Luke 15:20 - “He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 15:20" mean?
This verse, Luke 15:20, is a pivotal point in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"He arose, and came to his father." This refers to the prodigal son, who had squandered his inheritance in reckless living. He has finally realized the error of his ways and decided to return home, humbled and repentant. This act of "arising" and "coming" symbolizes his decision to change his life and seek reconciliation with his father. He is taking action, moving away from his self-destructive path.
"But while he was still far off, his father saw him..." This is a crucial detail. The father wasn't just waiting passively; he was actively looking for his son's return. The fact that he sees him from a distance suggests he was watching and hoping for him to come back. It highlights the father's persistent love and anticipation.
"...and was moved with compassion..." The father's reaction is not anger or resentment, but deep compassion. The Greek word for "compassion" here is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai), which suggests a feeling that originates in the deepest parts of the person – the bowels or inner organs. It's a powerful, gut-wrenching empathy and pity for his son's suffering and shame.
"...and ran..." This is a highly significant action. In that culture, elderly men, especially those of status, wouldn't typically run. The father's running signifies the urgency and intensity of his love and forgiveness. He disregards social norms and his own dignity to reach his son as quickly as possible. It shows the father's eagerness to embrace his son despite his past actions.
"...and fell on his neck, and kissed him." This physical display of affection demonstrates the completeness of the father's forgiveness. The embrace and kiss represent acceptance and reconciliation. He doesn't wait for the son to grovel or make excuses; he immediately welcomes him back into the family with open arms. It's unconditional love in action.
In summary, the verse highlights:
Repentance and Action: The son's willingness to return home after realizing his mistakes.
Unconditional Love: The father's persistent love, hope, and forgiveness, even after the son's grievous actions.
Grace and Reconciliation: The father's immediate and enthusiastic welcome back, symbolizing God's grace and forgiveness for those who turn to Him.
Sacrifice of Pride: The father's willingness to abandon societal expectations and run to his son shows the depth of his love.
The verse is a powerful depiction of God's unconditional love for humanity. Just as the father in the parable eagerly awaits the return of his son, God eagerly welcomes back those who turn to Him with repentance. The father's compassion, action, and embrace provide a vivid image of the grace and forgiveness that God offers to all.
Luke 15:20 - “He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
What does "Luke 15:20" mean?
This verse, Luke 15:20, is a pivotal point in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"He arose, and came to his father." This refers to the prodigal son, who had squandered his inheritance in reckless living. He has finally realized the error of his ways and decided to return home, humbled and repentant. This act of "arising" and "coming" symbolizes his decision to change his life and seek reconciliation with his father. He is taking action, moving away from his self-destructive path.
"But while he was still far off, his father saw him..." This is a crucial detail. The father wasn't just waiting passively; he was actively looking for his son's return. The fact that he sees him from a distance suggests he was watching and hoping for him to come back. It highlights the father's persistent love and anticipation.
"...and was moved with compassion..." The father's reaction is not anger or resentment, but deep compassion. The Greek word for "compassion" here is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai), which suggests a feeling that originates in the deepest parts of the person – the bowels or inner organs. It's a powerful, gut-wrenching empathy and pity for his son's suffering and shame.
"...and ran..." This is a highly significant action. In that culture, elderly men, especially those of status, wouldn't typically run. The father's running signifies the urgency and intensity of his love and forgiveness. He disregards social norms and his own dignity to reach his son as quickly as possible. It shows the father's eagerness to embrace his son despite his past actions.
"...and fell on his neck, and kissed him." This physical display of affection demonstrates the completeness of the father's forgiveness. The embrace and kiss represent acceptance and reconciliation. He doesn't wait for the son to grovel or make excuses; he immediately welcomes him back into the family with open arms. It's unconditional love in action.
In summary, the verse highlights:
Repentance and Action: The son's willingness to return home after realizing his mistakes.
Unconditional Love: The father's persistent love, hope, and forgiveness, even after the son's grievous actions.
Grace and Reconciliation: The father's immediate and enthusiastic welcome back, symbolizing God's grace and forgiveness for those who turn to Him.
Sacrifice of Pride: The father's willingness to abandon societal expectations and run to his son shows the depth of his love.
The verse is a powerful depiction of God's unconditional love for humanity. Just as the father in the parable eagerly awaits the return of his son, God eagerly welcomes back those who turn to Him with repentance. The father's compassion, action, and embrace provide a vivid image of the grace and forgiveness that God offers to all.