Luke 5:27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. "Follow Me," He told him,

◄ Luke 5:27 ►

New International Version
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him,

New Living Translation
Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him.

English Standard Version
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.”

Berean Standard Bible
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him,

Berean Literal Bible
And after these things He went forth and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. And He said to him, "Follow Me."

King James Bible
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

New King James Version
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.”

New American Standard Bible
After that He went out and looked at a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.”

NASB 1995
After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.”

NASB 1977
And after that He went out, and noticed a tax-gatherer named Levi, sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And after that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Amplified Bible
After this Jesus went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].”

Christian Standard Bible
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!”

American Standard Version
And after these things he went forth, and beheld a publican, named Levi, sitting at the place of toll, and said unto him, Follow me.

Contemporary English Version
Later, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the place for paying taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me."

English Revised Version
And after these things he went forth, and beheld a publican, named Levi, sitting at the place of toll, and said unto him, Follow me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After that, Jesus left. He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting in a tax office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!"

Good News Translation
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me."

International Standard Version
After that, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax collector's desk. He told him, "Follow me!"

Majority Standard Bible
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. ?Follow Me,? He told him,

NET Bible
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. "Follow me," he said to him.

New Heart English Bible
After these things he went out, and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me."

Webster's Bible Translation
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me.

Weymouth New Testament
After this He went out and noticed a tax-gatherer, Levi by name, sitting at the Toll office; and He said to him, "Follow me."

World English Bible
After these things he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, “Follow me!”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And after these things He went forth, and beheld a tax collector, by name Levi, sitting at the tax office, and said to him, “Follow Me”;

Berean Literal Bible
And after these things He went forth and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. And He said to him, "Follow Me."

Young's Literal Translation
And after these things he went forth, and beheld a tax-gatherer, by name Levi, sitting at the tax-office, and said to him, 'Be following me;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And after these, he went out, and saw a publican, by name Levi, sitting by the custom-house; and he said to him, Follow me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom, and he said to him: Follow me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And after these things, he went out, and he saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, “Follow me.”

New American Bible
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.”

New Revised Standard Version
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
After these things, Jesus went out and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom house; and he said to him, Follow me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
After these things Yeshua went out and he saw a Tax Collector whose name was Levi, who sat in The House of Customs, and he said to him, “Come after me.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And after these things, he went out and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom-house; and he said to him: Follow me.

Godbey New Testament
And after these things He came out, and saw a publican, by name Levi, sitting at the toll, and He said to him, Follow me.

Haweis New Testament
And after these things he went out, and saw a farmer of the taxes, named Levi, sitting at the custom-house: and he said unto him, Follow me.

Mace New Testament
After this Jesus left the place, and seeing a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom-house, he said to him, follow me.

Weymouth New Testament
After this He went out and noticed a tax-gatherer, Levi by name, sitting at the Toll office; and He said to him, "Follow me."

Worrell New Testament
And, after these things, He went forth, and beheld a tax-collector, Levi by name, sitting at the tax-office; and He said to him, "Follow Me."

Worsley New Testament
After these things He went out and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom-house, and said to him, Follow me:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Calling of Levi
26Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” 27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, 28and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 9:9
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.

Mark 2:14
As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him.

Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 10:3
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

John 1:43
The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.”

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Matthew 21:31-32
Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Romans 9:30
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;

1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ...

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Genesis 12:1
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.

Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Exodus 3:10
Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

1 Samuel 16:11-13
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

Treasury of Scripture

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me.

and saw.

Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew 10:3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Matthew.

Mark 2:13,14
And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them…

Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Follow me.

Luke 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Matthew 4:19-21
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men…

Matthew 8:22
But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Jump to Previous

Abiding Amazement Collector Custom Fear Feeling Flashed Follow Forth Glory Jesus Levi Minds Office Publican Receipt Seated Seized Sitting Tax Taxes Tax-Farmer Tax-Gatherer

Jump to Next

Abiding Amazement Collector Custom Fear Feeling Flashed Follow Forth Glory Jesus Levi Minds Office Publican Receipt Seated Seized Sitting Tax Taxes Tax-Farmer Tax-Gatherer

Luke 5

1. Jesus teaches the people out of Peter's ship;
4. shows how he will make them fishers of men;
12. cleanses the leper;
16. prays in the desert;
17. heals a paralytic;
27. calls Matthew the tax collector;
29. eats with sinners, as being the physician of souls;
33. foretells the fasting and afflictions of the apostles after his ascension;
36. and illustrates the matter by the parable of patches.

Berean Study Bible

After this
This phrase indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that what follows is directly connected to what has just occurred. In the context of Luke 5, Jesus has been performing miracles and teaching, establishing His authority and divine mission. The phrase "After this" serves as a narrative bridge, linking the miraculous catch of fish and the healing of the leper to the calling of Levi, demonstrating the continuous unfolding of Jesus' ministry.

Jesus went out
The act of Jesus going out signifies His active engagement with the world. It reflects His mission to seek and save the lost, as He does not remain isolated but moves among the people. This movement is symbolic of the incarnation itself, where God steps into human history. The Greek verb "ἐξῆλθεν" (exēlthen) implies a purposeful departure, emphasizing Jesus' intentionality in His ministry.

and saw
The verb "saw" (Greek: εἶδεν, eiden) is more than a mere glance; it implies a deep, discerning look. Jesus' seeing is often associated with understanding and compassion. In the Gospels, when Jesus sees someone, it often leads to an act of mercy or a call to discipleship. This seeing is both physical and spiritual, indicating Jesus' awareness of Levi's potential and need for transformation.

a tax collector
Tax collectors, or "τελώνης" (telōnēs) in Greek, were often despised in Jewish society for their role in collecting taxes for the Roman occupiers and their reputation for corruption. They were seen as traitors and sinners. By focusing on a tax collector, the narrative highlights Jesus' radical grace and willingness to reach out to those marginalized and rejected by society.

named Levi
Levi, also known as Matthew, is identified by name, which personalizes the encounter. The name Levi may suggest a connection to the Levitical priesthood, which is ironic given his occupation. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call, as Levi is invited to leave behind his old life and embrace a new identity in Christ.

sitting at the tax booth
The tax booth represents Levi's occupation and the center of his life before meeting Jesus. It is a place of business, but also of isolation and scorn from his fellow Jews. The image of Levi sitting there underscores his entrenchment in a life that is about to be radically changed by Jesus' invitation.

“Follow Me,”
This command, "Follow Me" (Greek: Ἀκολούθει μοι, Akolouthei moi), is a call to discipleship. It is an invitation to leave behind one's former life and to embark on a journey of faith and transformation. The imperative form indicates urgency and authority, reflecting Jesus' role as a teacher and leader. This call is central to the Christian life, emphasizing obedience, trust, and the willingness to be led by Christ.

Jesus said to him
The direct address from Jesus to Levi highlights the personal nature of the call. Jesus speaks directly to Levi, indicating that His call is intentional and specific. This personal invitation underscores the relational aspect of discipleship, where Jesus knows and calls each person by name.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27-32) A publican, named Levi.--See Notes on Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:14-17. St. Luke's agreement with St. Mark is again a noticeable fact.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 27-29. - The calf of Levi (Matthew the publican), and the feast that followed. Verse 27. - And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. Capernaum, as has been already noticed, had become, owing to its situation, a commercial centre of no small importance. It was on the great highway from the interior of Asia, and from Damascus to the seaboard Mediterranean cities, to Jerusalem, and to Egypt. The custom-house of Capernaum and the office of inland revenue there would naturally be under the control of officials of some importance. The local trade on the lake, too, we know at that period was very large. It has been frequently asked - What specially induced our Lord to select as one of his inner circle a man whose life-work was so hateful and unpopular to the Jewish people generally? why did he include in the twelve one who, from the nature of his detested office, had lost religious caste among the Jews, and who was compelled to consort with sinners, Gentiles, and persons who were considered, either from their birth or life and associations, outside the pale of the chosen people? Various replies to this question have been suggested, such as - by this open act he threw down the gauntlet to all that powerful Pharisee class who were beginning to suspect and to mistake his teaching and liberalism. Or was his apparently strange choice dictated by a simple desire to have, in the inner circle of his devoted friends, a business man - one who could manage the affairs and regulate the economy of the little growing society? but this seems to have been done by Judas; or was it simply done in obedience to a sudden impulse from on High? None of these seems satisfactory. Surely another motive, and that a deeper and a nobler one, suggested this enrolment of the despised publican in that glorious company of apostles. The Lord was determined to show, by this choice of his, that in his eyes all callings were equally honourable, all ways of life might lead to the city of the blessed. Never would the work ennoble the man, but only the way in which the work was done. The Baptist, as we have seen, first taught this Divine liberalism. The Baptist's Lord placed his seal of approval upon his servant's teaching by such acts as the calling of Matthew the publican, and feasting in his house with publicans and sinners.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

After
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

[this],
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[Jesus] went out
ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

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

saw
ἐθεάσατο (etheasato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2300: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.

a tax collector
τελώνην (telōnēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5057: A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.

named
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

Levi
Λευὶν (Leuin)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3018: (Hebrew), Levi, son of Alphaeus, the publican. A form of Leui; Lewis, a Christian.

sitting
καθήμενον (kathēmenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

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

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tax booth.
τελώνιον (telōnion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5058: A tax-collector's office, toll-house. Neuter of a presumed derivative of telones; a tax-gatherer's place of business.

“Follow
Ἀκολούθει (Akolouthei)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Me,”
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

He told
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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.

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NT Gospels: Luke 5:27 After these things he went out (Luke Lu Lk)