Luke 15:11

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

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

Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons.

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

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

Commentary

Luke 15:11 marks the commencement of one of Jesus' most profound and beloved parables, commonly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (or the Lost Son). This verse simply sets the stage, introducing the main characters: a father and his two sons. Its deceptive simplicity paves the way for a narrative rich in themes of human nature, divine love, and redemption.

Context

This parable is not told in isolation but is the longest and climactic part of a trilogy of parables found in Luke Chapter 15, all concerning something lost and then joyously found. The preceding parables are the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) and the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10).

Jesus tells these parables in direct response to the Pharisees and scribes grumbling because He welcomed and ate with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2). The parables collectively serve to illustrate God's boundless joy and relentless pursuit of one sinner who repents, highlighting His grace and mercy even towards those considered outcast by society.

Key Themes Introduced

  • Family Relationships: The immediate focus is on a family unit—a father and his two sons. This foundational relationship will be central to the unfolding narrative, exploring themes of love, responsibility, and potential discord within a family dynamic.
  • The Father's Character: Even from this opening, the father is implied to be a figure of authority and means. His character will later reveal God's unconditional love and grace for humanity.
  • Introduction of Two Sons: The presence of two sons immediately suggests contrasting paths or responses, which will be explored as the story progresses. One son represents those who stray, and the other, those who remain but may still harbor resentment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "parable" is parabolē (παραβολή), meaning a "placing beside" or "comparison." It refers to a short, illustrative story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson by drawing parallels to everyday life. Jesus frequently used parables to convey profound truths in an accessible way to His listeners.

The simplicity of the opening phrase, "A certain man had two sons" (ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχεν δύο υἱούς), is typical of parable introductions. It immediately draws the listener into a relatable scenario without unnecessary detail, allowing the focus to remain on the actions and lessons that follow.

Significance and Application

This opening verse, while simple, is crucial for setting the stage for one of the most powerful teachings of Jesus. It invites listeners to identify with the characters or the situation, priming the audience for a story that will delve deeply into themes of human desire, rebellion, regret, forgiveness, and unconditional love. For those seeking to understand the parable, recognizing this initial setup is key to grasping the depth of the entire narrative.

The "certain man" ultimately represents God the Father, and the "two sons" represent humanity's different responses to God's love and grace. The parable, beginning with this simple introduction, offers timeless insights into divine compassion and the nature of true repentance, encouraging all to return to the loving embrace of their Heavenly Father.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:23 (-17 votes)

    ¶ 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 (-17 votes)

    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.