Luke 5:8 Meaning and Explanation
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Overwhelmed, Simon Peter falls at Jesus' knees and confesses that he is a sinful man, unworthy of the Lord's presence.
What Does Luke 5:8 Mean?
In a boat shin-deep in fish, Simon Peter falls at Jesus' knees. The man he called 'Master' an hour ago he now calls 'Lord.' The catch has shown him something about the one standing in his boat, and in that light he suddenly sees himself: 'I am a sinful man.'
This is what nearness to holiness does — it makes the heart honest, as it did Isaiah in the temple: 'Woe is me... for mine eyes have seen the King' (Isaiah 6:5). Yet notice the prayer Jesus refuses to grant. Peter says 'depart from me,' and the Lord stays. Christ does not leave honest sinners; their confession is precisely the ground on which he builds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 5:8
What does Luke 5:8 mean?
Overwhelmed, Simon Peter falls at Jesus' knees and confesses that he is a sinful man, unworthy of the Lord's presence.