Discovery BoxLuke 15:6-7 
Context15:6 Returning 1 home, he calls together 2 his 3 friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 15:7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner 4 who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people 5 who have no need to repent. 6
1 tn Grk “And coming into his…” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
2 sn A touch of drama may be present, as the term calls together can mean a formal celebration (1 Kgs 1:9-10).
3 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215). It occurs before “neighbors” as well (“his friends and his neighbors”) but has not been translated the second time because of English style.
4 sn There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The pursuit of the sinner is a priority in spite of the presence of others who are doing well (see also Luke 5:32; 19:10). The theme of repentance, a major Lukan theme, is again emphasized.
5 tn Here δικαίοις (dikaioi") is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”
6 tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”
