Chapter
Verse

Luke 5:7

ESV They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
NIV So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
NASB so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, to the point that they were sinking.
CSB So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
NLT A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
KJV And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
NKJV So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

What does Luke 5:7 mean?

Minutes before, Jesus was talking to a crowd so great He had to jump into a boat and push off from shore to get some room. Now, thanks to His instruction, Peter and Andrew are overwhelmed by such a large catch of fish that their nets are starting to break. They call their partners, James and John (Luke 5:10), but the weight threatens to sink both boats.

Peter responds immediately with humble and reverent fear. He learned from his brother Andrew that John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:35–42). This may be why they agreed to follow Jesus' command to try fishing again after a fruitless night. Having the Messiah take an interest in his profession and bless him in such a way makes Peter understand this is personal and very serious (Luke 5:8). Rabbis didn't focus on fishermen. Why would the savior of the Jews, promised by the prophets of old who heard directly from God, care about uneducated tradesmen?

Jesus doesn't tell Peter he's wrong, but He does tell him not to be afraid. He ties in the crowd and the fish. If Peter and the others follow Him and follow His instructions, they will catch a crowd of people for God's kingdom just as they caught the fish.
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