Luke 5:3
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
Luke 5:3 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes a scene where Jesus enters one of the ships belonging to Simon, also known as Peter, and asks him to move the boat slightly away from the shore. Jesus then uses the boat as a platform to teach a large crowd of people gathered on the shoreline. This action of Jesus shows his resourcefulness and ability to use everyday objects, in this case, a boat, to create a space where he can effectively communicate his message to the people. By sitting in the boat and teaching from it, Jesus is able to address the crowd without being crowded or interrupted, and also to be clearly heard by everyone in attendance. This event serves as a practical example of Jesus' teaching style, using simple and relatable methods to deliver spiritual lessons to his followers.
Theological Overview
Here, in Luke 5:3, we see Jesus entering Simon Peter's boat and asking him to push out a little from the shore so He could teach the people. This seemingly simple request holds deeper theological significance. By entering Simon's boat, Jesus symbolically illustrates His desire to enter into the lives of His followers and use their resources for His greater purpose. The act of pushing out from the shore can be interpreted as a metaphor for moving away from the distractions of the world and getting closer to Jesus to receive His teachings. As Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat, it signifies His authority as a teacher and the importance of learning from Him. This interaction with Simon also showcases the importance of obedience and trust in following Jesus' instructions, even when they may seem insignificant. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the willingness required to allow Jesus to enter our lives and use us for His divine purposes.
Luke 5:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat.
World English Bible
He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
Douay-Rheims
And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting, he taught the multitudes out of the ship.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he entred into one of the ships, which was Simons, and required him that he would thrust off a litle from the land: and he sate downe, and taught the people out of the ship.