Keraia
Luke 15

Luke 15:17

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

Translations

Modern
Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death!
Traditional
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!
Literal
But having come to himself, he was saying, ‘How many hired men of my father have an abundance of loaves, but here I am perishing with hunger?
Latin
In se autem reversus, dixit: Quanti mercenarii in domo patris mei abundant panibus, ego autem hic fame pereo!

Original

Greek
English
Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death!

Notes

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 Jesus Christ Judaism Love Luke, Gospel of Servant Sin

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Afflictions Made Beneficial in Convincing Us of Sin Employee: Kindness To God: Love of, Exemplified 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 Repentance: Exemplified Repentance: Illustrated: The Prodigal Son Repentance: The Prodigal Son Select Readings: The Parable of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Father of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son Servants: Divided Into: Hired Servants: Hired: Often Will Fed and Taken Care of Sin: Confession of Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning