Luke 15:30
What does Luke 15:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:30 means
The elder son's bitter complaint continues, focusing on his younger brother's reckless behavior, accusing him of squandering his inheritance with "harlots." This accusation, whether true or exaggerated, serves to amplify his indignation that such a dissolute individual is now being honored with the fatted calf. His judgmental and unloving attitude towards his brother underscores his self-righteousness and exposes his inability to share in his father's joy, highlighting his spiritual distance despite his physical proximity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when this your son came, who has been wasting your property with bad women, you put to death the fat young ox for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but when thy son--this one who did devour thy living with harlots--came, thou didst kill to him the fatted calf.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as soon as this thy son is come, who hath devoured his substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but when this thy son, who has devoured thy substance with harlots, is come, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Context
This verse continues the elder son's angry accusation, painting a harsh picture of his brother's past. His specific charges, combined with his refusal to acknowledge his brother as family, reveal the depth of his bitterness and lack of grace. This accusation serves to strongly contrast his self-righteous condemnation with the father's unconditional love and forgiveness, setting the stage for the father's profound response.
v.29But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
v.30This passage
v.31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 32:11
And Moses besought Jehovah his God, and said, Jehovah, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, that thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?
- Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
- Proverbs 29:3
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
- Luke 15:22
But 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:
- Luke 15:32
But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
- Exodus 32:7
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, that thou broughtest up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
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