Luke 15:20
What does Luke 15:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:20 means
The younger son acts on his resolve and begins the journey home. While he is still far off, his father spots him, is overcome with compassion, and runs to embrace him with kisses, completely disregarding social customs for an older man. This profoundly moving scene illustrates God's eager anticipation, unconditional love, and immediate forgiveness for a repentant sinner. The father's running signifies his boundless joy and eagerness to welcome his son back, demonstrating grace that far exceeds human expectation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he got up and went to his father. But while he was still far away, his father saw him and was moved with pity for him and went quickly and took him in his arms and gave him a kiss.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And having risen, he went unto his own father, and he being yet far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having ran he fell upon his neck and kissed him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And rising up, he came to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion and running to him fell upon his neck and kissed him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he rose up and went to his own father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck, and covered him with kisses.
Context
This verse depicts the dramatic and emotional reunion between the repentant son and his waiting father. It is the culmination of the younger son's journey and provides a powerful counterpoint to his fears and expectations. The father's immediate, unrestrained welcome exemplifies the extravagant grace of God, setting a pivotal tone for the rest of the parable and challenging the judgmental attitudes of the Pharisees and scribes.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 11:8
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.
- Jeremiah 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a darling child? for as often as I speak against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my heart yearneth for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith Jehovah.
- Job 33:27
He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not:
- Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.
- Isaiah 57:18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
- Ezekiel 16:6
And when I passed by thee, and saw thee weltering in thy blood, I said unto thee, Though thou art in thy blood, live; yea, I said unto thee, Though thou art in thy blood, live.
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