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Book of Luke - Chapter 15 - Verse 24

15:24
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Meaning

The verse 'For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.' (Luke 15:24) is from the parable of the Prodigal Son, a well-known story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. In this parable, a young man asks his father for his inheritance, which he then squanders in reckless living. When he hits rock bottom, he decides to return home and seek forgiveness from his father. The father, filled with compassion, welcomes his son back with open arms, despite his past mistakes. The verse signifies the incredible power of redemption and forgiveness, as the son who was once dead to his family is now alive and found, bringing joy and celebration to all. It serves as a reminder of God's unconditional love and mercy towards those who repent and turn back to Him, no matter how lost they may have been. The verse also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships, mirroring the forgiving nature of God towards His children.

Theological Overview

In this well-known verse from the parable of the Prodigal Son found in the Gospel of Luke, the theological interpretation focuses on the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. The son's return from a life of sin and brokenness is symbolic of a spiritual rebirth and reconciliation with God. The phrase "was dead, and is alive again" speaks to the spiritual transformation that occurs when one turns back to the Lord. The words "he was lost, and is found" emphasize the restoration of a relationship with God, highlighting His unfailing love and grace that welcomes back those who repent. The joy and celebration that follow the son's return reflect the heavenly rejoicing that takes place when a sinner repents and comes back to God. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and His desire for all to come to Him for forgiveness and restoration.

American Standard Version

for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
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