New Testament

Luke 15:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a young man who has squandered all his inheritance on reckless living.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Compare the same verse— read both and see which one you understand first.
ClearClear Bible Translation

After he had spent everything, a severe famine hit that country, and he found himself with nothing.

KJVKing James Version

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

Original Language InsightCLEAR
What did the original text say?
Luke 15:14 · written in Koine Greek
Δαπανήσαντος
dapanesantos
to spend
δὲ
de
then
αὐτοῦ
autou
it
πάντα
panta
all
ἐγένετο
egeneto
to be
λιμὸς
limos
hunger
ἰσχυρὸς
ischyros
strong
κατὰ
kata
according to
τὴν
ten
the
χώραν
choran
country
ἐκείνην
ekeinen
that
καὶ
kai
and
αὐτὸς
autos
it
ἤρξατο
erxato
be first
ὑστερεῖσθαι
hystereisthai
to lack
What should I notice?
See what the Koine Greek reveals about this verse
ClearBible.ai Premium

Understand every Bible verse this clearly.

See the full Clear insight for Luke 15:14 — and every other verse.

  • Unlimited Clear explanations
  • AI Book Summaries
  • Ask Bible AI anything
  • Verse explanations in seconds

$99/year after trial • Cancel anytime

Ask AI about Luke 15:14Get a personal, plain-English answer — free

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a young man who has squandered all his inheritance on reckless living. After he has spent everything, a severe famine strikes the land, leaving him in dire need. This situation illustrates the consequences of poor choices and the reality of life's unpredictability. The famine symbolizes external challenges that can arise unexpectedly, highlighting how quickly circumstances can change. The young man's plight serves as a reminder of the importance of being responsible with our resources and the potential consequences of living without foresight. It also sets the stage for his eventual realization of the need for humility and repentance, as he faces the harsh reality of his decisions. This moment is pivotal in the parable, as it leads to his journey of self-discovery and eventual return to his father, emphasizing themes of redemption and forgiveness.

How to apply Luke 15:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own choices and their potential consequences. It reminds us to be wise with our resources and to prepare for unexpected challenges. In times of need, seeking help and returning to our roots can lead to healing and restoration.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 15:14 mean?

Luke 15:14 describes a young man who has wasted all his money and then faces a severe famine, leaving him in desperate need. This verse illustrates the consequences of poor financial decisions and the unpredictability of life.

What is the significance of famine in Luke 15:14?

The famine in Luke 15:14 symbolizes unexpected challenges that can arise in life, highlighting how quickly circumstances can change. It serves as a backdrop for the young man's realization of his mistakes and need for help.

How does Luke 15:14 relate to personal responsibility?

Luke 15:14 emphasizes personal responsibility by showing how the young man's poor choices lead to his downfall. It serves as a reminder to manage resources wisely and be prepared for life's uncertainties.

What lessons can we learn from Luke 15:14?

From Luke 15:14, we learn the importance of making wise choices and being prepared for unexpected difficulties. It also highlights the need for humility and the possibility of redemption after making mistakes.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.