What is the parable of the prodigal son?
What is the parable of the prodigal son? The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
Key verse: Luke 15:20 (KJV)
The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." — Luke 15:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a younger son who demands his inheritance early, travels to a far country, and wastes everything on reckless living. When a famine strikes, he ends up feeding pigs — the lowest point for a Jewish person. Coming to his senses, he decides to return home and beg to be a servant. But his father sees him from afar, runs to him, embraces him, and throws a celebration. The older brother resents this grace, representing the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for welcoming sinners. The parable beautifully illustrates repentance, God's unconditional love, and the danger of self-righteous resentment.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Patience?
What the Bible teaches about patience, waiting on God, and enduring with grace.
Key Scripture References
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
"It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is Grace in the Bible?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:24 • Forgiveness & Grace
Parable of the Prodigal Son Quiz
A son's rebellion, return, and the father's running welcome (Luke 15).
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Luke 15:11–32 • Grace and Forgiveness
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The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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