What does Luke 15:17 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 15:17 comes from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which Jesus tells to illustrate God's loving, forgiving nature and the joy of repentance.

After recklessly spending his early inheritance, the younger son in the story finds himself impoverished and working as a swineherd, a humiliating job for a Jewish man, as pigs are considered unclean animals in Jewish culture.

At the depths of his despair, he has a moment of self-realization.

The phrase "And when he came to himself" suggests a sudden return to his senses or an awakening to his true condition, a sort of epiphany. It implies that up until this point, he has been, metaphorically speaking, not himself, lost in his reckless lifestyle.

He reflects on the fact that even his father's hired workers have more than enough food, while he is starving.

This comparison underlines the severity of his state and his recognition of his father's generosity, even to his servants.

This awareness leads him to formulate a plan to return to his father, admit his wrongdoings, and ask to be treated not as a son but as a hired servant.

The deeper meaning here is one of repentance and humility. The son recognizes his mistakes and decides to take responsibility for his actions, demonstrating a transformed character and a contrite heart.

Historical Context

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around AD 80-110.

This parable is part of a series that includes the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin, all of which emphasize the joy of finding something that was lost and the theme of redemption.

At the time of its writing, the story would have resonated especially with a Jewish audience because of its references to inheritance, family duty, and the significance of working with pigs.

These themes underscore the severity of the son's missteps, as rejecting one's family and violating dietary laws were serious cultural misdeeds.

Theological Insights

The parable provides rich theological insights from several viewpoints:

• From the perspective of soteriology (the doctrine of salvation), the return of the prodigal son can be understood as an allegory for repentance and salvation.

The son's coming to his senses and decision to return to the father illustrates the human realization of sin and the subsequent turning away from it.

• In terms of ecclesiology (the study of the church), the parable encourages the community of believers to welcome back those who have strayed from their faith, just as the father welcomes back his lost son.
• Viewed eschatologically (concerning the end times), the joyous return of the son echoes the joy that will be experienced at the ultimate reconciliation of humanity with God.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can inspire individuals to reflect on their own lives and circumstances, urging them to self-awareness and honesty about their actions and choices.

It may encourage those who feel disconnected or lost, whether from family, friends, or faith, to seek reconciliation and restoration.

For those who feel prideful or self-righteous, the verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and the recognition that everyone has fallen short at some point and is in need of forgiveness and grace.

The narrative also teaches the importance of forgiveness and unconditional love, symbolized by the father’s acceptance of the prodigal son upon his return.

Cross-References

• Luke 15:10 - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
• Luke 15:20 - "And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."

• Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 - "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
• James 4:6 - "But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Language Study

In the original Greek language used in the New Testament, we find key words that deepen our understanding of this verse:

• The phrase "came to himself" comes from the Greek "ἐαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν".
  • "ἐαυτὸν" (heauton) means "himself", used reflexively, indicating a return to inward reflection.
  • "ἐλθὼν" (elthōn) is the aorist participle of "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai), essentially meaning "to come" or "to go”, indicating an action taking place.
• "How many hired servants" translates to "πόσοι μισθίων" (posoi misthion) with:
  • "πόσοι" (posoi) meaning "how many", indicating quantity.
  • "μισθίων" (misthion) relates to "hired" or "wages", reflecting the status of the workers who are not sons but still provided for.
• "Bread enough and to spare" is inspired by "ἄρτων περισσεύουσιν" (arton perisseuousin) with:
  • "ἄρτων" (arton) representing "bread", symbolizing basic sustenance.
  • "περισσεύουσιν" (perisseuousin) stemming from "περισσεύω" (perisseuō), meaning "to have more than necessary" or "to abound."

These translations and the meanings behind the original words provide a more nuanced understanding of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of redemption after a period of downfall is common among various ancient myths and religious interpretations.

For example, in the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, the titular character undergoes a transformative journey following his realization of his own mortality.

Similarly, in Buddhism, the concept of prodigal return or repentance is echoed in the story of Angulimala, a murderer who becomes a follower of the Buddha and eventually attains enlightenment.

The prodigal son's return and his father’s acceptance can also be compared to the Hindu parable of the lost son, which stresses the idea of the unwavering love of a father for his child irrespective of the child's disobedience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological standpoint, the prodigal son's experience can be related to cognitive dissonance and the process of self-reflection leading to behavior change.

The recognition of the discrepancy between his current state and the well-being of his father's servants might have triggered a mental discomfort that compelled him to adjust his beliefs and actions.

Moreover, the verse could be discussed in terms of human survival instincts. The son's realization occurs at the point of severe hunger, illustrating the basic human drive for food and security, and this prime motivator is what brings him to decide on returning home.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse:

• Many agree on the psychological awakening of the prodigal son as a key element, marking a significant turnaround in the narrative.
• Some commentators highlight the economic realities conveyed through the son's reflection on the servants' conditions, which can be seen as social commentary on the disparities of wealth and status.
• Others focus on the implications of the son's intention to confess his sins to his father, noting the importance of verbal confession as a step toward reconciliation.
• Scholars like Henri Nouwen in "The Return of the Prodigal Son" explore the parable from the viewpoint of the son, brother, and father, deepening our understanding of God's character, human sin, and the path to restoration.