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 15:32 mean?

Explanation

Luke 15:32 is the concluding verse of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, one of the most famous stories told by Jesus in the New Testament. The parable is a story of a young man who leaves his father's home, squanders his inheritance, and eventually finds himself destitute.

In a state of repentance, he decides to return to his father to ask for forgiveness and mercy, expecting to be treated as one of the hired servants.

However, his father receives him with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast.

The older brother, who has stayed home and worked faithfully, becomes angry and resentful at the celebration for his wayward sibling.

The father then explains to the older brother the reason for the celebration: the younger brother was lost and is now found, he was dead and is now alive again.

The literal meaning of the verse underscores the joy and necessity of celebrating the return of someone who was once lost but has now been found.

The deeper meanings include themes of forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, and the unconditional love of a father, which is often interpreted as a metaphor for God's love for repentant sinners.

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Historical Context

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15, a chapter that contains several parables about lost things being found, which include the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. The historical context is the ministry of Jesus, who often used parables to teach moral and spiritual lessons.

The target audience of these teachings were the Jewish people of his time, particularly the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Jesus for welcoming and eating with sinners.

The cultural context of first-century Palestine included a strong emphasis on honor and shame, family loyalty, inheritance practices, and the Jewish religious laws and traditions.

The prodigal son's behavior of demanding his inheritance early and squandering it would have been seen as deeply disrespectful and shameful in his cultural context, making the forgiving reaction of the father both unexpected and profound.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints have analyzed this verse and the overall parable.

From a Christian theological perspective, the verse and the parable are seen as illustrative of God’s grace and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. God's forgiveness is extended towards all, irrespective of their past, and repentance leads to a restoration in the relationship with God.

From a Calvinist perspective, the return of the lost son could be seen as an example of irresistible grace, where the son's return represents the drawing of a sinner to God by His sovereign will.

In contrast, Arminian theology might emphasize the freedom of the son's will to repent and return to the father.

Moreover, certain scholars have noted that the emphasis on joy and celebration underscores the communal aspect of salvation and repentance, which involves not just an individual's relationship with God but also their place within the community of believers.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Luke 15:32 can be applied in daily life in several ways. It encourages individuals to:

Embrace a forgiving attitude towards those who have wronged them, recognizing the possibility of change and redemption. 2.

Celebrate reconciliation and restoration in relationships, rather than harboring resentment or jealousy. 3.

Reflect on personal shortcomings and encourage a spirit of repentance and humility. 4.

Foster an inclusive attitude within communities, welcoming back those who have been estranged or have taken a wrong path. 5.

Recognize the value of every individual and celebrate positive transformations in their lives.

Cross-References

Luke 15:7 - "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."
Luke 15:10 - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Language Study

In examining the original Greek language of the verse, key words stand out:

"meet" (ἔδει edei) suggests necessity or duty; it conveys a sense of what is morally appropriate.
"make merry" (εὐφραίνω euphrainō) refers to rejoicing or celebrating.
"be glad" (χαίρω chairō) indicates a state of joy or happiness.
"dead" (νεκρός nekros) is used metaphorically to describe the son's previous state of being lost in sin.
"alive again" (ζάω zao) represents the new life he has found upon repentance, used metaphorically to indicate vitality and spiritual awakening.
"was lost" (ἀπόλλυμι apollymi) conveys the sense of being destroyed or perishing, here relating to being spiritually lost.
"is found" (εὑρίσκω heuriskō) signifies the act of finding after a search, symbolizing the rediscovery or spiritual rebirth of the individual.

The study of these words provides a deeper insight into the nuances of the verse, emphasizing the transformation and renewal that accompany repentance and forgiveness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, stories of lost individuals being found or returning home abound. For instance, themes in the "Odyssey" by Homer resonate with the Prodigal Son's journey, emphasizing the value of homecoming and restoration.

In religious contexts, several traditions contain concepts of wandering away from righteousness and being welcomed back through mercy. Stories in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam all offer parables or teachings about redemption, often highlighting the power of compassion and forgiveness.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse can intersect with our understanding of psychology and sociology.

Modern psychology recognizes the value of forgiveness and reconciliation in emotional health and societal harmony.

Studies on familial relationships emphasize the importance of acceptance and support in nurturing psychological well-being.

Additionally, the celebration of positive life changes and recovery from adverse behaviors (as metaphorically depicted in the story of the prodigal son) has parallels in the process of addiction recovery, where personal transformation and community support play significant roles.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of Luke 15:32:

Matthew Henry emphasizes the joy that should be felt upon the conversion of sinners, pointing out the need for mercy over judgment.
William Barclay notes the extraordinary nature of the father's love in the parable, representing God's endless grace.
John Calvin highlights the contrast between the joyful father and the resentful older brother, symbolizing the difference between God’s graciousness and human pettiness.
N.T.

Wright discusses how the parable turns the expectations of Jesus' audience upside down, showcasing a God who celebrates the least and the lost.

These interpretations focus on the central themes of mercy, repentance, celebration, and especially the gracious nature of God’s love towards repentant sinners.

Luke 15

Luke 15

What does Luke 15:32 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 15:32 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?