Luke 15:23

KJV

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} bring hither {G5342} the fatted {G4618} calf {G3448}, and kill {G2380} it; and {G2532} let us eat {G5315}, and be merry {G2165}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it. Let’s eat and have a celebration!

Berean Standard Bible

Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.

American Standard Version

and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:23 captures the climactic command of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, initiating a lavish celebration to mark his lost son's return. This instruction to "bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry" powerfully conveys the father's boundless joy, unconditional love, and immediate desire for full restoration and reconciliation, underscoring the divine welcome awaiting those who repent and return to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the father's immediate and overwhelming response to his younger son's return. Following the son's journey home in destitution and his rehearsed confession, the father, seeing him from afar, runs to embrace him, showering him with kisses. Before the son can even complete his prepared speech asking to be made a hired servant, the father interrupts, commanding his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals, signifying full restoration of his son's status and dignity. The command to prepare the fatted calf in [Luke 15:23](/luke/15-23 "Luke 15:23 - The Fatted Calf") is the final and most extravagant act in this sequence, moving from personal embrace to a public declaration of joy. This parable itself is the third in a trio of parables in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), following the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Luke 15:3-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")) and the Parable of the Lost Coin ([Luke 15:8-10](/luke/15-8-10 "Luke 15:8-10 - The Parable of the Lost Coin")), all of which emphasize God's active pursuit of the lost and the profound joy in heaven over repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "fatted calf" (Greek: _ton moschon ton siteuton_) was not an ordinary animal. It was a specially selected and meticulously fed animal, often over a long period, specifically reserved for the most significant and joyous occasions, such as weddings, major festivals, or the return of a highly esteemed guest. Killing such an animal signified an event of immense importance and was a costly, public declaration of celebration and honor. The act of sacrificing a fatted calf was an extravagant display of wealth and generosity, far beyond what would be prepared for a typical meal. This contrasts sharply with the son's expectation of being treated as a hired servant, highlighting the father's extraordinary, undeserved grace and the depth of his desire for his son's full reinstatement and public honor within the family and community.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 15:23](/luke/15-23 "Luke 15:23 - The Fatted Calf") powerfully contributes to several major themes within the chapter and broader Gospel. Firstly, it embodies **Unconditional Love and Forgiveness**, demonstrating God's boundless love and readiness to forgive those who turn to Him, without rebuke or delay. The father's immediate and lavish response goes far beyond what the son deserved or expected. Secondly, the command to "eat, and be merry" encapsulates the profound **Joy of Reconciliation**. This joy reflects the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, a theme explicitly stated earlier in the chapter 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 the angels"). Finally, the "fatted calf" symbolizes **Restoration and Abundance**, signifying not merely a meal, but the complete and full restoration of the son to his rightful place in the family, with all the privileges, honor, and abundance that entails, marking a new beginning after a period of destitution and spiritual "death."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fatted (Greek, _siteutós'_):** From a derivative of _sitos_ (grain), this adjective specifically means "grain-fed" or "fattened." It denotes an animal that has been intentionally prepared and kept in prime condition, specifically for a significant occasion. The use of this word emphasizes the deliberate and costly nature of the father's celebratory gesture, indicating that this was no ordinary animal but one reserved for a special, grand feast.
* **kill (Greek, _thýō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke)," which by implication refers to "sacrifice" (often by fire) or more generally "to immolate" or "slaughter for any purpose." In this context, it signifies the act of slaughtering the animal for the purpose of a celebratory feast. The word carries a weight of finality and purpose, indicating that the animal's life is given for the joy and sustenance of the celebration.
* **merry (Greek, _euphraínō'_):** From _eu_ (well) and _phrēn_ (mind), this verb means "to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind," or "to rejoice." It implies a deep, heartfelt gladness and a state of festive joy. The father's command to "be merry" is an invitation to communal rejoicing, reflecting the profound happiness over the son's restoration and the reversal of his "death."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And bring hither the fatted calf":** This is the father's immediate and decisive command, following his instructions for the robe, ring, and sandals. The phrase "bring hither" (literally "bring out") signifies a swift and urgent action. The "fatted calf" is the centerpiece of the impending celebration, symbolizing the extraordinary nature of the father's joy and the lavishness with which he intends to welcome his son back. It speaks to the father's foresight in having such an animal prepared, perhaps anticipating such a day, or simply as a sign of his prosperity and readiness for significant events.
* **"and kill [it];":** This part of the command is practical and direct, indicating the immediate preparation of the feast. The act of killing the fatted calf underscores the seriousness and magnitude of the celebration. It is not a casual meal but a sacrifice of a valuable asset, emphasizing the immense value the father places on his son's return and the depth of his joy. It signifies that the celebration is to be grand and abundant, sufficient for many guests.
* **"and let us eat, and be merry:":** This final clause articulates the purpose of the preceding commands: a communal feast and joyful celebration. "Let us eat" implies shared sustenance and fellowship, while "be merry" (Greek: _euphrainō_) denotes a deep, heartfelt rejoicing. It's an invitation for the entire household, and implicitly the community, to participate in the father's overwhelming happiness. This phrase encapsulates the core message of the parable's conclusion: the profound joy that accompanies repentance and reconciliation, echoing the rejoicing in heaven over a lost one found.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "fatted calf" serving as a rich symbol of lavish abundance, complete restoration, and the extraordinary nature of the celebration. It signifies that the son is not merely tolerated but fully reinstated to a place of honor and privilege, far beyond his humble expectations. The entire scene is imbued with **Contrast**, juxtaposing the son's self-perception as a hired servant with the father's extravagant welcome, highlighting the vast difference between human merit and divine grace. The father's actions also demonstrate **Hyperbole** in the context of typical familial responses to a wayward child, emphasizing the overwhelming and disproportionate nature of divine love and forgiveness. The joyous command to "eat, and be merry" is an expression of **Exuberance**, conveying the father's deep emotional response and inviting all to partake in his profound happiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:23 powerfully illustrates the heart of God towards repentant sinners. The father's immediate and lavish response, culminating in the command for the fatted calf, mirrors God's eager welcome, boundless grace, and profound joy over the return of those who were lost. This passage underscores that God's forgiveness is not grudging or minimal, but abundant, restorative, and celebratory. It teaches that true repentance is met not with condemnation, but with a feast of reconciliation, signifying full restoration to fellowship and all the privileges of sonship. This divine pattern calls believers to reflect the same spirit of celebratory forgiveness and welcoming love towards others who repent or return to faith, embodying the grace they themselves have received.

* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:23 invites us to deeply consider the character of our Heavenly Father. It challenges any notion that God is a distant, angry, or reluctant forgiver. Instead, we see a God who runs to meet us, embraces us in our brokenness, and throws a party for our return. This should ignite profound gratitude and confidence in His love, encouraging us to approach Him freely, even when we have strayed. For those who feel far from God, this verse is a powerful assurance that repentance is met with overwhelming joy and full restoration, not just tolerance. Furthermore, it serves as a compelling model for how we, as followers of Christ, should respond to others who repent or seek reconciliation. Are we quick to judge, or are we eager to celebrate, to restore, and to extend grace as lavishly as our Father does? This passage calls us to embody God's heart, fostering communities of radical welcome and joyful forgiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the father's immediate and lavish response challenge your preconceived notions about God's forgiveness?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to act like the older brother, rather than reflecting the father's celebratory spirit towards others?**
* **What specific steps can you take to embrace God's full restoration and joy in your own life, rather than living as a "hired servant"?**
* **How can your community or church better embody the "fatted calf" welcome for those who return from spiritual wandering?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "fatted calf" so significant, and what does it symbolize?**

Answer: The "fatted calf" was highly significant because it represented a specially prepared, valuable animal reserved for the most important and joyous celebrations in ancient Near Eastern culture. It was not an everyday meal but a costly, public declaration of honor and festivity. Symbolically, it underscores the extraordinary nature of the father's joy and the immense value he placed on his son's return. It signifies complete restoration, lavish abundance, and a grand celebration that goes far beyond mere acceptance, demonstrating the father's desire to fully reinstate his son to his former status and privilege, celebrating his "death" and "resurrection" (as the father states in [Luke 15:24](/luke/15-24 "Luke 15:24 - For this my son was dead, and is alive again")).

**Does this verse imply that God's forgiveness requires a "feast" or something costly from us?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. The "fatted calf" represents the *father's* costly sacrifice and generosity, not the son's. The son returned with nothing, expecting to be a hired servant. The feast is a symbol of God's unmerited grace and the abundance of His welcome, freely given to the repentant sinner. It illustrates that God's forgiveness is not earned but received, and it is accompanied by a divine celebration of restoration and joy. The cost of reconciliation was borne by the father, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:23, with its command for the fatted calf and a celebration of joy, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The father's lavish welcome foreshadows God the Father's boundless grace extended to humanity through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. Jesus, the true "fatted calf," is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate provision, the costly act that makes possible our reconciliation and full restoration to fellowship with God. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are not merely tolerated but welcomed into God's family with a celebration of immense joy, symbolized by the heavenly banquet that awaits believers ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). The father's declaration, "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" ([Luke 15:24](/luke/15-24 "Luke 15:24 - The Father's Joy")), perfectly encapsulates the spiritual reality of salvation in Christ: we were dead in our trespasses but are made alive together with Christ by grace ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). The celebration in [Luke 15:23](/luke/15-23 "Luke 15:23 - The Fatted Calf") is a beautiful picture of the new covenant reality, where God's table is open to all who come to Him through faith in Jesus, the one who paid the ultimate price for our joyful return.

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

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Matthew 22:2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Isaiah 65:14

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Proverbs 9:2

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.