Luke 15:11

KJV

¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, A certain {G5100} man {G444} had {G2192} two {G1417} sons {G5207}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons.

American Standard Version

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:11 initiates the profound and beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son, the longest and climactic narrative in a trilogy of parables focused on themes of loss and recovery. This opening verse, deceptively simple, establishes the core characters—a father and his two sons—setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of human nature, familial relationships, and the boundless, redemptive love of God. It immediately draws the listener into a relatable domestic scenario, preparing them for the deep theological and spiritual truths that will unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 15:11 serves as the introduction to the final and most extensive of three parables, all delivered by Jesus in quick succession and centered on the theme of "lost and found." Preceding it are the concise but equally potent [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), where a shepherd leaves ninety-nine to find one, and the [Parable of the Lost Coin](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin"), depicting a woman's diligent search for a single lost coin. This progression from one lost item (sheep), to one lost item (coin), to one lost person (the younger son) and one misguided person (the elder son), builds narrative intensity and thematic depth, culminating in the complex human drama of the "Prodigal Son." The immediate literary function of this verse is to transition from the simpler parables to a more elaborate narrative that will fully articulate God's heart for repentance and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus tells these parables in direct response to the critical grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who were scandalized that He "welcomed sinners and ate with them" (see [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). In Jewish society of the time, eating with someone signified acceptance, fellowship, and even moral endorsement. For a respected rabbi like Jesus to associate with tax collectors (who were seen as traitors and extortionists) and other "sinners" was an affront to the religious elite, who believed such association would defile one. The parable's setting—a family with two sons—would have been highly relatable. The cultural norms around inheritance, particularly the younger son's audacious request for his share while his father was still alive, would have been shocking and deeply disrespectful, akin to wishing the father dead. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of the father's subsequent actions in the parable, foreshadowing God's counter-cultural grace.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that will be richly developed throughout the parable and indeed, throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According to Luke"). Firstly, **Family Relationships** are central, presenting a father and his two sons, a dynamic that will explore love, responsibility, rebellion, and reconciliation within a familial unit, mirroring humanity's relationship with God. Secondly, the **Character of the Father** is subtly introduced; though initially just "a certain man," his actions will ultimately reveal a profound representation of God's unconditional love, patience, and boundless grace, echoing themes found in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Thirdly, the **Introduction of Two Sons** immediately suggests contrasting responses to the father's authority and love, foreshadowing the divergent paths and attitudes that will be explored, representing different types of individuals in relation to God's kingdom—those who stray and those who remain but may harbor a critical spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb, G2036, is a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus as the authoritative speaker, introducing a teaching that is not merely a story but a profound revelation. The use of "he said" frequently prefaces Jesus' parables, signaling a direct communication of divine truth.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** G444, derived from _anēr_ (man) and _optanomai_ (to see), literally means "man-faced" or "a human being." The use of "a certain man" (ánthrōpos tis) is a common literary device in parables to introduce a generic, relatable character, allowing listeners to identify with the scenario without being distracted by specific identities. This "man" will ultimately represent God the Father.
* **sons (Greek, _huiós'_):** G5207, a primary word meaning "a son," used broadly for immediate, remote, or figurative kinship. The mention of "two sons" immediately establishes the central family dynamic and foreshadows the contrasting behaviors and destinies that will unfold in the narrative, representing different human responses to divine grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said":** This opening phrase immediately identifies Jesus as the speaker, highlighting the authoritative and intentional nature of the teaching that follows. It links this parable directly to Jesus' ongoing discourse with the Pharisees and scribes, framing it as a direct response to their murmuring about His association with sinners. This simple introduction invites the audience to listen attentively to the wisdom about to be imparted.
* **"A certain man had two sons":** This clause sets the foundational scene for the parable. The phrase "a certain man" (ánthrōpos tis) is a typical parabolic opening, introducing a universal, relatable figure rather than a specific historical person. The immediate mention of "two sons" establishes the core characters and the central family dynamic, which will be the vehicle for exploring themes of inheritance, familial duty, rebellion, and reconciliation. This common domestic scenario immediately draws the listener into the narrative, preparing them for the unfolding drama and its profound spiritual implications.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:11, though brief, effectively employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as the **Introduction** to a **Parable**, a narrative form frequently used by Jesus to convey spiritual truths through relatable, earthly stories. The term "parable" (Greek: _parabolē_) itself implies a "placing beside" or "comparison," where the story's elements parallel deeper spiritual realities. The opening phrase, "A certain man had two sons," exemplifies **Simplicity** and **Directness**, immediately engaging the audience by presenting a common domestic scenario without unnecessary detail, allowing the focus to remain on the actions and lessons that follow. Furthermore, the mention of "two sons" serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the contrasting characters and paths that will be explored, subtly preparing the listener for the narrative's central conflict and resolution concerning the two distinct responses to the father's love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:11, as the gateway to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, immediately introduces a theological framework centered on the nature of God's fatherhood and humanity's relationship to Him. The "certain man" is universally understood to represent God the Father, whose character of unconditional love, patience, and restorative grace will be fully unveiled as the narrative progresses. The "two sons" embody humanity's diverse responses to divine love: one representing the rebellious sinner who strays, and the other, the self-righteous individual who, despite remaining, fails to grasp the depth of the father's compassion. This setup lays the groundwork for understanding God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joyous welcome of the repentant, a theme central to Jesus' ministry and the core message of the Gospel.

* [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")
* [Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")
* [Luke 15:8-10](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The simplicity of Luke 15:11 belies the profound depths of the parable it introduces, inviting us into a narrative that mirrors our own spiritual journeys. This opening compels us to consider our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Are we like the younger son, eager to assert independence and pursue our own desires, perhaps leading us far from home? Or are we like the elder son, dutiful but perhaps harboring resentment, failing to appreciate the Father's constant presence and generous heart? This verse serves as a crucial invitation to self-examination, preparing us to receive the transformative message of God's grace, which extends unconditionally to all who turn to Him, regardless of their past. It reminds us that God's story with humanity begins with His gracious presence, even before our choices unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the simple introduction of "a certain man" and "two sons" immediately draw you into the story, and what expectations does it create?**
* **In what ways might you identify with either the younger or elder son even before their actions are revealed, based solely on the premise of having a father?**
* **How does the context of Jesus speaking to the Pharisees and scribes (Luke 15:1-2) shape your understanding of why this parable begins the way it does?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus start with "A certain man" instead of a specific name?**

Answer: Jesus often used the phrase "a certain man" (Greek: _ánthrōpos tis_) or similar generic introductions in His parables. This literary device serves several purposes. Firstly, it makes the story immediately relatable to everyone in the audience, regardless of their social status or background. By not naming the man, Jesus ensures that the focus remains on the universal human experience and the spiritual truths being conveyed, rather than on a specific individual. Secondly, it allows the characters to function as archetypes or symbols—in this case, the father representing God and the sons representing different human responses to Him. This universality ensures the parable's timeless and broad application, inviting every listener to see themselves within the narrative, whether as the lost sinner or the self-righteous observer, both in need of the Father's grace demonstrated throughout [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost").

**How does this verse relate to the rest of Luke 15?**

Answer: Luke 15:11 is the pivotal starting point for the longest and most detailed of three parables Jesus tells in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). The entire chapter is framed by the Pharisees' and scribes' grumbling about Jesus associating with "sinners" (see [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). In response, Jesus tells the [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), the [Parable of the Lost Coin](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin"), and finally, the [Parable of the Prodigal Son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"). This progression demonstrates God's relentless pursuit and joyous celebration over the repentance of even one sinner. Luke 15:11 sets up the most complex scenario, involving human relationships and choices, to fully illustrate the depth of God's love and forgiveness, and to challenge the self-righteousness of those who criticize His grace. It transitions from simpler illustrations of value and search to a profound drama of familial love, rebellion, and restoration, culminating in the ultimate message of God's welcoming heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:11, by introducing a father and his two sons, sets the stage for a parable that profoundly reveals the heart of God, which is most fully manifested in Jesus Christ. While the "certain man" represents God the Father, Jesus Himself is the ultimate embodiment of the Father's relentless love and pursuit of the lost. He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), and the very reason the Father can welcome sinners back home. Jesus' entire ministry was characterized by His active seeking of those considered outcast and lost by society, declaring that He "came to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The lavish welcome the father extends to the returning son foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He became sin for us "so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, this simple opening verse, through the narrative it initiates, points directly to Jesus as the one who bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, embodying the Father's grace and making repentance and restoration truly possible for all who turn to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:23

¶ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.