Keraia
Luke 15

Luke 15:12

The Parable of the Prodigal Son · Luke 15:11–32
Read Luke 15

Translations

Modern
The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And the younger of them said to the father, ‘Father, give to me the portion of the substance falling to me.’ And he divided the livelihood between them.
Latin
…et dixit adolescentior ex illis patri: Pater, da mihi portionem substantiæ, quæ me contingit. Et divisit illis substantiam.

Original

Greek
English
The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

Notes

Luke 15:12

give me my share of the estate: At this time, this shocking request would basically mean, “To me, you are dead.” He could not say anything more insulting to his father.

Luke 15:11–32

Like the previous two parables (15:3–7, 8–10), the parable of the lost son demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy God experiences when they return. It also reflects the ministry of Jesus. The father represents God, the younger son represents the tax collectors and sinners Jesus welcomed, and the older son represents the religious leaders.

Luke 15:1–32

Chapter 15 contains three related parables of things lost and found:

The loss of something loved causes deep sorrow, whereas finding it brings great joy. There is great rejoicing in heaven when lost sinners return to their heavenly Father.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Covenant Love

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 21:18–21

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Inheritance Jesus Christ Judaism Love Luke, Gospel of Sin

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Children: Could Demand Their Portion During Father's Life God: Love of, Exemplified Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Enunciates the Parables of the Lost Sheep, of the Lost Piece of Silver, of the Prodigal Son Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Prodigal Son and his Older Brother Joy in Heaven Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Penitent: Promises To Prodigal Son: General Scriptures Concerning Select Readings: The Parable of the Prodigal Son Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning