Skip to main content
    Sin & Salvation

    What Is the Parable of the Lost Coin?

    What Is the Parable of the Lost Coin? Jesus told of a woman who diligently searched for one lost coin and rejoiced when she found it—illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

    Key verse: Luke 15:10 (KJV)

    Jesus told of a woman who diligently searched for one lost coin and rejoiced when she found it—illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

    Share:
    Quick Answer

    Jesus told of a woman who diligently searched for one lost coin and rejoiced when she found it—illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

    "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." — Luke 15:10 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    In Luke 15:8-10, Jesus told of a woman with ten silver coins who lost one. She lit a candle, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. When she did, she called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Jesus applied the parable: 'Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.' This is the second of three 'lost' parables in Luke 15 (alongside the lost sheep and the prodigal son), each emphasizing the extraordinary value God places on every individual and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost.

    Key Scripture References

    "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
    "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Related Questions

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Lost Coin?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    In Luke 15:8-10, Jesus told of a woman with ten silver coins who lost one. She lit a candle, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. When she did, she called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Jesus applied the parable: 'Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.' This is the second of three 'lost' parables in Luke 15 (alongside the lost sheep and the prodigal son), each emphasizing the extraordinary value God places on every individual and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost.

    Jesus taught that a shepherd who has 100 sheep will leave the 99 to find the one that is lost — illustrating God's relentless love for every individual sinner.

    The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.