What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 15:20, sits inside Luke 15. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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