Bible Verses About the Prodigal Son

"And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living."

"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."

"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my 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."

"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

What does the Bible say about prodigal son?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is perhaps the most beautiful picture of God's grace in all of Scripture. It tells of a son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it in reckless living, and returned home expecting punishment—only to find a father running toward him with open arms. Key King James Version passages include Luke 15:11-12, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:17-18. This page collects 10 KJV verses about prodigal son, each quoted in full.

What is the meaning of the Prodigal Son?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates God's boundless love and willingness to forgive. The father represents God, the younger son represents sinners who repent, and the older brother represents those who resent God's grace toward others. The key message: no one is too far gone for God's love.

What does 'prodigal' mean?

The word 'prodigal' means recklessly wasteful or extravagant. It describes the son's spending of his inheritance on 'riotous living' (Luke 15:13). Ironically, some scholars note that the father is also 'prodigal'—extravagant in his love, grace, and celebration upon his son's return.