Luke 15:20-24 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:22

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 . The older authorities add "quickly" after the words "bring forth." Everything is done by the father to assure the wanderer of full and entire forgiveness. Not only is a welcome given to the tired, ragged son, but he is invested at once, with all speed, with the insignia of his old rank as one of the house. But it is observable not a word is spoken of reply to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:23-24

And bring hither the fatted calf . There was a custom in the large Palestinian farms that always a calf should be fattening ready for festal occasions. And let us eat … And they began to be merry . Who are intended by these plurals, us and they ? We must not forget that the parable-story under the mortal imagery is telling of heavenly as well as of earthly things. The sharers in their joy over the lost, the servants of the prodigal's father on earth, are doubtless the angels of whom we... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:20

He arose, and came - Was coming. But here is no indication of “haste.” He did not “run,” but came driven by his wants, and, as we may suppose, filled with shame, and even with some doubts whether his father would receive him.A great way off - This is a beautiful description - the image of his father’s happening to see him clad in rags, poor, and emaciated, and yet he recognized “his son,” and all the feelings of a father prompted him to go and embrace him.Had compassion - Pitied him. Saw his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:22

The best robe - The son was probably in rags. The joy of the father is expressed by clothing him in the best raiment, that he might appear well. The “robe” here mentioned is probably the outer garment; and the father told them to put on him the best one that was in the house - one reserved for festival occasions. See Genesis 27:15.A ring on his hand - To wear a ring on the hand was one mark of wealth and dignity. The rich and those in office commonly wore them. Compare James 2:2. To “give” a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:23

Be merry - Literally, “eating, let us rejoice.” The word “merry” does not quite express the meaning of the Greek. “Merriment” denotes a light, playful, jovial mirth. The Greek denotes simply “joy - let us be happy, or joyful.” read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:24

Was dead - This is capable of two significations:“I supposed” that he was dead, but I know now that he is alive. He was “dead to virtue” - he was sunk in pleasure and vice. The word is not unfrequently thus used. See 1 Timothy 5:6; Matthew 8:22; Romans 6:13. Hence, to be restored to “virtue” is said to be restored again to life, Romans 6:13; Revelation 3:1; Ephesians 2:1. It is probable that this latter is the meaning here. See Luke 15:32.Was lost - Had wandered away from home, and we knew not... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:20

Luke 15:20. And he arose and came to his father Having taken the resolution of returning to his father, he put it immediately in execution; setting out just as he was, barefooted, and all in rags, and being obliged, doubtless, to beg his way. But did his father receive him? Was he welcome? Yes, heartily welcome. And, by the way, we have here an example, instructing parents, whose children have been foolish and disobedient, if they repent and submit themselves, not to be harsh and severe... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:21

Luke 15:21. And the son said The perturbation which the aged parent was in, with ecstasy of joy, hindered him from speaking; so the poor, ragged, meager creature, locked in his arms, began and made his acknowledgments with a tone of voice expressive of the deepest contrition. Father, I have sinned against heaven, &c. As it commends the good father’s kindness, that he showed it before the prodigal expressed his repentance; so it commends the prodigal’s repentance, that he expressed it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:24

Luke 15:24 . For this my son was dead Was considered by me as dead; and is alive again “It is by a very common and beautiful emblem, that vicious persons are represented as dead, both by sacred and profane authors; and the natural death of their children would be less grievous to pious parents than to see them abandoned to such a course as this young sinner took.” Doddridge. He was lost and is found We looked upon him as utterly lost, but lo! he is come back again, beyond all... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 15:1-32

102. Lost sheep; lost coin; lost son (Luke 15:1-32)Jesus told these three short stories to answer the scribes and Pharisees, who had complained that he mixed with tax collectors and other low class people. The more respectable Jews considered such people unworthy of God’s blessings. They were angry that Jesus showed interest in them and that many of them responded to his message (Luke 15:1-2).The stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin show that God does more than welcome sinners; he... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 15:23-24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:20

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:22

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 15:24

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:20

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:21

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 15:24

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 15:1-32

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