Luke 15:22
What does Luke 15:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:22 means
Interrupting his son's confession, the father immediately instructs his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and shoes for his son. These specific acts are not merely provisions but symbols of restoration to full sonship and honor. The best robe signifies renewed status and dignity, the ring a mark of authority and family inclusion, and shoes distinguish him from a servant. This demonstrates the father's lavish and complete restoration, surpassing the son's plea for servant status and fully reinstating him into the family.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the father said to his servants, Get out the first robe quickly, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the first robe, and clothe him, and give a ring for his hand, and sandals for the feet;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the first robe and put it on him: and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the father said to his bondmen, Bring out the best robe and clothe him in [it], and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
Context
This verse describes the father's extraordinary acts of restoration, which immediately follow and interrupt the son's confession. The symbolic gifts—robe, ring, and shoes—are crucial for understanding the full extent of the father's grace and the son's complete reinstatement to his former position. This lavish response directly contrasts with the son's humble request to be a servant, emphasizing the magnitude of the father's forgiveness and love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 1:13
in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
- Revelation 3:4
But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
- Song of Solomon 7:1
How beautiful are thy feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter! Thy rounded thighs are like jewels, The work of the hands of a skilful workman.
- Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
- Zechariah 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.
- Galatians 4:5
that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 15
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 15.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Regret
Regret is a painful emotion, but God's Word shows us how to navigate it with hope and find forgiveness and renewal.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Relapse and the Shame That Follows
Verses to read the morning after — when you fell again and don't know how to pray.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.