Luke 15:23 kjv

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Luke 15:23 nkjv

And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

Luke 15:23 niv

Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.

Luke 15:23 esv

And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.

Luke 15:23 nlt

And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,

Luke 15 verses

Luke 15 23 Meaning

Luke 15:23 describes the immediate command given by the father upon his prodigal son's return, instructing his servants to bring and prepare the fatted calf for a celebration. This signifies an overwhelming outpouring of grace, unconditional love, complete forgiveness, and total restoration of the son's status and honor, marking the joyful occasion with a lavish feast rather than rebuke or punishment. It underscores the father's exuberant joy over his lost son being found and restored to full fellowship.

Luke 15 23 Context

Luke Chapter 15 contains a series of parables Jesus told in response to the Pharisees and scribes grumbling about Him associating with "sinners" and tax collectors. The parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (often called the "prodigal son")—all illustrate God's character as One who actively seeks the lost, rejoices vehemently when they are found, and extends overwhelming grace. Luke 15:23 occurs immediately after the father embraces his returning son, commands the best robe, ring, and sandals for him, and before the older brother's bitter reaction. It signals the complete and immediate reinstatement of the son's status, moving directly from rags to riches, from starvation to feasting. Culturally, a "fatted calf" was not an everyday animal; it was specifically prepared, sometimes for years, for a monumental occasion or unexpected guest of great honor. Its slaughter indicated the highest form of celebration, hospitality, and recognition, signaling the re-establishment of family and community bonds that were thought irrevocably broken.

Luke 15 23 Word analysis

• And bring (καὶ φέρετε, kai pherete): The Greek pherete is an immediate, emphatic imperative verb, demonstrating the father's urgency and resolute intention. There's no hesitation or questioning, only immediate action demanded, reflecting God's swiftness to welcome and bless those who turn to Him.

• the fatted calf (τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ton moschon ton siteuton):

  • fatted (σιτευτόν, siteuton): Signifies an animal that has been specially selected and intentionally fattened over time, indicating a valuable, choice animal reserved for a grand feast. This wasn't an animal for daily consumption but for an extraordinary occasion, signifying the immense value and significance of the son's return. It symbolizes the most precious and complete provision for reconciliation and celebration.
  • calf (μόσχον, moschon): A young bull, a substantial animal capable of feeding many people for a significant feast, signifying a public and community-wide celebration.

• here (ὧδε, hode): Points to immediacy and the current location, emphasizing that the celebration should commence at once, where the reconciliation just took place, without delay.

• and kill it (καὶ θύσατε, kai thusate): The Greek thusate typically means "to sacrifice," but here implies to slaughter for a communal feast. This act was central to ancient celebration, hospitality, and the establishment or renewal of covenants/relationships. It means laying down something of great value to seal the joyous occasion. The instruction to "kill it" highlights the ultimate and final step to make the feast possible.

• and let us eat (καὶ φάγωμεν, kai phagomen): The subjunctive mood expresses a proposal or exhortation, inviting the entire household, including the servants, to participate. Feasting was a significant symbol of peace, communion, and celebration in the ancient world, representing restored fellowship and joy.

• and be merry (καὶ εὐφρανθῶμεν, kai euphranthomen): From euphrainō, meaning to rejoice heartily, to make merry, to be glad, or to be in good spirits. This is not just quiet contentment but exuberant joy and celebration. It encapsulates the profound spiritual delight in God's presence, signifying a deep, unreserved joy.

• Words-group Analysis: "And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry."This rapid succession of imperatives underscores the father's overwhelming joy and eagerness. The immediate call for the fatted calf (the highest honor) and a communal feast without any conditions or period of probation highlights the scandalous nature of God's grace. There is no emphasis on the son's past failures, only on his present return and the ensuing celebration. It illustrates a love that preempts even the son's full confession of unworthiness, showering him with lavish and unconditional acceptance and restoration of identity and privilege. This is a dramatic portrayal of God's enthusiastic embrace of repentant sinners.

Luke 15 23 Bonus section

The preparation of the "fatted calf" signifies not only the costliness of the celebration but also prefigures the ultimate "Lamb of God" (John 1:29) sacrificed to bring sinners home. Just as the fatted calf sealed the son's new beginning, Christ's sacrifice inaugurates the new covenant of grace. The feast is not just for the immediate family; ancient custom would suggest neighbors and the community would be invited to share in such a major event. This illustrates the public, joyful nature of God's redemption—the heavenly host and indeed the broader spiritual community rejoice when a lost soul is found (Lk 15:7, 10). This radical grace is contrasted sharply with the older brother's self-righteous, legalistic attitude later in the chapter, underscoring that God's joy is found in lost ones returning, not in merit or self-sufficiency.

Luke 15 23 Commentary

Luke 15:23 encapsulates the breathtaking grace of God, vividly portrayed through the father's actions. The command to bring the "fatted calf" is the pinnacle of the son's restoration, symbolizing not merely a meal, but the celebration of life triumphing over death, inclusion replacing alienation, and honor overcoming disgrace. This lavish provision highlights that divine forgiveness is not just the absence of punishment, but the abundance of blessing and total reconciliation. It shows that God does not just tolerate a returning sinner; He rejoices over them with an extravagant display of love that impacts His entire household. The feast symbolizes restored communion with God and with His people. It is an echo of the anticipated Messianic feast where God's redeemed will fully share in His joy and bounty. This verse offers immense comfort and hope, revealing that God's desire is for our full, joyous return and participation in His kingdom.