Luke 15:12

And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.

And {G2532} the younger {G3501} of them {G846} said {G2036} to his father {G3962}, Father {G3962}, give {G1325} me {G3427} the portion {G3313} of goods {G3776} that falleth {G1911} to me. And {G2532} he divided {G1244} unto them {G846} his living {G979}.

The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property between them.

The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion ofthy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

Commentary

Luke 15:12 begins the famous Parable of the Prodigal Son, a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings on God's boundless love and forgiveness. This verse sets the stage for the younger son's journey of rebellion and eventual repentance.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Jewish society, asking for one's inheritance before a father's death was highly unconventional and deeply disrespectful. It was akin to wishing the father dead, signaling a profound desire to sever ties and live independently. Typically, inheritance was distributed only upon the father's passing. The younger son's portion would traditionally be one-third of the estate, while the elder son received a double portion (Deuteronomy 21:17). The father's willingness to grant this premature request underscores his extraordinary patience and love, allowing his son freedom even if it led to painful consequences.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Authority and Relationship: The son's demand is not merely about money; it's a profound rejection of his father's authority, guidance, and the communal life of the family. He desires autonomy above all else.
  • Desire for Independence: The verse highlights a longing for self-rule and freedom from parental oversight. This desire, while natural, is presented here in an impatient and self-centered manner, leading to the son's eventual departure (Luke 15:13).
  • Father's Unconditional Love and Foreshadowing Grace: The father's immediate action of dividing his "living" (his livelihood or substance) demonstrates remarkable compassion and a willingness to respect his son's free will, even knowing the potential for disaster. This mirrors God's patience with humanity, allowing us to make choices, even poor ones, in hopes of eventual return.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "portion of goods that falleth to me" uses the Greek word meros (μέρος) for "portion," indicating a part or share. "Goods" is ousia (οὐσία), referring to substance or property. The son is demanding his legal share of the family's assets. The father "divided unto them his living" (Greek: bios, βίος), which signifies his means of life or livelihood. This implies a significant sacrifice on the father's part, as he liquidates a substantial portion of his current assets, not just future inheritance, to satisfy his son's demand.

Practical Application

Luke 15:12 serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing material gain or premature independence over established relationships, wisdom, and divine guidance. It illustrates the human tendency to want to control one's own destiny, often at the expense of valuable connections and a secure foundation. For believers, it reminds us that God, our Heavenly Father, grants us free will, even when our choices lead us away from Him. The verse sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of repentance and the overwhelming joy of reconciliation, emphasizing that God's door is always open for those who return (Luke 15:20).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:16

    Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit [that] which he hath, [that] he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, [which is indeed] the firstborn:

  • Deuteronomy 21:17

    But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated [for] the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he [is] the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn [is] his.

  • Mark 12:44

    For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

  • Luke 15:30

    But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

  • Psalms 16:5

    The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

  • Psalms 16:6

    The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
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