The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
Luke.15.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε·Ανθρωπος: CONJ+NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ειχεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- υιους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:3-7 (thematic): The parable of the lost sheep begins the Lukan trilogy (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son) and shares the central theme of God seeking the lost and rejoicing over recovery.
- Luke 15:8-10 (thematic): The lost coin parable is the second member of the same triad, emphasizing searching for what is lost and joy at its recovery—a direct thematic parallel to the prodigal son's recovery.
- Matthew 21:28-31 (verbal): Another New Testament parable that opens with 'A man had two sons' (or similar wording); uses the two-sons motif to contrast responses to a father's command, paralleling Luke's structural use of two sons to teach about repentance and obedience.
- Genesis 25:24-34 (thematic): The birth and rivalry of Jacob and Esau introduces themes of two sons, sibling conflict, younger/older dynamics, and reversal of expectations—background motifs echoed in the prodigal-son narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, "A man had two sons."
- And he said, "A certain man had two sons."
Luke.15.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- νεωτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πατρι·Πατερ: NOUN,dat,sg,m+NOUN,voc,sg,m
- δος: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- επιβαλλον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- μερος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ουσιας·ο: NOUN,gen,sg,f+ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- διειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- βιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 12:13 (verbal): A hearer asks Jesus to ‘divide the inheritance’—same language and social situation (request to split family property) as the younger son’s demand.
- Luke 12:16-21 (thematic): The parable of the rich fool centers on dividing and hoarding possessions and the folly of trusting in wealth—themes echoed in the younger son’s impatience for his inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (structural): Law protecting the firstborn’s portion (double share) provides legal and cultural background, highlighting why a younger son’s demand for his share while the father is alive is notable.
- Genesis 25:29-34 (thematic): Esau’s impulsive disposal of his birthright for immediate gratification parallels the younger son’s rash request for his inheritance and foreshortened regard for family bonds and future status.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the estate that belongs to me." So he divided his property between them.
- The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me." So he divided his living between them.
Luke.15.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μετ᾽ου: PREP,gen
- πολλας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- συναγαγων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,m,sg
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- νεωτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- απεδημησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- χωραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μακραν: ADV
- και: CONJ
- εκει: ADV
- διεσκορπισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ζων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,m,sg
- ασωτως: ADV
Parallels
- Luke 15:4-7 (structural): First of the three 'lost' parables (lost sheep); shares the motif of something/someone lost and the joy in seeking and recovery that frames the prodigal son.
- Luke 15:8-10 (structural): Second 'lost' parable (lost coin); parallels the theme of loss, diligent searching, and rejoicing on recovery that culminates in the son's story.
- Luke 15:20-24 (thematic): The father's reception of the returning son; directly tied to the consequences of the son's departure and squandering and to the theme of repentance and restoration.
- Luke 12:16-21 (thematic): Parable of the rich fool: thematically related in its critique of misplaced security in wealth and the folly of profligate or short-sighted use of possessions.
- Hosea 11:1-4 (allusion): Father–child language and Israel's waywardness: portrays a nation's 'going away' from its father, providing an Old Testament background for themes of filial departure and eventual compassion/return.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not many days later the younger son gathered all he had and went into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in dissolute living.
- Not many days later the younger son gathered all together and went to a distant country; and there he squandered his possessions in reckless living.
Luke.15.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δαπανησαντος: VERB,aor,act,ptc,gen,m,sg
- δε: CONJ
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- λιμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ισχυρα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χωραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εκεινην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- ηρξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- υστερεισθαι: VERB,pres,pass,inf
Parallels
- Genesis 47:13-21 (thematic): A severe famine in the land leads people to sell possessions and seek sustenance—parallels Luke’s note that a great famine arose and the son began to be in want.
- Ruth 1:1-2 (thematic): Explicit statement that a famine in the land caused Elimelech’s family to leave Judah—similar motif of famine producing dislocation and need.
- 2 Kings 6:24-29 (thematic): Description of an extreme famine in Samaria with dire consequences; echoes Luke’s emphasis on the severity of the country’s famine and resulting desperation.
- Acts 11:27-30 (structural): In Luke–Acts the author treats regional famine as a significant historical crisis; here a prophetic warning of famine and the church’s relief response parallels Luke’s broader interest in famine as a force producing human need.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want.
- And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want.
Luke.15.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- πορευθεις: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,m,sg
- εκολληθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- ενι: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- πολιτων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χωρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εκεινης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επεμψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αγρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- βοσκειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- χοιρους·: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Mark 5:11-13 (verbal): Describes a herd of pigs into which demons were sent; shares the explicit image of swine and the social/ritual connotations of pig-keeping in Jesus' environment.
- Matthew 8:28-32 (verbal): Parallel account to Mark 5 showing pigs driven into the sea; reinforces the pig motif and its associations with Gentile regions and ritual impurity.
- Leviticus 11:7-8 (thematic): Dietary law declaring the pig unclean; provides the background that makes feeding swine a symbol of degradation for a Jewish audience.
- Acts 10:9-16 (allusion): Peter’s vision about unclean animals being declared clean reinterprets the cultural tag of pigs; thematically contrasts traditional impurity with the gospel’s opening to Gentiles.
- Luke 15:16 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the son longs to fill himself with the pods that the pigs ate, underscoring his destitution and setting up his repentance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine.
- So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country; he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luke.15.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- επεθυμει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- γεμισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- κοιλιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- κερατιων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ησθιον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- χοιροι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ουδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εδιδου: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:17 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same parable: the son's longing to eat the swine's food sets up the turning point ‘he came to himself’ (repentance and return).
- Philippians 3:19 (verbal): Paul criticizes those 'whose god is their belly' (τὸν θεὸν τῆς κοιλίας), thematically linking appetite and moral/spiritual degradation to the prodigal's desperate hunger.
- Leviticus 11:7-8 (allusion): Law lists the pig as unclean (not to be eaten). The prodigal's craving for pig-feed highlights his abjection and ritual/ethical impurity in a Jewish context.
- Genesis 25:29-34 (thematic): Esau sells his birthright for food — a biblical motif of yielding enduring rights/good for immediate bodily appetite, paralleling the younger son's self‑degradation through indulgence.
- Isaiah 65:4 (allusion): Isaiah condemns those who 'eat the flesh of pigs' among other abominations; evokes prophetic language that associates pig‑eating with social/religious corruption, resonant with the prodigal's low point.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he longed to fill his belly with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
- And he longed to fill his belly with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
Luke.15.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- εαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,masc,reflex
- δε: CONJ
- ελθων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- εφη·Ποσοι: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg + ADJ,nom,pl,m
- μισθιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πατρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- περισσευονται: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- αρτων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- λιμω: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ωδε: ADV
- απολλυμαι·: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Luke 15:4-7 (structural): The lost sheep parable opens the threefold unit; both emphasize recovery of what was lost and heavenly joy when the lost returns — framing the prodigal son's inward turning and eventual restoration.
- Luke 15:8-10 (structural): The lost coin parable continues the same structural pattern of loss, search, finding, and rejoicing — reinforcing the theme of repentance and restoration that Luke 15:17 initiates.
- Luke 15:20 (thematic): The immediate reconciliation by the father when the son returns provides the resolution to the son's decision 'to arise and go to my father' (vv.17–19), showing the result of the inward turning described in v.17.
- Ezekiel 18:30-32 (thematic): A prophetic call to 'turn from your evil ways' and 'live' parallels the prodigal’s moment of self-awareness and decision to return; both passages center on personal repentance and life restored.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, while I perish here with hunger!
- But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luke.15.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αναστας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- πορευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πατερα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- ερω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτω·Πατερ: PRON,dat,sg,3+NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ημαρτον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ουρανον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ενωπιον: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
Parallels
- Luke 15:21 (verbal): The returning son repeats this exact confession to his father in v.21—same wording of 'I have sinned against heaven and before you.'
- Luke 15:4-7 (thematic): The parable of the lost sheep frames the chapter's theme: seeking the lost and rejoicing over repentance, which the prodigal son's speech exemplifies.
- Luke 15:8-10 (thematic): The lost coin parable similarly highlights recovery and joy over what was lost—parallel to the son's return and confession.
- Psalm 51:4 (allusion): A penitential confession before God ('against you, you only have I sinned') parallels the prodigal's admission of sin before heaven and his father.
- Daniel 9:5 (allusion): Daniel's corporate confession ('we have sinned and done wrong... we have sinned before you') echoes the language and posture of repentance in Luke 15:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
- I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;'
Luke.15.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουκετι: ADV
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αξιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- κληθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου·ποιησον: PRON,gen,sg,2+VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ως: ADV
- ενα: NUM,acc,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- μισθιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
Parallels
- Luke 15:21 (verbal): The son repeats this exact confession aloud to his father, fulfilling the planned speech of 15:18–19.
- Luke 15:18 (structural): Immediate parallel within the parable: 15:18–19 records the son's intended confession, showing the rhetorical structure of his repentance.
- Matthew 8:8 (verbal): The Roman centurion’s phrase “Lord, I am not worthy…” uses the same language of unworthiness as an expression of humility before a superior.
- Luke 18:13 (thematic): The tax collector’s plea “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” parallels the prodigal’s posture of humility and acknowledgment of sin/unworthiness.
- Isaiah 66:2 (thematic): God’s regard for the ‘humble and contrite in spirit’ echoes the prodigal’s repentant humility as the proper stance before the father/God.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.'"
- I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants.'"
Luke.15.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αναστας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πατερα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ετι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- μακραν: ADV
- απεχοντος: VERB,pres,act,ptc,gen,sg,m
- ειδεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εσπλαγχνισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- δραμων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- επεπεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- τραχηλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- κατεφιλησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:4-7 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep: same theme of seeking the lost and rejoicing when it is found — the father's compassion echoes the shepherd who leaves the ninety‑nine to recover the one.
- Luke 15:8-10 (thematic): Parable of the lost coin: parallel structure and theme of searching for what is lost and rejoicing when it is recovered, reinforcing the motif of restoration and celebration.
- Psalm 103:13 (verbal): Speaks of a father's compassion for his children ('As a father has compassion...'), closely matching the paternal compassion and tender response described in Luke 15:20.
- Hosea 11:3-4 (allusion): God depicted as a loving parent who draws Israel to himself with 'cords of kindness' and tender care — background OT imagery that illuminates the father's compassionate, proactive meeting of the returning son.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion; he ran, embraced him, and kissed him.
- And he arose and went to his father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion; he ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke.15.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτω·Πατερ: PRON,dat,sg,3;NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ημαρτον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ουρανον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ενωπιον: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- ουκετι: ADV
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αξιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- κληθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
Parallels
- Luke 15:18 (verbal): The son's prepared confession in v.18 uses essentially the same wording as his spoken admission in v.21—direct verbal parallel within the parable.
- Luke 18:13 (thematic): The tax collector's plea 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner' echoes the themes of humble confession and recognition of unworthiness before God that lead to justification.
- Psalm 51:4 (verbal): David's 'Against you, you only, have I sinned' parallels the son's expression of sinning 'against heaven and before you,' highlighting sin as primarily an offense against God.
- 1 John 1:9 (thematic): The promise that confession brings forgiveness corresponds to the son's confession in Luke 15:21 and the parable's emphasis on repentance resulting in restoration.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
- And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
Luke.15.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- δουλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτου·Ταχυ: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εξενεγκατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- στολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πρωτην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ενδυσατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- δοτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- δακτυλιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χειρα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- υποδηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ποδας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Genesis 41:42 (verbal): Pharaoh takes his signet ring and puts it on Joseph's hand and clothes him in fine garments—direct verbal parallel: ring + change of clothing as public elevation/restoration.
- Ezekiel 16:9-12 (verbal): God washes, anoints, clothes, and shoes Jerusalem and puts a ring and ornaments on her—uses the same suite of actions (bathe/anoint/robe/ring/sandals) to signify restoration and honor.
- Zechariah 3:3-5 (allusion): The filthy garments of Joshua the high priest are removed and replaced with clean clothes and a turban—an act of cleansing and reinstatement that echoes the prodigal’s restoration by new garments.
- Isaiah 61:10 (thematic): Speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness—uses clothing imagery to express vindication, rejoicing, and restored status, paralleling the father's act of clothing the son.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the father said to his servants, "Quick—bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
- But the father said to his servants, "Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.
Luke.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- φερετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- μοσχον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- σιτευτον: PART,acc,sg,m
- θυσατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- φαγοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- ευφρανθωμεν: VERB,aor,pas,subj,1,pl
Parallels
- Luke 15:22-24 (verbal): Immediate context: the father orders the fatted calf to be brought, killed and eaten to celebrate the prodigal son's return; same wording and occasion.
- Luke 15:7 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep ends with joy in heaven over one sinner who repents—same celebration motif for a recovered lost person.
- Matthew 18:12-14 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep (parallel to Luke 15) emphasizes seeking the one and rejoicing at its recovery, echoing the celebratory response in Luke 15:23.
- Isaiah 25:6 (thematic): Prophetic image of a rich, celebratory feast ('a feast of rich food') used in Scripture as symbolic language for joy and restoration—background for New Testament banquet imagery.
- Genesis 21:8 (thematic): Abraham's celebratory feast on Isaac's weaning marks a restorative family milestone; parallels the use of a communal feast to mark restoration and rejoicing in Luke 15:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- bring the fatted calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
- And bring the fatted calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
Luke.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- νεκρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ανεζησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- απολωλως: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ευρεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ηρξαντο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,pl
- ευφραινεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
Parallels
- Luke 15:32 (verbal): Almost identical wording appears in the father’s address to the elder son: ‘this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found,’ repeating the dead/ alive and lost/found formula.
- Luke 15:6–7 (thematic): In the lost sheep parable the shepherd calls to rejoice because ‘I have found my sheep,’ linking the motif of finding the lost and communal rejoicing over recovery and repentance.
- Luke 15:8–9 (thematic): The lost coin parable likewise emphasizes recovery and celebration—‘I have found the piece which I had lost; rejoice with me’—reinforcing the trilogy’s lost-and-found/rejoicing theme.
- Ephesians 2:1,4–5 (thematic): Paul’s language of being ‘dead in trespasses’ and then being ‘made alive with Christ’ parallels the theological theme of a transition from death to life (spiritual restoration) echoed in the prodigal’s ‘was dead and is alive.’
Alternative generated candidates
- for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to celebrate.
- for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to be merry.
Luke.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πρεσβυτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αγρω·και: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- ερχομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- ηγγισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- οικια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ηκουσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- συμφωνιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- χορων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:3-7 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep emphasizes joy and celebration when the lost is found—parallel to the celebratory music and dancing heard by the elder son.
- Luke 15:8-10 (thematic): Parable of the lost coin likewise highlights rejoicing over recovery, echoing the household's festive response that the elder son encounters.
- Luke 15:22-24 (structural): Description of the father's commands to kill the fatted calf and make merry provides the immediate occasion for the music and dancing the elder son hears.
- Luke 15:1-2 (thematic): The Pharisees' and scribes' grumbling at Jesus for welcoming sinners parallels the elder son's resentment on hearing the celebration for the returning brother.
- 1 Samuel 18:6-9 (thematic): Women’s songs and dancing celebrating David's victories provoke Saul's jealousy—an Old Testament instance where public rejoicing triggers envy similar to the elder son's reaction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
- Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Luke.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- προσκαλεσαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- ενα: NUM,acc,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- παιδων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- επυνθανετο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- αν: PART
- ειη: VERB,pres,act,opt,3,sg
- ταυτα·: PRON,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Luke 15:27 (structural): Immediate narrative follow-up: a servant actually answers the question posed here, reporting that the younger brother has returned — direct continuation of the same scene.
- Luke 15:22-24 (structural): Describes the servants' actions (robe, ring, fatted calf, celebration) that the older brother hears; connects the servant-role and the festivities which prompt his inquiry.
- Luke 15:2 (thematic): Pharisees and scribes grumble about Jesus receiving sinners — thematically parallels the older brother’s offended reaction to the celebration for the returning son.
- Luke 15:30-32 (thematic): The father’s response to the older brother explains and defends the celebration the servant reports; highlights the underlying theme of mercy and restorative joy that motivated the servants’ actions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
- And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
Luke.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αδελφος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- ηκει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- εθυσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- μοσχον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- σιτευτον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- υγιαινοντα: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,sg,m
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- απελαβεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Luke 15:24 (structural): Continuation of the same parable: the father explains why he has killed the fattened calf — 'for this my son was dead and is alive again' — directly restating the reason given in 15:27.
- Luke 15:32 (structural): The father's rebuke to the elder brother echoes the theme of celebration over the return of the lost one and reiterates the motivation for the feast mentioned in 15:27 ('we had to celebrate and be glad').
- Luke 15:7 (thematic): In the 'lost sheep' parable Jesus explicitly connects finding one lost person to great rejoicing, paralleling the celebration over the returning son reported in 15:27.
- Luke 15:10 (thematic): Similar theological point: there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents — this heavenly rejoicing mirrors the earthly rejoicing (the killing of the fattened calf) in 15:27.
- Matthew 18:12–13 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep in Matthew parallels Luke's motifs: a shepherd seeks the one lost sheep and rejoices when it is found, reflecting the same concern and celebratory response for the lost who are recovered described in 15:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him back safe and well."
- And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him back safe."
Luke.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωργισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ηθελεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- εισελθειν: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εξελθων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- παρεκαλει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:20 (verbal): The father's active movement toward his returning son (running out to meet him) parallels the father's going out to the older son in 15:28—both show the father's initiative to reconcile and plead.
- Luke 15:31-32 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: the father's appeal and explanation to the older son directly parallels and completes the action begun in 15:28 (the father going out to entreat him).
- Luke 15:2 (thematic): The scribes and Pharisees grumble that Jesus receives sinners; their resentment at God's mercy echoes the older brother's anger and refusal to enter the celebration.
- Matthew 21:28-32 (thematic): Parable of the two sons contrasts professed obedience with actual repentance—similar theme to the older son's self-righteous refusal versus the younger son's return and the father's mercy.
- Luke 18:9-14 (thematic): Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector contrasts self-righteous pride with humble repentance, paralleling the older brother's proud indignation and lack of compassion toward the repentant son.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he was angry and would not go in. His father came out and entreated him.
- But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and entreated him.
Luke.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- αποκριθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πατρι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αυτου·Ιδου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- τοσαυτα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- ετη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- δουλευω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- ουδεποτε: ADV
- εντολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- παρηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ουδεποτε: ADV
- εδωκας: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- εριφον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ινα: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- φιλων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ευφρανθω·: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 20:11-12 (thematic): Laborers in the vineyard grumble that latecomers received equal pay—both passages depict resentment over perceived unequal treatment and refusal to rejoice at another’s good fortune.
- Luke 15:7 (thematic): Earlier line in the same chapter: ‘there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents’ — contrasts the heavenly rejoicing Jesus praises with the elder son’s refusal to celebrate the returned brother.
- Genesis 27:41 (thematic): Esau’s bitter anger toward Jacob after Isaac’s blessing parallels the elder son’s resentment toward his father’s gracious treatment of a sibling—both reflect jealousy and wounded sense of entitlement.
- Luke 15:31 (structural): The father’s reply (‘you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours’) immediately follows v.29; it provides the narrative counterpoint and theological remedy to the elder son’s complaint.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he answered his father, "Look—these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends.
- He answered and said to his father, "Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
Luke.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτε: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- καταφαγων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- βιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- πορνων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εθυσας: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- σιτευτον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- μοσχον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 15:13 (verbal): Describes the younger son squandering his inheritance—background for the elder son's charge that the younger 'devoured your living'.
- Luke 15:23 (verbal): Fathers' action to 'kill the fatted calf' for the returning son; this is the rejoicing the elder son protests in 15:30.
- Luke 15:29 (quotation): Immediate precursor in the elder son's speech ('that son of yours...'); 15:30 continues the same complaint and phraseology.
- Luke 15:31–32 (structural): Father's rebuttal contrasts the elder son's complaint in 15:30 and reinterprets the celebration as appropriate because the lost was found—key resolution of the charge.
- Luke 15:4–7 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep parallels the theme of rejoicing over a recovered/repentant person that underlies the father's defense against the elder son's complaint.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with loose living, you killed the fatted calf for him."
- But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him."
Luke.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω·Τεκνον: PRON,dat,sg,m + NOUN,voc,sg,n
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- παντοτε: ADV
- μετ᾽εμου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,1
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εμα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- σα: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εστιν·: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Luke 15:32 (structural): Immediate continuation of the father's speech—both verses form the conclusion of the parable, contrasting celebration for the restored son with the elder son's grievance and reaffirming the father's generosity.
- Romans 8:17 (thematic): Speaks of believers as 'children' and 'heirs of God,' echoing the idea that being a son implies continual presence with the father and shared inheritance.
- Galatians 4:7 (verbal): Declares believers 'no longer slaves but sons; and if sons, then heirs,' paralleling Luke's emphasis that the elder son already possesses the father’s estate by virtue of sonship.
- John 1:12 (thematic): Offers the promise that those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God, resonating with Luke's assurance of belonging and entitlement to the father's possessions.
- Deuteronomy 21:17 (allusion): Law concerning the rights of the firstborn provides the legal background for the elder son's complaint; the father's reply (v.31) reframes inheritance as relational generosity rather than strict firstborn entitlement.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
- And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
Luke.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ευφρανθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- χαρηναι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εδει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αδελφος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- νεκρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- εζησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- απολωλως: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ευρεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Luke 15:24 (verbal): Direct repetition of the same wording earlier in the parable: 'for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
- Luke 15:7 (thematic): Lost sheep parable: joy in heaven over one sinner who repents—same theological theme of rejoicing at restoration.
- Luke 15:10 (thematic): Lost coin parable: rejoicing (in the presence of the angels) when what was lost is found, paralleling the celebration over the son's return.
- Luke 15:23 (structural): Father's command to kill the fattened calf and 'let us eat and celebrate'—same celebratory action that verse 15:32 invokes.
- Matthew 18:13 (thematic): Synoptic parallel to the lost-sheep teaching: 'there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents,' echoing Luke's emphasis on heavenly/communal joy at repentance.
Alternative generated candidates
- It was fitting to rejoice and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
- But it was right to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
A man had two sons.
The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that belongs to me.' So he divided his property between them.
Not many days later the younger son gathered all together and went to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
When he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the inhabitants of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
He longed to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything.
When he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger!'
'I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son."'
'Make me as one of your hired servants.' So he arose and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and was filled with compassion; he ran, and threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quick—bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
Bring the fatted calf; kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to celebrate. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came near to the house he heard music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and would not go in. His father came out and pleaded with him.
He answered his father, 'Look—these many years I have served you and never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has consumed your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him.'
He said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and everything that is mine is yours.
'But it was right to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'