Luke 15:15

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And {G2532} he went {G4198} and joined himself {G2853} to {G1520} a citizen {G4177} of that {G1565} country {G5561}; and {G2532} he sent {G3992} him {G846} into {G1519} his {G846} fields {G68} to feed {G1006} swine {G5519}.

“So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.

And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Context

Luke 15:15 is a pivotal verse in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a powerful story told by Jesus to illustrate God's boundless love and forgiveness. Following his reckless departure from home and squandering of his inheritance, the younger son finds himself in dire straits. The preceding verse, Luke 15:14, describes how a severe famine swept through the land, exacerbating his already desperate situation. This verse details the extreme humiliation and degradation he faces as a direct consequence of his choices and the prevailing circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Degradation: The act of "feeding swine" represents the absolute lowest point for a Jewish man. Under Mosaic Law, pigs were considered ritually unclean animals (Leviticus 11:7-8). To handle them, let alone to be a swineherd, was profoundly defiling and abhorrent to Jewish sensibilities. This job underscores the son's complete loss of dignity, status, and even religious identity.
  • Desperation and Servitude: "He went and joined himself to a citizen of that country" indicates a state of utter dependence and servitude. He is no longer his own master but is bound to another, forced to accept whatever work is available, no matter how degrading, simply to survive. This contrasts sharply with his former life of privilege and independence.
  • Consequences of Sin: This verse starkly illustrates the painful and humiliating consequences that can follow rebellious choices and a life lived apart from God's principles. The son's lavish living has led him to a place of utter destitution and spiritual degradation.

Linguistic Insights

While there isn't a specific Greek word in this verse that requires deep linguistic analysis beyond its common translation, the phrase "feed swine" carries immense cultural and religious weight. The KJV accurately translates the action, but understanding the implication of this task for a Jew is crucial. It signifies a complete severance from his heritage and an immersion into a life antithetical to his upbringing, highlighting the depth of his fall.

Practical Application

Luke 15:15 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Reality of Consequences: Our choices, particularly those that lead us away from God, can have severe and humiliating consequences. This verse depicts the "rock bottom" often experienced when one pursues self-gratification without regard for divine guidance.
  • Humility as a Catalyst: The son's desperate situation, brought on by hunger and degradation, forces him to confront his reality. This low point often precedes a turning point, as it did for the prodigal son, leading to his decision to return home and seek his father's mercy.
  • God's Patience and Mercy: Even in the midst of the son's lowest state, the parable implicitly sets the stage for the father's unwavering love and readiness to forgive, which is the ultimate message of the entire chapter. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall or how unclean we feel, God's grace is always available for those who humble themselves and turn back to Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

  • 2 Timothy 2:26

    And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

  • Isaiah 1:5

    Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

  • Ephesians 2:2

    Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

  • Ephesians 2:3

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

  • Malachi 2:9

    Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

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