Bible Strands
Luke 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes who criticized his fellowship with outcasts, speaking immediately after the parable of the lost coin. He delivers this statement to conclude the second illustration in a three-part response to their complaint.
The words — χαρὰ (chara) means joy, and ἐνώπιον (enōpion) literally means before or in the presence of. The text states that joy exists in the presence of God’s angels specifically in response to a sinner’s repentance.
The thread — Luke 15:7 records the same principle of greater heavenly joy over one repentant sinner than over many who require no repentance. Ezekiel 33:11 provides the foundational declaration that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires they turn from their ways.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to acknowledge that divine joy is actively triggered by repentance rather than by moral status. It demands the reader align their assessment of value with the stated reality that God’s presence responds to a sinner’s return.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Cross-references
- Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.
- Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
- Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
- Luke 13:5 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
- Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
- Matthew 18:14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
- Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
- Luke 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
- Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?