What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep — Meaning Explained
The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" — Luke 15:4 (KJV)
What "What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?" Actually Means
In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' grumbling about His fellowship with sinners by telling of a shepherd with a hundred sheep. When one goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and searches until he finds it. Then he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and calls his friends and neighbours to celebrate. Jesus concludes: 'Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.' The parable reveals God's shepherd-heart: He knows each sheep by name, pursues the wandering, and rejoices over every return. The ninety-nine are not abandoned — the point is that no lost sinner is too insignificant for heaven's joy.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Luke 15:4
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
Luke 15:5-6
"And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."
Luke 15:7
"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
Life of Jesus
What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
Life of Jesus
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
Matthew 25:40 • Compassion & Love
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Luke 15:7 • Forgiveness & Grace
Parable of the Lost Sheep Quiz
The shepherd who leaves the ninety and nine to seek one (Luke 15).
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.