offer guidance but to actively pursue those who are lost, demonstrating his commitment to bringing them back into a right relationship with God. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of reaching out to those in need and the hope that exists for everyone, regardless of their past. It reassures believers that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that Jesus came specifically for the purpose of saving humanity.
How to apply Luke 19:10 to your life
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate Jesus' mission by seeking out those who are lost in our communities. This means showing love, compassion, and sharing the message of hope and salvation with others. We can actively participate in outreach efforts and support those in need, reflecting Christ's heart for the lost.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 19:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 19:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 Luke 19:10 mean?
Luke 19:10 means that Jesus came to find and save people who are spiritually lost. It emphasizes his mission to restore those who are separated from God due to sin.
What is the meaning of 'Son of Man' in Luke 19:10?
In Luke 19:10, 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus, highlighting his humanity and his role as a savior. This title signifies his connection to people and his mission to help them.
How does Luke 19:10 relate to salvation?
Luke 19:10 relates to salvation by showing that Jesus actively seeks out those who need saving. It underscores the idea that no one is beyond God's grace and that everyone can be redeemed.
Why is the term 'lost' important in Luke 19:10?
The term 'lost' in Luke 19:10 is important because it describes individuals who are separated from God due to sin. It highlights the need for salvation and the hope that Jesus offers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.