Luke 15:29

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

Translations

Modern
But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
Traditional
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:
Literal
But answering, he said to his father, ‘Behold, so many years I serve you, and never did I transgress a commandment of yours, and never did you give to me a young goat so that I might be merry with my friends.
Latin
At ille respondens, dixit patri suo: Ecce tot annis servio tibi, et numquam mandatum tuum præterivi: et numquam dedisti mihi hædum ut cum amicis meis epularer.

Original

Greek
English
But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

Notes

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.

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.

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 21:18–21

Glossary

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

Topics

Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jealousy: The Brother of the Prodigal Son 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 Joy of the Father, when his Prodigal Son Returned Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Murmuring: Illustrated Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Penitent: Promises To Prodigal Son: General Scriptures Concerning Select Readings: The Parable of the Prodigal Son Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning