But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
What does Luke 15:30 mean?
In the latter part of this parable we have the character of the Pharisees, though not of them alone. It sets forth the kindness of the Lord, and the proud manner in which his gracious kindness is often received.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Luke 15:28-32 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Luke 15:30
This thy son - This son of "thine." This is an expression of great contempt. He did not call him "his brother," but "his father's son," to show at once his contempt for his younger brother, and for his father for having received him as he did. Never was there a more striking instance of petty malice, or more unjustifiable disregard of a father's conduct and will. Thy living - Thy property. This is still designed to irritate the father, and set him against his younger son.
Key words
- come
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But as soon as this thy son was come,.
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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