New Testament

Matthew 18:12

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 uses the example of a shepherd to illustrate God's love and concern for each individual.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

What do you think? If a man owns 100 sheep and one of them wanders off, won't he leave the 99 on the hills and go searching for the one that strayed?

KJVKing James Version

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd to illustrate God's love and concern for each individual. The shepherd has 100 sheep, and if one goes missing, he prioritizes finding that one lost sheep over staying with the 99. This reflects the idea that every person is valuable to God, and He actively seeks out those who have strayed from Him. The shepherd's actions demonstrate a deep commitment and willingness to go to great lengths to restore the lost. This parable emphasizes the importance of each individual in the eyes of God and highlights His desire for reconciliation and care. It also serves as a reminder to the community about the responsibility to look after one another, especially those who may be struggling or lost in their faith. Explore related gods.

How to apply Matthew 18:12 to your life

This verse encourages us to value every individual and to actively seek out those who may feel lost or disconnected. In our communities, we should reach out to those who are struggling, offering support and guidance, just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 18:12 mean?

Matthew 18:12 illustrates God's love for each individual by comparing it to a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to find one that is lost. It emphasizes that every person is valuable to God and highlights His desire to restore those who have strayed.

What is the meaning of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12?

The lost sheep in Matthew 18:12 represents individuals who have wandered away from God. The verse shows that God actively seeks out those who are lost, demonstrating His commitment to restoring them to a relationship with Him.

How does Matthew 18:12 relate to community responsibility?

Matthew 18:12 encourages communities to care for one another, especially those who may feel lost or disconnected. It reminds us to actively seek out and support individuals who are struggling in their faith.

What themes are present in Matthew 18:12?

Key themes in Matthew 18:12 include God's love, the value of each individual, the importance of seeking the lost, the idea of restoration, and the responsibility of the community to look after one another.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.