Chapter
Verse

Luke 15:10

ESV Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
NIV In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.'
NASB In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.'
CSB I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents."
NLT In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.'
KJV Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

What does Luke 15:10 mean?

Jesus finishes the second of three parables about lost things. Pharisees and their lawyers—scribes—are grumbling at Jesus. He has a warm relationship with those who abuse fellow Jews or have abandoned proper God-worship. The parable of the lost sheep addresses sinners who wandered away from God because of their foolishness (Luke 15:1–7).

This parable, the parable of the lost coin, speaks about those who wander off without recognizing it. A coin is unthinking. It can fall and roll away into a dark corner without conscious intent. But the woman who owns it values it, even though it is not worth a massive amount: just a day's wages. She lights a lamp and sweeps the whole house until she finds it. When she does, she invites her friends to celebrate with her (Luke 15:8–9). In the same way, God desires a relationship with those who don't know they've abandoned Him. When such a sinner repents, heaven, itself, rejoices.

The image of the celebration is suspenseful. In the parable of the lost sheep, the celebration was in heaven (Luke 15:7). Now, it is "before the angels." In the upcoming parable of the prodigal son, we learn that it is God, Himself, who rejoices when the sinner returns to Him (Luke 15:21–24).
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