New Testament
Luke 5:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When he finished speaking, he told Simon, "Take the boat out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch."
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Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
What Luke 5:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs Simon Peter to take his fishing boat into deeper waters and cast his nets. This moment is significant because it demonstrates Jesus' authority and knowledge about fishing, despite Simon being a seasoned fisherman. After a long night of catching nothing, Simon hesitates but ultimately obeys Jesus' command. This act of faith leads to an overwhelming catch of fish, illustrating the rewards of trusting in Jesus' guidance. The deeper waters symbolize stepping out of comfort zones and trusting in God's plan, even when it seems unlikely to succeed. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in Simon's life, as it leads to his calling as a disciple of Jesus. The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in following Jesus, as well as the miraculous outcomes that can result from such trust.
How to apply Luke 5:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's guidance, even when we feel uncertain or unqualified. Just as Simon Peter obeyed Jesus' command, we too should be willing to step out of our comfort zones and follow God's direction in our lives, leading to unexpected blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: The Great Catch of Fish (Luke 5:1–11)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 5:4
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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 5:4 mean?
In Luke 5:4, Jesus tells Simon Peter to take his boat into deeper waters and cast his nets. This instruction highlights Jesus' authority and the importance of faith, as Simon, a skilled fisherman, had caught nothing all night but obeyed Jesus, leading to a miraculous catch.
What is the significance of deep water in Luke 5:4?
The deep water in Luke 5:4 symbolizes stepping out of one's comfort zone and trusting in God's guidance. It represents the challenges and uncertainties we face when we follow divine direction, often leading to unexpected blessings.
How does Luke 5:4 relate to faith?
Luke 5:4 illustrates faith through Simon Peter's willingness to obey Jesus despite his doubts as an experienced fisherman. This act of trust results in a miraculous catch, showing that faith can lead to extraordinary results.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 5:4?
From Luke 5:4, we learn the importance of obedience and trust in God's guidance. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and follow divine direction, which can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities.
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