Luke 15

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

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.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

What does Luke 15:20 mean?

Explanation

This verse is a part of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, one of Jesus' most famous parables documented in the Gospel of Luke.

It narrates the return of a wayward son to his father after squandering his inheritance.

The young man, after suffering destitution and humiliation, decides to return home and ask his father for forgiveness, planning even to beg to be treated as a hired servant.

Before he can reach home, his father sees him from a distance, filled with compassion, rushes to him, embraces him, and warmly welcomes him back into the family.

The father in this parable symbolizes God, and his love and forgiveness towards the repentant son epitomize God’s infinite mercy and readiness to forgive sinners who return to Him.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The Parable of the Prodigal Son was told by Jesus in the first century CE, as he taught the people of Galilee and Judea.

It was a time when Jewish culture and religion placed importance on honor, family, and ritual purity.

The cultural norm would usually involve a more reserved reception for someone who had brought dishonor to the family, yet the father’s actions defy these expectations and demonstrate a radical form of acceptance and forgiveness.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates the concept of grace.

The father's unprompted, compassionate action reflects God's grace bestowed upon humanity irrespective of their sinful nature.

This view is prevalent amongst most Christian denominations.

A Catholic perspective might emphasize the sacrament of Reconciliation that encourages the faithful to return to God, much like the prodigal son, to seek forgiveness.

Some Protestant views highlight this as an example of "sola gratia," meaning that salvation comes through grace alone, not by human merits.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to daily life through the practice of forgiveness and unconditional love within families and communities.

It encourages individuals to accept those who have wronged them, promoting reconciliation over estrangement.

Its message is particularly poignant in advocating for a compassionate attitude toward those who have made poor decisions but wish to make amends.

Cross-References

Luke 15:32 - "It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."
2 Corinthians 5:18 - "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"
Ephesians 2:4-5 - "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

Language Study

The original Greek words of interest in this verse include:

"compassion" (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, esplagchnisthē) refers to a profound, gut-level feeling of compassion.
"ran" (δραμὼν, dramōn) conveys haste and urgency, indicating the father's intense desire to welcome his son.
"fell on his neck" (ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον, epepesen epi ton trachēlon) suggests a strong, affectionate embrace.
"kissed him" (κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν, katephilēsen auton) is indicative of affection and reconciliation; beyond a formal greeting, it implies genuine love.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of the prodigal son holds similarities to various myths and religious motifs from other cultures where a central character leaves home and is later welcomed back with forgiveness.

A notable similarity can be found in the theme of exile and return present in some ancient Near Eastern texts.

However, the prodigal son is distinctive for its emphasis on the father’s loving reception, which goes beyond the traditional narratives of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific findings, modern psychology might interpret the father's compassion and running toward the son as representative of healthy relational dynamics and the psychological benefits of forgiveness.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians interpret this verse as an essential illustration of divine love and forgiveness:

John Calvin saw it as a representation of the free mercy of God towards sinners.
Matthew Henry viewed the compassionate run of the father as an indication of God’s readiness to receive and forgive those who repent.
William Barclay pointed out the father’s breaking of cultural norms as a radical demonstration of divine love that transcends human conventions.

Luke 15

Luke 15

What does Luke 15:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 15:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?