Matthew 18:13
New International Version
And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

New Living Translation
And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!

English Standard Version
And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Literal Bible
And if he should find it, truly I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the ninety nine not having gone astray.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

New American Standard Bible
And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray.

NASB 1995
“If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

NASB 1977
“And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

Legacy Standard Bible
And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

Amplified Bible
And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray.

American Standard Version
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

Contemporary English Version
I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the 99 that never wandered off.

English Revised Version
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I can guarantee this truth: If he finds it, he is happier about it than about the 99 that have not strayed.

Good News Translation
When he finds it, I tell you, he feels far happier over this one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

International Standard Version
If he finds it, I tell all of you with certainty that he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that haven't strayed.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

New Heart English Bible
If he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if he findeth it, verily I say to you, he rejoiceth more over that sheep, than over the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Weymouth New Testament
And if he succeeds in finding it, in solemn truth I tell you that he rejoices over it more than he does over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray.

World English Bible
If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if it may come to pass that he finds it, truly I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray;

Berean Literal Bible
And if he should find it, truly I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the ninety nine not having gone astray.

Young's Literal Translation
and if it may come to pass that he doth find it, verily I say to you, that he doth rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray;

Smith's Literal Translation
And if it be found, truly I say to you, he rejoices more over it, than over the ninety-nine not led astray.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if it so be that he find it: Amen I say to you, he rejoiceth more for that, than for the ninety-nine that went not astray.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if he should happen to find it: Amen I say to you, that he has more joy over that one, than over the ninety-nine which did not go astray.

New American Bible
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.

New Revised Standard Version
And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if he should find it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety and nine which were not lost.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if he should find it, certainly I say to you, that he rejoices in it more than in the ninety-nine that did not stray.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And if it so be that he find it, verily I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

Godbey New Testament
And if it maybe that he finds it, truly I say unto you, that he rejoiceth more over it than over the ninety and nine that went not astray.

Haweis New Testament
And if he happen to find it, verily I say unto you, that he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which never went astray.

Mace New Testament
and if he happen to find it, you may be sure he is more affected with that one, than with the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Weymouth New Testament
And if he succeeds in finding it, in solemn truth I tell you that he rejoices over it more than he does over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray.

Worrell New Testament
And, if it happen that he find it, verily I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety and nine that have not gone astray.

Worsley New Testament
And if he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more on account of that, than of the ninety nine which went not astray.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13And 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. 14In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.…

Cross References
Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...

Ezekiel 34:11-16
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

Jeremiah 23:3-4
Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. / I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

John 10:27-30
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ...

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Psalm 23:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, / equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Micah 7:18-19
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? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Zechariah 11:16
For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

Romans 5:6-8
For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. / Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


Treasury of Scripture

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

he rejoiceth.

Psalm 147:11
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Jump to Previous
Astray Find Findeth Finding Finds Happier Joy Nine Ninety Ninety-Nine Rejoices Rejoiceth Sheep Solemn Succeeds Truth Verily Wander Way
Jump to Next
Astray Find Findeth Finding Finds Happier Joy Nine Ninety Ninety-Nine Rejoices Rejoiceth Sheep Solemn Succeeds Truth Verily Wander Way
Matthew 18
1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,
7. to avoid offenses,
10. and not to despise the little ones;
15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,
21. and how often to forgive them;
23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,
32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.














And if he finds it,
This phrase highlights the shepherd's active pursuit of the lost sheep, symbolizing God's relentless search for those who have strayed from His path. The imagery of a shepherd is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, with figures like David and Moses serving as shepherds before leading God's people. The shepherd's search reflects God's desire for repentance and restoration, as seen in Ezekiel 34:11-16, where God promises to seek out His scattered flock.

truly I tell you,
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of Jesus' words. It is a common expression used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His teachings. In the context of Matthew 18, it assures the listener of the significance of the parable and the joy that comes from the redemption of the lost.

he rejoices more over that one sheep
The joy of finding the lost sheep illustrates the immense value God places on each individual. This joy is echoed in Luke 15:7, where there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. The shepherd's joy is a reflection of God's love and grace, emphasizing that no one is beyond redemption.

than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
This comparison highlights the shepherd's concern for the lost and the extraordinary nature of God's grace. While the ninety-nine represent those who are already in the fold, the focus on the one lost sheep demonstrates God's inclusive love and the importance of seeking out the marginalized and forgotten. This theme is consistent with Jesus' ministry, which often reached out to those on the fringes of society, as seen in His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and the outcast.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of the parable, teaching His disciples about the kingdom of heaven and the value of each individual.

2. Shepherd
Represents God or Jesus, who seeks out the lost sheep, symbolizing His care and concern for every individual.

3. Lost Sheep
Symbolizes a believer who has strayed from the faith or a sinner in need of repentance and salvation.

4. Ninety-nine Sheep
Represents those who are already in the fold, the believers who have not strayed.

5. Mountains
The setting of the parable, symbolizing the challenges and efforts involved in seeking the lost.
Teaching Points
The Value of the Individual
Each person is precious in God's sight, and He actively seeks those who are lost.

God's Relentless Pursuit
God does not give up on those who stray; His love is persistent and patient.

Joy in Restoration
There is great joy in heaven when a sinner repents and returns to God, highlighting the importance of evangelism and discipleship.

Community Responsibility
As part of the body of Christ, believers are called to care for one another and help restore those who have wandered.

Personal Reflection
Consider areas in your life where you may have strayed and seek God's guidance to return to His path.(13) Rejoiceth more of that sheep.--More literally, over it.

Verse 13. - If so be that he find it. The quest is not sure to he rewarded. Man's perversity makes the result uncertain. No one may safely go on sinning, or living in careless unconcern, with the expectation of being finally found and saved. There is a limit to the patience of the Lord. If a man will not open his heart to good inspirations and cooperate with preventing grace, he will not be found and brought home. God forces no one to be saved against his will. Rejoiceth more. A natural feeling. Thus a mother loves better an afflicted child whom she has nursed through a long malady, than the strong and healthy children who have caused her no trouble and anxiety. The joy at the recovery of the strayed sheep is proportional to the sorrow occasioned by its loss and the pains and trouble expended in the search; and this pleasure would at the moment be greater than the satisfaction with which the other members of the flock are regarded.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

he
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

finds
εὑρεῖν (heurein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

it,
αὐτό (auto)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

truly
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

he rejoices
χαίρει (chairei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

more
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

over
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[that one sheep]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

than
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

over
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ninety-nine
ἐνενήκοντα (enenēkonta)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1768: Ninety. From a multiple of ennea and ennea itself; ninety-nine.

that did not go astray.
πεπλανημένοις (peplanēmenois)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.


Links
Matthew 18:13 NIV
Matthew 18:13 NLT
Matthew 18:13 ESV
Matthew 18:13 NASB
Matthew 18:13 KJV

Matthew 18:13 BibleApps.com
Matthew 18:13 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 18:13 Chinese Bible
Matthew 18:13 French Bible
Matthew 18:13 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 18:13 If he finds it most certainly (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 18:12
Top of Page
Top of Page