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If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> What 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? <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> What do you think? If to any man there should be a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, will he not leave the ninety nine on the mountains and, having gone, seek the one going astray? <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “What do you think? If any man has one hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go and search for the stray? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won&#8217t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had 100 sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the 99 on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "What do you think? Suppose a man has 100 sheep and one of them strays. Won't he leave the 99 sheep in the hills to look for the one that has strayed? <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> "What do you think a man does who has one hundred sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go and look for the lost sheep. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> "What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep and one of them strays, he leaves the 99 in the hills and goes to look for the one that has strayed, doesn't he? <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> What do you think? If someone owns a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go look for the one that went astray? <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "What do you think? If someone has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> How think ye? if a man hath a hundred sheep, and one of them is gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go to the mountains, and seek that which is gone astray? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> What do you yourselves think? Suppose a man gets a hundred sheep and one of them strays away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go and look for the one that is straying? <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> “What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> What do you think? If a man may have one hundred sheep, and there may go astray one of them, does he not—having left the ninety-nine, having gone on the mountains—seek that which is gone astray? <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> What do you think? If to any man there should be a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, will he not leave the ninety nine on the mountains and, having gone, seek the one going astray? <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'What think ye? if a man may have an hundred sheep, and there may go astray one of them, doth he not -- having left the ninety-nine, having gone on the mountains -- seek that which is gone astray? <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> What does it seem to you? if there be to any man a hundred sheep, and one of them have been led astray, does he not, having left the ninety-nine upon the mountains, having gone, seek the one led astray?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray: doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go to seek that which is gone astray? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> How does it seem to you? If someone has one hundred sheep, and if one of them has gone astray, should he not leave behind the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go out to seek what has gone astray? <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> What do you think? If a man should have a hundred sheep, and one of them is lost, would he not leave the ninety and nine on the mountain, and go in search of the one which is lost? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> How does it seem to you? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them will go astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountain and go on searching for that lost one?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> What think you? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them go astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, and go into the mountains, and seek for that which has gone astray? <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>What seems to you? if there may be a hundred sheep to one man, and one of them may go astray, does he not, leaving the ninety and nine, going to the mountains, seek that which has gone astray?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them stray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that which had strayed? <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> If a man has an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray, do you think he would not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go in search for that which was gone astray? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> What do you yourselves think? Suppose a man gets a hundred sheep and one of them strays away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go and look for the one that is straying? <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"What think ye? If a hundred sheep belong to a certain man, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety and nine on the mountains, and, going, seek the straying one?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>What think ye? if any man had an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray, would he not leave the ninety and nine, and go upon the hills, and seek that which is gone astray?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5145" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Parable of the Lost Sheep</a> … 12<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">What</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">do you</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">think?</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tini (IPro-DMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">a</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpō (N-DMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">has</a> <a href="/greek/1540.htm" title="1540: hekaton (Adj-NNP) -- One hundred. Of uncertain affinity; a hundred.">a hundred</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-NNP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-NNS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/4105.htm" title="4105: planēthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.">goes astray,</a> <a href="/greek/3780.htm" title="3780: ouchi (IntPrtcl) -- By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed."></a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēsei (V-FIA-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">will he not leave</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1768.htm" title="1768: enenēkonta (Adj-ANP) -- Ninety. From a multiple of ennea and ennea itself; ninety-nine.">ninety-nine</a> <a href="/greek/1767.htm" title="1767: ennea (Adj-ANP) -- Nine. A primary number; nine."></a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3735.htm" title="3735: orē (N-ANP) -- A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).">hills</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4198.htm" title="4198: poreutheis (V-APP-NMS) -- To travel, journey, go, die. ">go out</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: zētei (V-PIA-3S) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">to search for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one</a> <a href="/greek/4105.htm" title="4105: planōmenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.">that is lost?</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a> “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!’ ... <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16</a> 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. ... <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-16</a> 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. ... <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-4</a> 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. ... <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/23-3.htm">Jeremiah 23:3-4</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a> For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20-21</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Psalm 119:176</a> I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27-30</a> 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. ... <a href="/micah/7-14.htm">Micah 7:14</a> Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. <a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm">Zechariah 11:16</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6</a> My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-36</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>How think you? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, does he not leave the ninety and nine, and goes into the mountains, and seeks that which is gone astray?How.<a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28</a> But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.<a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Matthew 22:42</a> Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.<a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">1 Corinthians 10:15</a> I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.if.<a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Matthew 12:11</a> And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?<a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Psalm 119:176</a> I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.<a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.into.<a href="/1_kings/21-17.htm">1 Kings 21:17</a> And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,<a href="/ezekiel/34-6.htm">Ezekiel 34:6,12</a> My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/haggai/1-11.htm">Hills</a> <a href="/matthew/13-23.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/malachi/1-3.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Nine</a> <a href="/daniel/12-11.htm">Ninety</a> <a href="/genesis/17-24.htm">Ninety-Nine</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Owns</a> <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Search</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/6-9.htm">Straying</a> <a href="/hosea/11-12.htm">Strays</a> <a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Think</a> <a href="/amos/8-12.htm">Wandered</a> <a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Wanders</a> <a href="/matthew/17-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/matthew/28-14.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/24-16.htm">Hills</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/matthew/24-16.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Nine</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Ninety</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Ninety-Nine</a> <a href="/john/10-12.htm">Owns</a> <a href="/luke/2-45.htm">Search</a> <a href="/matthew/28-5.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/luke/11-10.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Straying</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Strays</a> <a href="/matthew/20-10.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Wandered</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Wanders</a> <a href="/matthew/20-22.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>What do you think? This phrase invites the listener or reader to engage in self-reflection and consider the scenario presented. It is a rhetorical question that sets the stage for a parable, a common teaching method used by Jesus to convey deeper spiritual truths. The question encourages personal introspection and challenges the audience to evaluate their understanding of God's character and priorities.If a man has a hundred sheep Sheep were a common part of agrarian life in ancient Israel, and shepherding was a familiar occupation. The number "hundred" signifies completeness and abundance, suggesting a full flock under the shepherd's care. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to represent God's people, with God or Christ as the shepherd (e.g., <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16</a>).and one of them goes astray Sheep are known for their tendency to wander, symbolizing human beings' propensity to stray from God's path. This phrase highlights the vulnerability and waywardness of individuals, echoing the theme of sin and the need for redemption. <a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> states, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray," reinforcing the idea of humanity's inclination to deviate from divine guidance.will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills The shepherd's decision to leave the ninety-nine sheep underscores the value of each individual. The "hills" suggest a place of safety and security for the flock, indicating that the shepherd ensures their well-being before pursuing the lost one. This action reflects God's prioritization of seeking and saving the lost, as seen in <a href="/luke/19-10.htm">Luke 19:10</a>.and go out to search for the one that is lost? The shepherd's pursuit of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless love and grace. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's care and His willingness to go to great lengths to restore a wayward soul. This mirrors the mission of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (<a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a>). The parable also foreshadows the sacrificial nature of Christ's ministry, as He actively seeks those who are spiritually lost.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_shepherd.htm">The Shepherd</a> Represents Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, caring for His flock with diligence and love. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_sheep.htm">The Sheep</a> Symbolizes believers or followers of Christ. The one sheep that goes astray represents those who wander from the faith or fall into sin. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_hills.htm">The Hills</a> The setting where the ninety-nine sheep are left, indicating a place of safety and security. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lost_sheep.htm">The Lost Sheep</a> Represents individuals who have strayed from the path of righteousness and need to be brought back to the fold. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_search.htm">The Search</a> The action of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the lost one, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of each individual soul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_relentless_love.htm">God's Relentless Love</a> God's love is personal and relentless. He values each individual and will go to great lengths to bring back those who have strayed. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_one.htm">The Value of One</a> Every person is precious in God's sight. The parable teaches us the importance of each soul and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_believers.htm">Responsibility of Believers</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect the Shepherd's heart by caring for those who have wandered and helping them return to the fold. <a href="/topical/s/security_in_the_fold.htm">Security in the Fold</a> The ninety-nine sheep left on the hills represent the security and community found within the body of Christ. We are safe when we remain in His care. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> The parable underscores the importance of repentance and the joy of restoration. It encourages us to seek reconciliation with God and others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a> <a href="/q/does_matthew_18_12-14_defy_shepherd_norms.htm">Matthew 18:12–14 – Does the parable of leaving ninety-nine sheep for one contradict practical shepherding and ancient Near Eastern practices? </a> <a href="/q/why_leave_the_ninety-nine_sheep.htm">Why leave the ninety-nine sheep?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_having_a_sound_mind.htm">Why leave the ninety-nine sheep?</a> <a href="/q/where_can_i_find_my_lost_sheep.htm">Where can I find my lost sheep?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) If a man have an hundred sheep.--The parable is repeated more fully in <a href="/context/luke/15-4.htm" title="What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?">Luke 15:4-6</a>, and will best find its full explanation there. The fact that it reappears there is significant as to the prominence, in our Lord's thoughts and teaching, of the whole cycle of imagery on which it rests. Here the opening words, "How think ye?" sharpen its personal application to the disciples, as an appeal to their own experience. Even in this shorter form the parable involves the claim on our Lord's part to be the true Shepherd, and suggests the thought that the "ninety and nine" are (1) strictly, the unfallen creatures of God's spiritual universe; and (2) relatively, those among men who are comparatively free from gross offences.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - The parable that follows teaches the same lesson as the preceding verse. It is found in <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1-7</a>, with some variations, delivered to a different audience and under different circumstances, as Jesus often repeated his instructions and teaching according to the occasion. How think ye? What say ye to the following case? Thus the Lord engages the disciples' attention. An hundred sheep. A round number, representing a considerable flock. If but one of these stray, the good Shepherd regards only the danger and possible destruction of this wanderer, and puts aside every other care in order to secure its safety. The ninety and nine. These must be left for a time, if he is to conduct the search in person. It may he that some idea of probation is here intended, as when Jesus let the disciples embark on the lake while he himself remained on the shore. Many of the Fathers interpret the ninety-nine as representing the sinless angels, the lost sheep as man, to seek and save whom Christ left heaven, i.e. became incarnate. This, indeed, may be a legitimate application of the parable, but is inexact as an exposition of the passage, which regards the whole flock as figuring the human race. The sheep that remained safe and true to their Master are the righteous; the errant are the sinners, which, however few, are the special care of the merciful Lord. Into the mountains (ἐπὶ τὰ ὔρη). There is much doubt whether these words are to be joined with goeth (πορευθεὶς), as in both our versions, or with leave (ἀφεὶς), as in the Vulgate, Nonne relinquit nonaginta novem in montibus? In the former case we have a picture of the toil of the shepherd traversing the mountains in search of the lost. But this does not seem to be the particular point contemplated, nor is any special emphasis assigned to this part of the transaction. In the parable as recounted by St. Luke (<a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4</a>), we read, "Doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go?" So here it is best to render, Doth he not leave the ninety and nine upon the mountains? The shepherd is not regardless of the safety and comfort of the flock during his temporary absence; he leaves them where they are sure to find pasture, as they roam over (ἐπὶ with accusative) the hill tops, which, catching clouds and dew, are never without fresh grass. So <a href="/psalms/147-8.htm">Psalm 147:8</a>, "Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." Seeketh. The lost sheep would not return of itself. Such erring souls Jesus seeks by the inspiration of his Spirit, by allowing distress and sorrow, by awakening conscience and memory, by ways manifold which may lead the sinner to "come to himself." <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. {do} you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. think? δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. If ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. a τινι (tini) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. man ἀνθρώπῳ (anthrōpō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. has γένηταί (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a hundred ἑκατὸν (hekaton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> One hundred. Of uncertain affinity; a hundred. sheep πρόβατα (probata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. one ἓν (hen) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. of ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. them αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. goes astray, πλανηθῇ (planēthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4105.htm">Strong's 4105: </a> To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. will he not leave ἀφήσει (aphēsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Ninety. From a multiple of ennea and ennea itself; ninety-nine. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hills ὄρη (orē) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3735.htm">Strong's 3735: </a> A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. go out πορευθεὶς (poreutheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4198.htm">Strong's 4198: </a> To travel, journey, go, die. to search for ζητεῖ (zētei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. the [one] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. that is lost? πλανώμενον (planōmenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4105.htm">Strong's 4105: </a> To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:12 What do you think? If a man (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>