What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son? The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
Key verse: Luke 15:20 (KJV)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
"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 15:11-32, Jesus tells of a man with two sons. The younger son demanded his share of the inheritance and left for a distant country, where he wasted everything in reckless living. When a severe famine hit, he hired himself out to feed pigs and longed to eat their pods. Coming to his senses, he resolved to return home and beg to be a servant. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, ran to him, embraced him, and ordered a feast — for this son of mine was dead and is alive again. The older son, who had stayed home, refused to join the celebration. The father answered him: 'Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.' The parable reveals God's heart for lost sinners, His willingness to receive the repentant, and the danger of self-righteousness.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Honoring Parents?
What the Bible teaches about honoring your father and mother at every stage of life.
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 the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
The Good Samaritan is Jesus' story of a despised outsider who showed mercy to a wounded stranger, revealing what it truly means to love your neighbour.
What Is the Parable of the Lost Sheep?
The Parable of the Lost Sheep tells how a shepherd leaves ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost, rejoicing when he finds it.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
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Luke 15:24 • Forgiveness & Grace
Parable of the Prodigal Son Quiz
A son's rebellion, return, and the father's running welcome (Luke 15).
What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
Life of Jesus
The Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11–32 • Grace and Forgiveness
Read it in context
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
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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