· Translation: KJV

Luke 5:10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive."

The setting

Sea of Galilee shoreline, northern Israel, ~28 AD. Jesus speaks to terrified fishermen who just witnessed the impossible.

The emotion here: carefully documenting Jesus' gentle but life-altering words

The original word

zōgreō (ζωγρέω) — to catch alive, capture for life (not death like fish)

Why it matters

Zebedee's fishing business was large enough to have hired servants, making this a major economic sacrifice

Read with care

What most readers miss in Luke 5:10

Jesus used a fishing metaphor but changed it - fish die when caught, people live when 'caught' by the gospel

Common misconceptionPeople think 'catching men' means aggressive evangelism. The Greek word means 'catching alive' - rescuing people for life, not trapping them.

Bible Genome reading

Luke 5:10 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerLuke
Eragospel
Primary emotionstarting
Literary typenarrative
MarkPromise of God
MarkProphecy

Emotional genome

Comfort power80%
Quotability90%
Memorability95%
Crisis relevance70%
Standalone70%
Themes:callingmission

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Luke 5

Luke 5:10 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Luke. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 80% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include calling, mission. Notable phrases: Don't be afraid; catching people alive. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains prophecy.

Your reflection

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