Luke 15:28 kjv

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Luke 15:28 nkjv

"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28 niv

"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28 esv

But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,

Luke 15:28 nlt

"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him,

Luke 15 verses

Luke 15 28 Meaning

Luke 15:28 describes the elder son's reaction to the joyous return of his younger brother: he was filled with anger and adamantly refused to participate in the celebration. In contrast, his father, despite being the wronged party and having already shown immense grace, actively stepped out of the festivities to humbly entreat his angry son, demonstrating a persistent and yearning love for both of his children. The verse highlights the sharp contrast between human resentment and divine, relentless grace.

Luke 15 28 Context

Luke chapter 15 presents three parables (the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son) to address the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes. They criticized Jesus for welcoming and eating with "tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 15:1-2). This verse, Luke 15:28, is crucial in the third parable, depicting the elder son's self-righteous indignation at his father's extravagant grace towards his repentant, though previously rebellious, younger brother. The elder son embodies the attitude of the Pharisees and scribes, who felt their strict adherence to the law entitled them to God's favor and that "sinners" were beyond hope or unworthy of inclusion. The father in the parable represents God, demonstrating His relentless and active love, which extends to the self-righteous and alienated, as much as to the repentant lost.

Luke 15 28 Word analysis

• But (Gk: de): Introduces a strong contrast. This particle shifts the focus sharply from the joyous reunion to the unexpected, negative reaction of the elder son. It sets up a tension.
• he (Gk: autos): Refers directly and explicitly to the elder son, drawing immediate attention to his individual response.
• was angry (Gk: ōrgisthē from orgizomai): Indicates a sudden, intense burst of anger or indignation. This is not mild displeasure but deep-seated resentment. It denotes an inner emotional state that has become manifest, often righteous anger (though not here) or uncontrollable fury. His anger reveals his internal opposition to his father's compassionate nature.
• and refused (Gk: kai ouk ēthelen): A strong, definite unwillingness ("not willing"). This implies a deliberate choice and stubborn resistance, not merely a fleeting emotion. It speaks of his resolve not to comply or participate.
• to go in (Gk: eiselthein): To enter the house where the celebration is taking place. His refusal to enter symbolizes his unwillingness to participate in the joy of reconciliation, communion, and grace. He isolates himself by choice from the father's joyous feast and his family.
• His father (Gk: ho patēr autou): Emphasizes the relationship and the authority/love inherent in it. The father figure here represents God, whose character is defined by overflowing grace, mercy, and initiative in seeking the lost.
• came out (Gk: exelthen): A crucial action. Instead of sending a servant or waiting for his son to come to him, the father proactively leaves the celebration to pursue his angry son. This demonstrates active love and pursuit, paralleling God's own initiative to reach out to alienated humanity. It's an act of humble, persistent engagement.
• and pleaded (Gk: kai parekalei from parakaleō): More than just "asking"; it signifies entreating, exhorting, comforting, encouraging, or urging with deep concern. This is a loving appeal, an earnest persuasion, not a demand. It shows the father's desire for reconciliation even with his seemingly righteous but angry son, echoing God's patient wooing.

• "But he was angry and refused to go in": This phrase captures the immediate, strong, and deeply negative emotional and volitional reaction of the elder son. His anger leads directly to his refusal to participate, highlighting his judgmental and ungracious spirit. His anger effectively cuts him off from the family celebration, showing he is "lost" in his self-righteousness, even while "in" the household.
• "His father came out and pleaded with him": This contrasts sharply with the son's reaction. The father's actions embody sacrificial love, humility, and persistence. He does not let the son's anger deter him but actively goes out of his way to seek reconciliation and invite his son back into fellowship. This action underscores the depth of the father's desire for both sons to be fully reconciled.

Luke 15 28 Bonus section

The parable, including this verse, intentionally leaves the resolution of the elder son's story open-ended. We are not told whether he eventually enters the celebration or remains outside in his anger. This ambiguity is a direct challenge to the original audience – the grumbling Pharisees and scribes – asking them if they will embrace God's radical grace and join in the celebration over repentant sinners, or remain outside in their self-righteous indignation. It highlights that one can be physically close to God (like the elder son in the father's house) yet spiritually far away due to a lack of genuine love and a legalistic heart. The elder son's 'lostness' is a subtle but profound aspect, revealing that moral perfection without mercy is a spiritual dead end.

Luke 15 28 Commentary

Luke 15:28 serves as a pivotal moment in the parable, revealing the insidious nature of self-righteousness. The elder son's anger stems not from concern for justice or morality, but from envy and a sense of entitlement based on his perceived obedience. He believes his "deserving" nature has been insulted by his father's "undeserved" grace towards his prodigal brother. This reflects the very attitude of the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for showing mercy to sinners, valuing strict adherence to law over the spirit of compassion. The father's immediate action, stepping out of the joyous house to humble himself and plead with his angry son, magnificently portrays God's relentless love and persistent outreach. He does not coerce or condemn, but earnestly invites reconciliation, demonstrating that divine love actively seeks to restore even those who are alienated by their own resentment and rigid understanding of merit. The verse is a powerful challenge to those who, through their own self-perceived goodness, stand outside the celebration of grace.