Luke 15:22

KJV

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the father {G3962} said {G2036} to {G4314} his {G846} servants {G1401}, Bring forth {G1627} the best {G4413} robe {G4749}, and {G2532} put it on {G1746} him {G846}; and {G2532} put {G1325} a ring {G1146} on {G1519} his {G846} hand {G5495}, and {G2532} shoes {G5266} on {G1519} his feet {G4228}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but his father said to his slaves, ‘Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet;

Berean Standard Bible

But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

American Standard Version

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:22 stands as the climactic moment in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, capturing the father's astonishing and immediate response to his wayward son's return. Far from the expected rebuke or probationary period, the father commands a lavish display of restoration and celebration, symbolizing God's profound, unconditional love and His eager, joyful welcome of repentant sinners into full fellowship and dignity, regardless of their past failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the third and most elaborate of Jesus' three parables of lostness in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of Lostness and Redemption"): the Lost Sheep ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), the Lost Coin ([Luke 15:8-10](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin")), and the Lost Son ([Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")). These parables are Jesus' direct response to the grumbling Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for associating with "sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). Luke 15:22 specifically follows the son's journey home, his rehearsed confession of unworthiness, and the father's undignified yet loving sprint to meet him ([Luke 15:17-20](/luke/15-17-20 "Luke 15:17-20 - The Son's Return and the Father's Embrace")). The father's immediate commands of restoration in this verse dramatically interrupt the son's plea to be a hired servant ([Luke 15:19](/luke/15-19 "Luke 15:19 - The Son's Humble Confession")), highlighting the overwhelming nature of divine grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, a son demanding his inheritance while his father was still alive was an act of profound disrespect, akin to wishing his father dead. Squandering it on "riotous living" ([Luke 15:13](/luke/15-13 "Luke 15:13 - The Son's Departure")) would bring immense shame upon the family. For the father to then run to meet his son ([Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father's Compassion")), lifting his robes and exposing his legs, was highly undignified for an elder, demonstrating a love that transcended cultural norms and personal honor. The items bestowed—the best robe, a ring, and shoes—were not mere gifts but powerful symbols of status. Servants typically went barefoot or wore simple sandals, while sons wore proper shoes. A signet ring signified authority, trust, and full family membership, often used to seal legal documents. The "best robe" (often a long, flowing garment) was a mark of honor and dignity, possibly even the father's own or one reserved for special guests. The father's actions were a public declaration of the son's full reinstatement, erasing his shame and restoring his identity.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 15:22 powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the chapter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it illustrates **Unconditional Love and Radical Grace**, demonstrating a love that is not earned or merited but freely given, mirroring God's boundless readiness to forgive and welcome those who turn to Him. This contrasts sharply with the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees and later, the elder brother ([Luke 15:28-30](/luke/15-28-30 "Luke 15:28-30 - The Elder Brother's Resentment")). Secondly, it highlights **Full Restoration and Reconciliation**, showing that God's forgiveness is not partial but complete, restoring lost dignity, identity, and position. The son is not merely tolerated but celebrated as a full member of the family. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Joy of Repentance and Redemption**, echoing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, as explicitly stated in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Repentant Sinner") and [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Joy in the Presence of Angels"). The father's celebration is a microcosm of divine rejoicing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **best (Greek, _prōtos'_):** From G4413, meaning "foremost (in time, place, order or importance):--before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former." The father doesn't simply give *a* robe, but the *best* or *first* robe. This signifies not merely clothing but the highest honor, the most excellent garment, immediately restoring the son to a place of preeminent dignity and status within the household, perhaps even implying the robe reserved for the head of the house or for special occasions. It is a symbol of complete and lavish restoration, far exceeding what the son might have expected or deserved.
* **robe (Greek, _stolḗ'_):** From G4749, meaning "equipment, i.e. (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity):--long clothing (garment), (long) robe." This type of garment was a formal, often long and flowing, outer garment worn by people of status and authority. Its bestowal on the son immediately removes the rags of his destitution and shame, publicly declaring his return to honor and respectability, signifying his full reinstatement as a son, not a servant.
* **ring (Greek, _daktýlios'_):** From G1146, meaning "from δάκτυλος; a finger-ring:--ring." In ancient cultures, a ring, especially a signet ring, was a symbol of authority, family identity, and trust. It could be used to seal documents, signifying the bearer's power of attorney or rightful place within the family's affairs. Its bestowal signifies the son's reinstatement to a position of trust, authority, and participation in the family's business, not merely as a family member but as one entrusted with responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the father said to his servants,"**: This phrase emphasizes the father's immediate initiative and authoritative command. It highlights that the father's actions are not a response to the son's completed confession or a negotiation, but an overflowing, proactive expression of his will. He takes charge of the situation, demonstrating his sovereign love and power to restore.
* **"Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him;"**: The command to "bring forth" (G1627, _ekphérō_) implies an immediate, urgent action. The "best robe" (G4413, _prōtos_ G4749, _stolḗ_) is a powerful symbol of restored honor, dignity, and high status. It publicly covers the son's rags of shame and destitution, signifying his complete re-clothing in the family's honor and his reinstatement as a beloved son.
* **"and put a ring on his hand,"**: The ring (G1146, _daktýlios_) is a symbol of authority, trust, and family identity. In ancient times, a signet ring was used to seal documents, signifying the bearer's power of attorney or rightful place within the family's affairs. Its placement on the son's hand indicates his full reintegration into the family's trust and his renewed participation in its affairs, restoring his lost authority and identity.
* **"and shoes on [his] feet:"**: Shoes (G5266, _hypódēma_) were a distinguishing mark of a free person or a son in a household. Servants or slaves typically went barefoot or wore simple sandals. By providing shoes, the father unequivocally affirms the son's status as a free, legitimate member of the household, definitively distinguishing him from a hired servant, which was the very position the son had intended to request ([Luke 15:19](/luke/15-19 "Luke 15:19 - The Son's Humble Expectation")).

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:22 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the physical objects represent deeper spiritual realities. The "best robe" symbolizes the restoration of dignity, honor, and a new identity, covering the shame of past failures. The "ring" signifies renewed authority, trust, and full family membership, implying a restoration of rights and responsibilities. The "shoes" distinguish the son from a servant, emphasizing his restored status as a free and legitimate heir. The entire scene employs **Contrast**, setting the son's expectation of being a hired servant against the father's lavish and immediate restoration to full sonship. This highlights the radical difference between human merit-based thinking and divine, unmerited grace. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the father's extravagant response, which serves to emphasize the overwhelming joy and generosity of God towards those who repent, going far beyond what is merely deserved or expected.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:22 profoundly illustrates the heart of God towards humanity. The father's immediate, unmerited, and lavish response to his son's return is a powerful metaphor for God's radical grace and His eagerness to embrace repentant sinners. It teaches that God's forgiveness is not grudging or conditional upon our ability to earn it back, but is freely given and results in full restoration of relationship and dignity. This divine welcome goes beyond mere acceptance; it is a joyous celebration that reinstates the lost to their rightful place as beloved children, covering their shame with honor and empowering them with renewed purpose. It underscores the biblical truth that salvation is entirely a gift of grace, not a reward for human effort.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 8:15-17](/romans/8-15-17 "Romans 8:15-17 - Spirit of Adoption")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")
* [Zechariah 3:3-5](/zechariah/3-3-5 "Zechariah 3:3-5 - Joshua's Filthy Garments Removed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:22 offers immense comfort and profound challenge. For those who feel estranged from God due to past mistakes, shame, or a life lived apart from Him, this verse beautifully illustrates God's eagerness to welcome them back with open arms. It assures us that our Heavenly Father's love is not contingent on our performance, but on His unchanging character, and that His desire is for our full restoration, not our continued punishment. The "best robe," "ring," and "shoes" are powerful reminders that God's forgiveness is complete, restoring our dignity, authority, and identity as His children. This passage also challenges believers to reflect the Father's heart by extending radical forgiveness, grace, and genuine welcome to others who repent and seek reconciliation. It calls us to abandon judgmental attitudes and instead embrace the joy of seeing others return to fellowship, mirroring the heavenly celebration over every repentant soul. Our worth in God's eyes is not based on our past failures but on His incredible, unchanging love—a love that celebrates our return home.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the father's immediate and lavish response challenge your preconceived notions of divine judgment or human worthiness in receiving God's grace?**
* **In what ways can you, as a follower of Christ, emulate the father's radical welcome and restorative grace towards others who have strayed or made mistakes?**
* **What "robe, ring, and shoes" has God bestowed upon you through Christ, signifying your full adoption, restoration, and new identity in Him?**
* **Considering the father's joy, how can you cultivate a deeper sense of celebration and gratitude for God's forgiveness in your own life and in your community?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of each item the father gives the son?**

Answer: Each item the father bestows upon the prodigal son in [Luke 15:22](/luke/15-22 "Luke 15:22 - The Father's Commands") carries profound symbolic meaning, signifying his full and immediate restoration to sonship and honor:
* **The Best Robe (_stolḗ prōtē_):** This was not just any robe, but the finest, most honorable garment, possibly even reserved for the head of the household or special guests. It symbolizes the restoration of the son's dignity, honor, and status within the family. It publicly covers his rags of shame and destitution, signifying his complete re-clothing in the family's honor and his reinstatement as a beloved son, not a servant.
* **The Ring (_daktýlios_):** In ancient cultures, a ring, particularly a signet ring, was a symbol of authority, trust, and family identity. It could be used to seal documents, indicating the bearer's power of attorney or rightful place in family affairs. Its placement on the son's hand signifies his full reintegration into the family's trust, granting him renewed authority and participation in the family's business.
* **The Shoes (_hypódēma_):** This was a crucial distinction. Servants or slaves typically went barefoot or wore simple sandals, while free persons or sons wore proper shoes. By providing shoes, the father unequivocally affirms the son's status as a free, legitimate member of the household, definitively distinguishing him from a hired servant—the very position the son had intended to request ([Luke 15:19](/luke/15-19 "Luke 15:19 - The Son's Humble Expectation")).

**How does this verse relate to God's justice?**

Answer: Luke 15:22, within the broader context of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlights God's character of immense mercy and grace, which complements His justice. While God is indeed just and sin has consequences, this parable emphasizes that for those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him, God's response is one of overwhelming forgiveness and restorative love, not punitive judgment. The son deserved to be disciplined or at least made to work as a servant, but the father's actions demonstrate a higher form of "justice"—a restorative justice rooted in love that seeks to reconcile and fully reinstate. This reflects the New Testament emphasis that while humanity is justly condemned by sin, God, in His rich mercy, provides a way for reconciliation through Christ, where justice is satisfied by Christ's sacrifice, allowing for grace to abound to the repentant ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The father's joy over the "lost...found" ([Luke 15:24](/luke/15-24 "Luke 15:24 - The Father's Rejoicing")) supersedes the son's deserved punishment, illustrating God's redemptive heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:22, while a parable, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The father's proactive love, running to meet his son while he was still far off ([Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father's Compassion")), is a vivid image of God's initiative in seeking out lost humanity through Christ ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The lavish restoration bestowed upon the prodigal son finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual adoption and new identity granted to believers through Christ. The "best robe" symbolizes the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to us, covering our sin and shame, so that we are seen as blameless before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "ring" signifies the authority and inheritance we receive as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")), granting us access to the Father and participation in His kingdom. The "shoes" represent our freedom from the bondage of sin and slavery, walking in the new life and liberty that Christ provides ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Freedom from Sin"), [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Ultimately, the father's joyous celebration prefigures the eschatological feast of the Lamb, where all who have been redeemed by Christ will partake in eternal fellowship and rejoicing with God ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the father's actions in Luke 15:22 are a beautiful, tangible illustration of the comprehensive and transforming grace of God made possible through Jesus Christ.

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

Revelation 6:11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Genesis 41:42

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Esther 8:2

And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

Zechariah 3:3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

Zechariah 3:5

And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Esther 3:10

And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.