Luke 15:22

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:

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}:

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;

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.

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 on Luke 15:22 (KJV)

Luke 15:22 is a pivotal verse in the beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son, part of a series of parables Jesus told emphasizing God's heart for the lost and repentant. This verse captures the father's immediate and overwhelming response to his wayward son's return, demonstrating profound grace and unconditional acceptance.

Context

This verse follows the son's long journey home, having squandered his inheritance and fallen into destitution. He returns with a rehearsed confession, expecting to be treated as a mere hired servant (Luke 15:19). However, before the son can even finish his plea, the father interrupts him with commands of restoration and celebration, showcasing a love that far surpasses human expectation. This contrasts sharply with the later reaction of the elder brother, highlighting themes of jealousy versus divine joy over a sinner who repents.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unconditional Love and Forgiveness: The father's actions are not based on the son's worthiness or ability to repay, but on an overflowing, unmerited love. This illustrates God's boundless readiness to forgive and welcome those who turn to Him.
  • Full Restoration: The items bestowed upon the son—the best robe, a ring, and shoes—are powerful symbols of complete reinstatement. They signify a return to full sonship, dignity, and honor within the family, not just a begrudging acceptance.
  • Celebration of Repentance: Instead of rebuke or punishment, the father's immediate response is one of joyous celebration. This mirrors the heavenly joy over one sinner who repents, as highlighted elsewhere in Luke 15:7.
  • Divine Grace: The entire scene is an embodiment of grace—unmerited favor. The son receives far more than he could ever ask or deserve, underscoring the nature of God's relationship with His children.

Linguistic Insights

  • "best robe" (στολὴν τὴν πρώτην - stolen ten proten): This phrase literally means "the first robe" or "the chief robe." It implies not just any robe, but the finest, most honorable, or perhaps even the one reserved for special occasions or guests of high status. It immediately restores the son's lost dignity and status.
  • "a ring" (δακτύλιον - daktylion): 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 and responsibility.
  • "shoes" (ὑποδήματα - hypodemata): Servants or slaves typically went barefoot or wore simple sandals, while sons wore shoes. Giving the son shoes distinguished him from a servant and affirmed his status as a free, legitimate member of the household.

Practical Application

Luke 15:22 offers immense comfort and hope. For those who feel estranged from God due to past mistakes or a life lived apart from Him, this verse beautifully illustrates God's eagerness to welcome them back with open arms, offering full restoration and a place in His family. It challenges believers to reflect the Father's heart by extending forgiveness, grace, and genuine welcome to others who repent and seek reconciliation. It reminds us that our worth in God's eyes is not based on our performance but on His incredible, unchanging love, a love that celebrates our return home. This parable encourages us to understand the depth of God's desire for relationship, even with those who have strayed far.

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.

  • 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.

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