Luke 15:20 kjv

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 nkjv

"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 niv

So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 esv

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 nlt

"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Luke 15 verses

Luke 15 20 Meaning

Luke 15:20 portrays the profound and unrestrained love, compassion, and immediate acceptance of the father towards his returning son. This vivid scene serves as a central revelation of God's character, demonstrating His boundless eagerness to forgive, welcome, and restore those who turn to Him in repentance, even when they are still "a long way off" in their spiritual journey. It illustrates that God's mercy anticipates human penitence, His grace overrides human failure, and His love actively runs to embrace the contrite heart.

Luke 15 20 Context

Luke chapter 15 records three parables of Jesus: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son (often called the "Prodigal Son"). These parables are narrated in response to the murmuring of the Pharisees and scribes who were offended by Jesus' association with "tax collectors and sinners." They represent a powerful defense of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. The central theme connecting all three parables is the profound joy in heaven over the repentance of a single sinner and God's active, relentless pursuit and embrace of those who turn back to Him. Verse 20 is the climax of the third parable, detailing the unexpected and extravagant welcome given by the father, vividly illustrating God's character and His immediate, joyful reconciliation with repentant individuals, directly challenging the exclusionary and legalistic mindset of the religious leaders.

Historically and culturally, the son's request for his inheritance while the father was still alive was a grave insult, akin to wishing his father dead. For the son to return in such a destitute state would traditionally warrant disgrace or at least a period of probation before full re-acceptance. The father's action of running—an undignified act for an elder Jewish patriarch—and his unreserved embrace and kiss shattered all social expectations, emphasizing the depth of his love and the unparalleled nature of God's grace, which defies societal norms and religious legalism.

Luke 15 20 Word analysis

• So he got up (Ἀναστὰς - Anastas, literally "having stood up/risen"): Signifies a decisive act of volition and a turning point. After deep reflection and decision (verse 18), the son acts. This highlights that repentance is not just a thought or feeling, but a transformative action of turning away from sin and towards God.
• and went (ἐπορεύθη - eporeuthē, "he proceeded/journeyed"): Conveys movement with purpose. The journey was literal but also symbolic of his spiritual return to his origin and rightful place.
• to his father (πρὸς τὸν πατέρα - pros ton patera): His intended destination was specific – not just 'home,' but to the person against whom he had sinned, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
• But while he was still a long way off (ἔτι αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος - eti autou makran apechontos): This crucial phrase underscores the father's constant watchfulness and eager anticipation. It indicates that God is always looking for the slightest movement of our hearts towards Him, long before we arrive perfectly. This proactive aspect of divine love, often termed prevenient grace, emphasizes that God takes the initiative in seeking reconciliation.
• his father (ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ - ho patēr autou): Reiterates the immutable paternal bond, which, for the father, remained unbroken despite the son's defection.
• saw him (εἶδεν αὐτόν - eiden auton): More than merely 'noticed.' This implies a gaze of recognition and understanding, perhaps fueled by hope, instantly identifying his son despite his ruined state.
• and was filled with compassion for him (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη - esplagchnisthē): A very strong Greek word, derived from splanchna (intestines/bowels), indicating a visceral, gut-wrenching pity and profound empathy. It's the most intense expression of mercy and tenderness, reflecting a divine attribute.
• he ran (δραμὼν - dramōn): A highly undignified and unusual act for an older, respectable man in that culture. Fathers did not run, especially not in public. This action dramatically demonstrates the father's overriding love, joy, and urgency to reconcile, completely disregarding social propriety. It mirrors God's relentless pursuit and humility in condescending to us.
• to his son (ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ - epi ton huion autou): The focus is unequivocally on the personal relationship.
• threw his arms around him (ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ - epepesen epi ton trachēlon autou, literally "fell upon his neck"): An act of intimate embrace, symbolizing total acceptance, protection, and overwhelming relief. It speaks of restoring intimacy and closeness, leaving no room for judgment or rebuke.
• and kissed him (καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν - kai katephilēsen auton): An intense form of "to kiss" (the verb katephileō implies a repeated, tender, or fervent kissing, not just a casual greeting). It signifies affection, profound welcome, and complete reconciliation. This kiss silenced any planned confession of unworthiness and fully affirmed the son's belonging.

Words-group Analysis:

• "So he got up and went to his father": This phrase encapsulates the son's internal transformation resulting in decisive outward action. It illustrates true repentance—a turning from former ways and an active return to God. This human act of returning is the catalyst for the subsequent divine display of grace.
• "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him": This highlights the divine initiative and anticipation. The father doesn't wait for the son to fully arrive, clean himself up, or prepare a formal apology. His love is actively seeking and watching, ready to meet the son in his impoverished state, showcasing God's continuous readiness to receive us.
• "and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him": This sequence is the theological and emotional core of the verse. It depicts the astonishing, undignified, overwhelming, and unreserved love and grace of God. The father's actions represent an unconditional, joyous embrace that bypasses any requirement for restitution or merit from the son. It speaks volumes about God's radical love that moves towards the sinner, offering full restoration and erasing shame.

Luke 15 20 Bonus section

• Polemics against religious legalism: This entire scene, culminating in the father's reception of the son, stands as a direct challenge to the Pharisees and scribes who were scandalized by Jesus associating with sinners. The father's joy and immediate welcome starkly contrast with the self-righteous elder brother's indignation, implicitly rebuking those who believe God's favor is reserved only for the 'righteous' or those who earn it through strict adherence to rules.
• The anticipation of Christ's sacrifice: The father's self-abasement in running could be seen as an echo of God's humility in the incarnation (Phil 2:6-8), where God Himself comes down, in Christ, to reconcile a fallen humanity. Just as the father bridges the distance to his lost son, Christ bridges the chasm between God and humanity.
• The role of humility in receiving grace: While the father is proactive, the son's humility and acknowledgment of unworthiness ("I am no longer worthy...") pave the way for him to receive such overwhelming grace. It's a surrender of pride that opens the door to radical love.

Luke 15 20 Commentary

Luke 15:20 powerfully articulates the heart of the Gospel: God's scandalous grace toward the repentant sinner. The son's decision to "get up and go" demonstrates genuine contrition and the will to return. However, the revelation truly lies in the father's response. Before the son can even reach the threshold or utter his rehearsed apology, the father, demonstrating a profound, innate love ("filled with compassion"), takes the astonishing, undignified step of "running" to meet him. This act shatters cultural norms and societal expectations for a dignified patriarch, vividly symbolizing God's boundless love that readily sacrifices human conventions and "dignity" for the sake of reconciliation. The immediate embrace and fervent kiss signify complete acceptance, forgiveness, and restoration of the son's position and dignity, overriding any past failures. This verse assures believers that God does not merely await their full perfection but eagerly, proactively runs to embrace the contrite, irrespective of how far they have strayed or how damaged they feel. There is no probation, only immediate welcome into His presence, signaling God's joy and initiative in reconciliation.