And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
What does Luke 15:13 mean?
The parable of the prodigal son shows the nature of repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to him.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Luke 15:11-15 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Luke 15:13
Gathered all together - Collected his property. If he had received flocks or grain, he sold them and converted them into money. As soon as this arrangement had been made he left his father's house. Took his journey - Went, or traveled. Into a far country - A country far off from his father's house. He went probably to trade or to seek his fortune, and in his wanderings came at last to this dissipated place, where his property was soon expended. Wasted his substance - Spent his property. In riotous living - Literally, "Living without saving anything." He lived extravagantly, and in the most dissolute company. See Luke 15:30 .
Key words
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And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,.
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And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,.
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And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,.
Context in Luke 15
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Luke 15 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as journey to Jerusalem. Luke emphasizes salvation for the poor and the outsider, prayer, joy, women, table fellowship, the Holy Spirit, and the universal reach of Christ’s mission. Read this chapter with the wider themes of salvation, Spirit, and prayer in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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