Luke 15:23

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Luke 15:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.

King James Version KJV

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

American Standard Version ASV

and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And get the fat young ox and put it to death, and let us have a feast, and be glad.

Free Bible Version FBV

Bring the calf we've been fattening and kill it. Let's have a feast to celebrate

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And bring the fat calfe, and kill him, and let vs eate, and be merie:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and having brought the fatted calf, kill [it], and having eaten, we may be merry,

World English Bible WEB

Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it ; and let us eat, and be merry:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and make merry:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then bring the fat calf and kill it and cook it. We (inc) must eat and celebrate,

Plain English Version PEV

And get a fat young cow, and kill it, and cook the meat, so we can all have a big party.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 15:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Luke 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ενεγκαντες τον μοσχον τον σιτευτον θυσατε και φαγοντες ευφρανθωμεν

και kai G2532 and Conj

ενεγκαντες pherō G5342 to bear/lead Verb-AAP-NPM

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

μοσχον moschos G3448 calf Noun-ASM

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

σιτευτον siteutos G4618 fattened Adj-ASM

θυσατε thuō G2380 to sacrifice Verb-AAM-2P

και kai G2532 and Conj

φαγοντες phagein G5315 to eat Verb-2AAP-NPM

ευφρανθωμεν euphrainō G2165 to celebrate Verb-APS-1P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 15:23

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ενεγκαντες pherō G5342 "to bear/lead" Verb-AAP-NPM

To bear or lead, meaning to carry or support something or someone, as seen in Luke 23:26 and Hebrews 1:3. It can also mean to endure or bring something forward. This word is used in various contexts, including physical and mental support.

Definition: φέρω [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא. hi., also for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to bear; __1. to bear, carry: with accusative, Luk.23:26 24:1, Jhn.19:39, Heb.1:3 (see Westc., in l); pass., Act.2:2 27:15, 17 Heb.6:1, 2Pe.1:17-18; of the mind, 2Pe.1:21. __2. to bear, endure: with accusative of thing(s), Heb.12:20 13:13; with accusative of person(s), Rom.9:22. __3. to bring, bring forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.5:16; id. before πρός, Mrk.1:32 2:3 9:17, 19-20; ἐπί, Luk.5:18; with dative, Mrk.7:32 8:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:27 11:2 12:15, Luk.15:23, Act.4:34, 37 5:2, 2Ti.4:13; id. before πρός, Mrk.11:7; εἰς, Rev.21:24, 26; ἐπί, Mat.14:11, Mrk.6:28; ἀπό, Jhn.21:10; with dative, Mrk.12:15, Jhn.2:8; id. before ὧδε, Mat.14:18 17:17; before φαγεῖν (sc. τι), Jhn.4:33; τ. δάκτυλον (χεῖρα), Jhn.20:27; pass., ἡ χάρις, 1Pe.1:13; διδαχήν, II Jn 10; θάνατον (cf. Field, Notes, 230), Heb.9:16; κρίσιν, 2Pe.2:11; κατηγορίαν, Jhn.18:29; αἰτίαν, Act.25:18; αἰτιώματα, Act.25:7, Rec. __4. to bear, produce, bring forth: καρπόν, Mat.7:18, Mrk.4:8, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16. __5. to bring, lead: Mrk.15:22, Jhn.21:18, Act.14:13; metaphorically, of a gate (ὁδός, cl.), Seq. εἰς, Act.12:10 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, εἰσ-, παρ-εισ-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, -παρα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπο-φέρω).† SYN: φορέω, which expresses habitual and continuous bearing as distinct from (φέρω) that which is accidental and temporary (cf. Mat.11:8, al., see word φορέω, and see Tr., Syn., § lviii) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold See also: 1 Peter 1:13; John 15:16; Hebrews 1:3.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μοσχον moschos G3448 "calf" Noun-ASM

A calf refers to a young bullock, as seen in Luke 15:23 and Hebrews 9:12. It represents the offspring of animals. In the Bible, it symbolizes sacrifice and worship.

Definition: μόσχος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for פַּר, also for שׁוֹר, עֵגֶל. etc. ;] __1. a young shoot or twig. __2. ὁ, ἡ, μ., offspring; __(a) of men; __(b) of animals; most frequently (as always in LXX), a calf, bullock, heifer: Luk.15:23, 27 15:30, Heb.9:12, 19 Rev.4:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: calf See also: Hebrews 9:12; Luke 15:27; Hebrews 9:19.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σιτευτον siteutos G4618 "fattened" Adj-ASM

In the Bible, this word means an animal that has been fed grain to make it fat. It is used in Luke 15:23 and 27 to describe a fattened calf. The KJV translation is 'fatted'.

Definition: σιτευτός, -ή, -όν (σιτεύω, to feed, fatten), [in LXX: 3Ki.4:23 (אָבַס), etc. ;] fattened: Luk.15:23, 27 15:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: fatted See also: Luke 15:23; Luke 15:27; Luke 15:30.

θυσατε thuō G2380 "to sacrifice" Verb-AAM-2P

To sacrifice means to offer something to God, often by killing an animal, as seen in Acts 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:20. This word is used to describe offering first fruits to a god. It involves slaying a victim or offering a sacrifice.

Definition: θύω [in LXX chiefly for זָבַח, also for שָׁחַט, etc. ;] as in c1.; __1. to offer first fruits to a god. __2. to sacrifice by slaying a victim, offer sacrifice: Act.14:13; with dative of person(s), Act.14:18; id. with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.10:20. __3. to slay, kill: Jhn.10:10, Act.10:13 11:7; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.15:23, 27 15:30; pass., Mat.22:4; τὸ πάσχα (Exo.12:21), Mrk.14:12; pass., Luk.22:7, 1Co.5:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: kill, (do) sacrifice, slay See also: 1 Corinthians 5:7; John 10:10; Matthew 22:4.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

φαγοντες phagein G5315 "to eat" Verb-2AAP-NPM

This Greek word means to eat, whether literally or figuratively, as seen in Matthew 14:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:21. It can also refer to partaking in food and drink, like in 1 Corinthians 9:4. The word is often used in the context of everyday life and community.

Definition: φάγομαιHellenistic for cl. ἔδομαι, see: ἐσθίω. ἐσθίω, and (poet, and late prose) ἔσθω, [in LXX chiefly for אכל ;] to eat; __(a) absol.: Mat.14:20, 21 Mrk.6:31, Jhn.4:31, al.; ἐν τ. φαγεῖν (on this aor. form, see M, Pr., 111), 1Co.11:21; διδόναι φαγεῖν, with dative of person(s), Mrk.5:43, al.; ἐ. καὶ πίνειν, Mat.6:25, 31 Luk.10:7, al.; of ordinary use of food and drink, 1Co.9:4 11:22; of partaking of food at table, Mrk.2:16, Luk.5:30, al.; opposite to fasting, Mat.11:18, Luk.5:33, al.; of revelling, Mat.24:49, Luk.12:45 . __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Mat.6:25, Mrk.1:6, Jhn.6:31, Rom.14:2, al.; ἄρτον (Heb. אָכַל לֶחֶם), Mat.15:2, Mrk.3:20, al.; τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἄ., 2Th.3:12; ἄ. before παρά, genitive of person(s), 2Th.3:8; τά before id., Luk.10:7; τ. πάσχα, Mat.26:17, Mrk.14:12 al; τ. κυριακὸν δεῖπνον, 1Co.11:20; τ. θυσίας, 1Co.10:18; before ἐκ (= cl. part. genitive), Jhn.6:26, 5o, 51, 1Co.11:28; ἀπό (cf. Heb. אָכַל מִן), Mat.15:27, Mrk.7:28; metaphorically, to devour, consume: Heb.10:27, Jas.5:3, Rev.17:16 (cf. κατ-, συν-εσθίω) . (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 89 NT verses. KJV: eat, meat See also: 1 Corinthians 8:8; Luke 14:15; Hebrews 13:10.

ευφρανθωμεν euphrainō G2165 "to celebrate" Verb-APS-1P

To celebrate is to rejoice or cheer someone up, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:2 and Luke 15:23-24. This word is about being happy and making others happy. It can also mean to have a party or feast.

Definition: εὐφραίνω [in LXX chiefly for שָׂמַח, qal, pi. ;] to cheer, gladden: with accusative of person(s), opposite to λυπεῖν, 2Co.2:2. Pass., to be happy, rejoice, make merry: Luk.15:32, Act.2:26" (LXX) Rom.15:10 (LXX), Gal.4:27 (LXX), Rev.11:10 12:12; before ἐν, Act.7:41; ἐπί with dative, Rev.18:20; of merry-making at a feast (3Ki.4:20; of. Kennedy, Sources, 155; Field, Notes, 69 f.), Luk.12:19 15:23-24, 29" (LXX) (λαμπρῶς) Luk.16:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: fare, make glad, be (make) merry, rejoice See also: 2 Corinthians 2:2; Luke 15:29; Revelation 11:10.

Study Notes — Luke 15:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 15:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 15:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 15:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 15:23
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 15:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 15:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 15:23
Barnes' Notes on Luke 15:23
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 15:23
Sermons on Luke 15:23

Context — The Parable of the Prodigal Son

21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.

24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 25Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 25:6	On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine.
2	Matthew 22:2–14	“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone they could find, both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
3	Psalms 63:5	My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.
4	Isaiah 65:13–14	Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit.
5	Genesis 18:7	Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.
6	Proverbs 9:2	She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

Luke 15:23 Summary

In Luke 15:23, the father tells his servants to bring the fattened calf and kill it so they can feast and celebrate his son's return. This shows how much the father loves and forgives his son, and it's like how God loves and forgives us when we come back to Him (Romans 5:8). The father's celebration is a reminder that God is full of joy and love when we repent and return to Him (Luke 15:7). Just like the father, we can show love and forgiveness to those around us, and we can celebrate the goodness of God in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the fattened calf in Luke 15:23?

The fattened calf represents the best the father has to offer, symbolizing the extravagant celebration and joy of the father over his son's return, much like the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, as seen in Luke 15:7 and Luke 15:10.

Why is the father so quick to celebrate his son's return?

The father's swift response to celebrate his son's return demonstrates his deep love and forgiveness, as seen in the parable, and is reminiscent of God's desire to forgive and restore us, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:34 and Romans 5:8.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse showcases God's gracious and merciful nature, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness, and in Psalm 103:12, where our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west.

What can we learn from the father's actions in this verse?

The father's actions teach us about the importance of forgiveness, love, and celebration, reflecting the heart of God, who desires to forgive and restore us, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:37-38.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show love and forgiveness to those around me, just like the father in this parable?
How can I apply the father's example of celebration and joy to my own life, especially when someone I know comes to faith or returns to the Lord?
In what ways can I reflect the heart of God, who rejoices over one sinner who repents, in my interactions with others?
What are some areas in my life where I need to experience the father's love and forgiveness, and how can I receive it?
How can I balance the desire to celebrate and forgive with the need to address sin and promote repentance in my relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 15:23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it,.... By which Christ is designed, in allusion to the calves offered in sacrifice, which were offered for sin offerings, and for peace offerings, and for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 15:23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: And bring hither the fatted calf (kept for festive occasions), and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry - denoting the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 15:23

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Trapp's Commentary on Luke 15:23

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: Ver. 23. And bring hither the fatted calf] Christ is that fatted calf, saith Mr Tyndale martyr, slain to make penitent sinners good cheer withal, and his righteousness is the goodly raiment to cover the naked deformities of their sins.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 15:23

(23) Bring hither the fatted calf.—It is interesting to remember the impression which this part of the parable made on one of the great teachers of the Church as early as the second century. Irenaeus (see Introduction) saw in it an illustration of what seemed to him the special characteristic of St. Luke’s Gospel, viz., the stress which it lays on the priestly aspect of our Lord’s work and ministry. We note, after our more modern method, (1) that in the framework of the story, the definite article points to “the calf” that had been fattened as for some special feast of joy. It answers accordingly to the “feast of fat things” of Isaiah 25:6 - i.e., to the joy of the full fruition of the presence of God; and there is, perhaps, in the command to “kill it” (the word used is the technical one for slaying a sacrificial victim) a half-suggestion that this was only possible through a sacrifice and death. The fatted calf thus comes to represent to us that of which the Eucharistic feast is at once a symbol, a witness, and a pledge.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 15:23

Verse 23. The fatted calf, and kill it] θυσατε, Sacrifice it. In ancient times the animals provided for public feasts were first sacrificed to God. The blood of the beast being poured out before God, by way of atonement for sin, the flesh was considered as consecrated, and the guests were considered as feeding on Divine food. This custom is observed among the Asiatics to this day.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 15:23

Be merry - Literally, “eating, let us rejoice.” The word “merry” does not quite express the meaning of the Greek. “Merriment” denotes a light, playful, jovial mirth.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 15:23

23. The fatted calf—Which had been reserved, by the father’s hospitality, for some special occasion, as the delicacy of the season.

Sermons on Luke 15:23

	Sermon	Description
	Searching by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. The younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance and goes off to a distant country
	How Should We Celebrate Christmas? by Timothy Tow	Timothy Tow preaches about the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing that it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who offers salvation and everlasting
	Worship - Notes of a Reading John 4 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true worship is distinct from preaching and requires a relationship with God through salvation. He explains that worship can only occur in the pre
	Addressing the Spirit of Poverty - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the yearning in a person's heart for a place where everything is alright, like the Jubilee mentioned in the Bible. He shares a story of a you
	Epistle 410 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the transformative power of Christ, who through His death and resurrection, removes the veil of sin and death that covers humanity. He highlights that those w
	When Jesus Makes Himself Known by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that the church, before the return of Jesus, will not be characterized by fear and frailty but will flourish in the richness of God's presence. He highli
	The Everlasting Gospel and Its Blessed Effects Testified To by Isaac Penington	Isaac Penington preaches about the everlasting gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessed effects thereof, testified from experience. He emphasizes the message that God is lig