Luke 15:25
What does Luke 15:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:25 means
While the celebration is underway, the elder son is returning from the field. As he approaches the house, he hears the sounds of music and dancing, indicating a joyful event. This immediately introduces a new character and a new perspective into the unfolding drama. His arrival and his encounter with the surprising festivities set the stage for a conflict, shifting the focus from the younger son's repentance to the elder son's reaction and the deeper meaning of the father's grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now the older son was in the field: and when he came near the house, the sounds of music and dancing came to his ears.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And his elder son was in a field, and as, coming, he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now his elder son was in the field and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And his elder son was in the field; and as, coming [up], he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Context
This verse introduces the elder son, the third main character in the parable, bringing a new dimension to the narrative. His approach and perception of the celebration occurring in his absence create tension and foreshadow the conflict that will soon unfold. This shift in focus is crucial for understanding the parable's full message, which also addresses the self-righteousness of those who believe they have always been faithful.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 15:11
And he said, A certain man had two sons:
- Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
- Psalms 126:1
When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.
- Jeremiah 31:4
Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
- Psalms 150:4
Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe.
- Psalms 149:3
Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp.
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