New Testament
Luke 15:23
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Bring the fattened calf and slaughter it. Let's have a feast and celebrate!
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And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
What Luke 15:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the father commands that the fattened calf be killed for a celebration. This act symbolizes joy and restoration, as the father is celebrating the return of his lost son. The fattened calf represents the best of what the family has, indicating the depth of the father's love and forgiveness. The feast signifies a new beginning and reconciliation, highlighting the importance of community and family in times of joy. The father's eagerness to celebrate shows that he values relationships over material possessions. This moment captures the essence of forgiveness and the joy that comes from reconciliation, emphasizing that no matter how far one strays, there is always a path back to love and acceptance.
How to apply Luke 15:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to celebrate the return of those who have strayed from our lives. It reminds us to embrace forgiveness and to create joyful moments with loved ones. We should prioritize relationships and be ready to welcome others back with open arms, just as the father did for his son.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 15:23
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 15:23 mean?
Luke 15:23 describes a father who orders the slaughter of a fattened calf to celebrate the return of his lost son. This act symbolizes joy, love, and forgiveness, highlighting the importance of family and reconciliation.
What is the significance of the fattened calf in Luke 15:23?
The fattened calf represents the best the family has to offer, symbolizing the father's deep love and willingness to celebrate his son's return. It emphasizes the joy of restoration and the value of relationships over material possessions.
How does Luke 15:23 relate to forgiveness?
Luke 15:23 highlights forgiveness by showing the father's unconditional love for his son, despite past mistakes. The celebration signifies that reconciliation is possible and that relationships can be restored.
What themes are present in Luke 15:23?
Key themes in Luke 15:23 include forgiveness, celebration, restoration, family, joy, and reconciliation. The verse emphasizes the importance of welcoming back those who have strayed and cherishing relationships.
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