Luke 15:14

KJV

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he {G846} had spent {G1159} all {G3956}, there arose {G1096} a mighty {G2478} famine {G3042} in {G2596} that {G1565} land {G5561}; and {G2532} he {G846} began {G756} to be in want {G5302}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.

Berean Standard Bible

After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.

American Standard Version

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:14 marks a dramatic turning point in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, depicting the swift and severe consequences of the younger son's reckless abandonment of his father's provision. After squandering his entire inheritance on a life of dissipation in a distant land, he is plunged into acute destitution by the onset of a severe famine, forcing him to confront the harsh reality of his self-imposed separation and profound need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the younger son's departure from his father's house and his extravagant wasting of his inheritance on "riotous living" in a "far country" ([Luke 15:13](/luke/15-13 "Luke 15:13 - The Prodigal Son's Departure and Waste")). It serves as the climactic moment illustrating the direct, inevitable outcome of his choices, transitioning the narrative from profligacy to profound poverty. The parable itself is the third in a trilogy of parables in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), which Jesus tells in response to the Pharisees' and scribes' grumbling about His association with "sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). Together, these parables—the Lost Sheep ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - Parable of the Lost Sheep")), the Lost Coin ([Luke 15:8-10](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - Parable of the Lost Coin")), and the Lost Son—underscore God's boundless love, persistent pursuit, and immense joy over the repentance and restoration of a lost individual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, requesting one's inheritance before a father's death was a profound insult, akin to wishing him dead, and a complete rejection of familial authority and community. The son's journey to a "far country" (likely a Gentile land) further signifies his complete break from his heritage and moral boundaries. Famines were a common and devastating occurrence in the ancient Near East, often caused by drought, pestilence, or war, leading to widespread suffering, starvation, and economic collapse. For a Jew to be in a Gentile land, destitute and forced to work with unclean animals (pigs, as seen in [Luke 15:15](/luke/15-15 "Luke 15:15 - The Prodigal Son Feeds Pigs")), represented the absolute lowest point of social and spiritual degradation, a complete loss of honor and identity. This context amplifies the son's desperation and the extremity of his fall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost") and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion**, demonstrating that a life lived apart from God's wisdom and provision inevitably leads to destitution, both material and spiritual. The "famine" symbolizes the spiritual emptiness and lack of true nourishment experienced when one abandons the source of life. Secondly, it serves as a **Catalyst for Repentance and Return**. The extreme suffering and "want" become the crucible through which the son's pride is broken, forcing him to "come to himself" ([Luke 15:17](/luke/15-17 "Luke 15:17 - The Prodigal Son Comes to His Senses")) and consider returning to his father. This illustrates how divine discipline or natural consequences can be God's means of drawing individuals back to Him. Lastly, it subtly underscores the **Vulnerability of Human Self-Sufficiency**, revealing that even with initial wealth and a desire for independence, human prosperity is fragile and fleeting when not anchored in true wisdom and divine blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spent (Greek, _dapanáō'_):** From G1159, meaning "to expend, i.e. (in a good sense) to incur cost, or (in a bad one) to waste." Here, it carries the negative connotation of squandering or consuming resources foolishly and lavishly, emphasizing the complete depletion of his inheritance through irresponsible living.
* **arose (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, meaning "to cause to be ('gen'-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude." In this context, it signifies the sudden and impactful emergence or occurrence of the famine, highlighting its unexpected and overwhelming nature, which drastically altered the son's circumstances.
* **to be in want (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** From G5302, meaning "to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)." This word precisely describes the son's state of lacking, being destitute, or suffering need. It captures the transition from having everything to having absolutely nothing, marking the onset of acute deprivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had spent all":** This clause signifies the complete and utter depletion of the younger son's inherited wealth. It underscores the finality of his extravagant and irresponsible consumption, leaving him with absolutely nothing. The emphasis is on the totality of his loss, a direct consequence of his riotous living.
* **"there arose a mighty famine in that land":** This phrase introduces an external, catastrophic event that exacerbates the son's already dire financial situation. The "mighty famine" (λιμὸς ἰσχυρὰ, *limos ischyra*) indicates a severe and widespread scarcity of food, making survival exceptionally difficult for everyone, especially those without resources. This natural disaster serves as a providential catalyst, intensifying his suffering and stripping away any remaining illusions of self-sufficiency.
* **"and he began to be in want":** This final clause describes the immediate and painful consequence of the combined factors: his spent wealth and the prevailing famine. "To be in want" (ὑστερεῖσθαι, *hysterēisthai*) denotes a state of acute need, destitution, and deficiency. It marks the shift from a life of excess to one of severe deprivation, highlighting his desperate struggle for basic necessities.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the son, who sought freedom and independence from his father's authority, finds himself enslaved by his own reckless choices and the harsh realities of a "far country." His pursuit of "all" (his inheritance) leads to the loss of "all" and a state of "want." **Symbolism** is also at play, with the "famine" representing not only a literal lack of food but also the spiritual emptiness, moral destitution, and lack of true nourishment that inevitably follow a life lived apart from God's provision and wisdom. The "land" itself, being "far" from the father's house, symbolizes a spiritual distance from God. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the son's extreme suffering and "want" directly precede and precipitate his "coming to himself" and his eventual decision to return home ([Luke 15:17-18](/luke/15-17-18 "Luke 15:17-18 - The Prodigal Son's Repentance")). The hardship, though painful, is a necessary precursor to repentance and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:14 vividly illustrates the biblical principle that choices have consequences, and rebellion against divine order often leads to destitution. The son's self-imposed exile and profligacy result in a state of profound lack, mirroring humanity's spiritual bankruptcy when separated from God. This verse underscores God's sovereignty, even in seemingly natural disasters, as the famine serves as a providential means to bring the son to a place of brokenness and recognition of his need. It highlights that true provision and satisfaction are found not in worldly pursuits or self-sufficiency, but in a right relationship with the Heavenly Father.

* [Proverbs 13:25](/proverbs/13-25 "Proverbs 13:25 - The Righteous Eat to Satisfaction")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:14 serves as a stark warning and a profound invitation. It reminds us that chasing fleeting pleasures and seeking independence from God's loving guidance can lead to spiritual and emotional destitution, much like the prodigal son's material "want." Our own "far country" might be a pursuit of career success at the expense of family, an addiction, or a life lived without regard for God's commands. When we experience "famine" in our lives—whether it's relational brokenness, spiritual emptiness, or a sense of purposelessness—this verse encourages us to see these hardships not as arbitrary misfortunes, but as potential catalysts for reflection and return. God, in His mercy, often allows us to experience the consequences of our choices so that we might realize our desperate need for Him and turn back to the abundant provision found in His presence. It calls us to examine where we might be squandering our spiritual inheritance and to remember that true fulfillment is only found in communion with our Heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be living in a "far country," distant from God's will and provision?**
* **What "famine" or "want" am I currently experiencing that might be a call to return to God?**
* **How does the prodigal son's journey from abundance to destitution challenge my understanding of true security and satisfaction?**

### FAQ
**Was the famine a punishment from God, or a natural consequence?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the famine was a direct, targeted punishment from God for the son's actions. However, in biblical narratives, natural disasters like famines are often understood as consequences of a fallen world, and sometimes as divine instruments that bring people to repentance or judgment. In the context of the parable, the "mighty famine" ([Luke 15:14](/luke/15-14 "Luke 15:14 - The Prodigal Son's Destitution")) serves as a providential catalyst, intensifying the son's dire situation and forcing him to "come to himself" ([Luke 15:17](/luke/15-17 "Luke 15:17 - The Prodigal Son Comes to His Senses")). It highlights that a life lived apart from God's wisdom and provision often leads to spiritual and material destitution, whether through direct judgment or the natural outworking of a fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:14, though depicting human failure, ultimately points to the profound need for a Savior and the abundant provision found in Christ. The prodigal son's journey from self-sufficiency to utter destitution mirrors humanity's spiritual state apart from God. We, too, have squandered our spiritual inheritance, choosing a "far country" of sin and rebellion, leading to a "famine" of true life, peace, and purpose ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as the son was in "want," humanity is spiritually bankrupt, unable to save itself. Jesus Christ, the true Son, perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, never departing from His house. He is the "bread of life" who came to satisfy our deepest hunger and thirst ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering true provision where the world offers only famine. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross addresses our spiritual destitution, paying the "wages of sin" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")) and making a way for us to return to the Father's house, where there is always abundance, forgiveness, and joyous celebration ([Ephesians 2:13-19](/ephesians/2-13-19 "Ephesians 2:13-19 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The famine in the parable foreshadows the spiritual emptiness that only Christ can fill, demonstrating His role as the ultimate restorer and provider 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

2 Chronicles 33:11

¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Amos 8:12

And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find [it].

Ezekiel 16:27

Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary [food], and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.

Hosea 2:9

Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax [given] to cover her nakedness.

Hosea 2:14

¶ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.