Matthew 18:13

And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in Matthew 18, concluding the parable of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for one stray. He speaks directly to them to establish a factual comparison before revealing the theological application.

The words — The Greek εὑρεῖν (heurein) means "to find," and ἀμὴν (amēn) translates to "truly," marking the declaration as an authoritative statement. These terms ground the shepherd's action in a definitive, unchangeable reality.

The thread — The text's declaration of rejoicing over the found sheep parallels Luke 15:5, where the shepherd joyfully carries the recovered animal. It also aligns with Zephaniah 3:17 and Psalm 147:11, which describe God's gladness toward those He saves or who fear Him.

Why it lands — The passage states that the shepherd's joy for the one recovered sheep exceeds his joy for the ninety-nine that did not wander. It requires the reader to accept this factual comparison as the standard for valuing restoration before moving to the next verse's application.

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

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Cross-references

Luke 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders,
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Psalms 147:11 The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
Luke 15:23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
John 4:34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
James 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Isaiah 53:11 After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
Jeremiah 32:37 I will surely gather My people from all the lands to which I have banished them in My furious anger and great wrath, and I will return them to this place and make them dwell in safety.