Luke 15:27 - He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’

Generated Verse: Luke 15:27

What does "Luke 15:27" mean?


This verse is part of the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It's the moment the older brother learns of his younger brother's return and the celebration surrounding it. Let's break it down:

"He said to him, ‘Your brother has come...": This is the servant informing the older brother that the younger brother, who had left home and squandered his inheritance, has returned.

"...and your father has killed the fattened calf...": The "fattened calf" was a prized possession, reserved for special occasions and significant celebrations. Killing it signifies the father's immense joy and the importance of the younger son's return. It's a demonstration of lavish welcome and forgiveness.

"...because he has received him back safe and healthy.’": This highlights the father's relief and happiness that his son is alive and well. The father's primary concern was not the lost money, but the safety and well-being of his son.

In essence, the verse conveys the following:

Reconciliation: The younger brother is back in the family fold.
Celebration: The father is overjoyed and wants to celebrate his son's return with a grand feast.
Forgiveness: The father has readily forgiven his son's past transgressions.
Contrast: The verse sets up the older brother's reaction, which is one of anger and resentment, highlighting the contrast between the father's unconditional love and the older brother's conditional acceptance.

Symbolic Meaning (within the context of the parable):

The Father: Represents God, who is always ready to forgive and welcome back those who have strayed from Him.
The Prodigal Son: Represents sinners who repent and return to God.
The Fattened Calf: Represents the joy and blessings that God bestows upon those who repent.
The Older Brother: Represents those who are self-righteous and struggle to understand or accept God's grace and forgiveness towards others.

Therefore, the verse is a crucial part of the parable, showcasing the father's unconditional love, forgiveness, and the joyous celebration that accompanies repentance and reconciliation. It also sets the stage for the older brother's reaction, which becomes the central conflict of the story and a key lesson about jealousy, resentment, and the need to rejoice in the salvation of others.

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