Luke 15:27

KJV

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto him {G846},{G3754} Thy {G4675} brother {G80} is come {G2240}; and {G2532} thy {G4675} father {G3962} hath killed {G2380} the fatted {G4618} calf {G3448}, because {G3754} he hath received {G618} him {G846} safe and sound {G5198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant told him, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the calf that was fattened up, because he has gotten him back safe and sound.’

Berean Standard Bible

‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:27 marks a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, as a servant informs the elder brother of his younger sibling's unexpected return. The servant explains that the father, overwhelmed with joy and relief, has ordered the killing of the fatted calf for a grand celebration, signifying the complete restoration and safety of the son who was once lost. This announcement sets the stage for the elder brother's significant reaction, further illuminating the boundless grace and celebratory nature of the father's love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climax of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the third of three parables in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). It immediately follows the father's ecstatic and unreserved welcome of his repentant younger son, who had returned home in destitution after squandering his inheritance. The father had already initiated a lavish celebration, commanding his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, sandals, and crucially, to "kill the fatted calf" to mark the son's return (as seen in [Luke 15:22-24](/luke/15-22-24 "The Father's Lavish Welcome")). The elder brother, who had been diligently working in the field, now approaches the house, hears the sounds of music and dancing, and inquires about the commotion. The servant's explanation in [Luke 15:27](/luke/15-27 "The Servant's News to the Elder Brother") serves as the direct answer, providing the reason for the unprecedented revelry and setting the stage for the elder brother's subsequent anger and the father's final appeal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "fatted calf" (or any fatted animal) was not a common meal but a significant, costly animal specifically raised and prepared for a major feast or special occasion. Its slaughter symbolized the highest honor, extreme generosity, and profound celebration, often reserved for momentous events like weddings, covenant renewals, or the return of a highly esteemed person. For the father to command the killing of such an animal for his prodigal son underscored the extraordinary nature of his welcome, signaling a complete restoration of the son's status, far beyond mere forgiveness. Furthermore, the concept of a son squandering his inheritance and returning destitute would have brought immense shame upon the family. The father's immediate and public celebration, despite the son's prior disgrace, was a radical act of love that defied social expectations, restoring the son's honor and publicly affirming his place within the family.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost") is fundamentally about the divine joy over repentance and restoration. The killing of the fatted calf in [Luke 15:27](/luke/15-27 "The Servant's News to the Elder Brother") powerfully symbolizes the immense joy in heaven over those who turn back to God, echoing the rejoicing over one sinner who repents found in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents") and [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Joy Among the Angels Over One Sinner Who Repents"). This act also highlights the father's (and by extension, God's) unconditional love and boundless grace, demonstrating a willingness to forgive, restore, and celebrate without prerequisite or earned merit. The theme of restoration is paramount; the son, who was "lost" and "dead" in the father's eyes (as the father later explains in [Luke 15:32](/luke/15-32 "The Father's Explanation of Lost and Found")), is now "safe and sound," prompting a celebration that emphasizes not just forgiveness, but full and joyful reintegration into the family.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **killed (Greek, _thýō'_):** This verb, G2380, primarily means "to rush" or "breathe hard," but by implication, it refers to "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 fatted calf specifically for a celebratory feast, not for a ritual sacrifice. The choice of this word emphasizes the definitive and intentional act of preparing for a grand celebration, marking a significant event.
* **fatted (Greek, _siteutós'_):** G4618, derived from a word meaning "grain," describes something that is "grain-fed" or "fattened." This adjective specifically refers to an animal that has been specially fed and prepared over time to be plump and ready for consumption, indicating a costly and luxurious item reserved for special occasions. Its presence signifies the extraordinary nature of the feast, highlighting the father's lavish and unreserved welcome.
* **safe and sound (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** G5198, from the root meaning "healthy," literally means "to have sound health" or "to be well (in body)." Figuratively, it can also mean "to be uncorrupt" or "true in doctrine." In this verse, it emphasizes the son's physical well-being upon his return, contrasting sharply with the father's previous fears for his life or condition. It speaks to a complete, holistic restoration, not just of his physical state, but implicitly of his return from a state of being "lost" or "dead" to a state of wholeness and vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him":** This introduces the servant's direct communication to the elder brother. The servant acts as the messenger, relaying the news that has caused the commotion. This interaction is crucial as it provides the elder brother with the definitive reason for the celebration, setting the stage for his subsequent reaction.
* **"Thy brother is come;":** This is the core piece of news. The servant identifies the returning individual as "thy brother," emphasizing the family relationship that has been restored. The simple declaration "is come" conveys the immediate reality of the son's physical presence, which is the direct cause of the father's joy.
* **"and thy father hath killed the fatted calf,":** This clause explains the reason for the sounds of revelry. The father's action of killing the "fatted calf" is presented as a completed act, signifying a definitive and lavish celebration already underway. This detail immediately communicates the extraordinary nature of the welcome, far beyond a simple meal, indicating a full restoration of honor and status.
* **"because he hath received him safe and sound.":** This final clause provides the underlying motivation for the father's extravagant celebration. The phrase "safe and sound" (Greek: _hygiaínō_) conveys not just physical health, but a sense of wholeness and well-being, contrasting with the son's previous state of destitution and near-death. The father's joy stems from the complete and unexpected restoration of his son, whom he had considered lost or dead, now returned whole and alive.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent with the "fatted calf," which is not merely an animal but a potent symbol of ultimate celebration, honor, and complete restoration. Its slaughter signifies the father's boundless joy and his unreserved welcome, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the occasion. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implicit in the servant's message, highlighting the son's current state of being "safe and sound" against his previous condition of being "lost" and "dead" (as the father himself later articulates in [Luke 15:32](/luke/15-32 "The Father's Explanation of Lost and Found")). This contrast magnifies the father's relief and joy. Furthermore, the servant's straightforward declaration serves as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, as the news of the celebration and the reason for it directly precipitates the elder brother's indignant and ungracious reaction, revealing his character and setting up the final dialogue of the parable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:27 profoundly illustrates the heart of God towards humanity. The father's immediate and lavish response to his son's return, culminating in the killing of the fatted calf, is a powerful theological statement about God's character. It reveals a God who not only forgives but actively celebrates the repentance and return of a lost soul, restoring them to full honor and communion. This divine joy is not merely a passive acceptance but an active, overflowing delight that leads to a grand feast, symbolizing the rich blessings and full communion available to those who turn back to Him. The "safe and sound" aspect emphasizes God's desire for our holistic well-being and restoration, not just spiritual but also emotional and relational.

* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents") - "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "God's Call to Repentance and Forgiveness") - "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") - "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready... Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound reminder of God's overwhelming desire for reconciliation with humanity and His boundless grace. Just as the father eagerly welcomed his son, God eagerly awaits the return of those who have strayed, not with condemnation, but with open arms and a heart ready to celebrate. For believers, this passage challenges us to embody a similar spirit of radical grace and welcome within our communities. It calls us to extend forgiveness, restoration, and joyous acceptance to those who repent and return, fostering an environment where broken relationships can be mended and prodigals can find a true home. The "fatted calf" celebration is a powerful metaphor for the abundant joy and honor God bestows upon those who come back to Him, a testament to His restorative love that transforms shame into celebration and death into life. It encourages us to celebrate every step towards God, both in our own lives and in the lives of others, recognizing that true repentance is met with divine revelry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the father's immediate and lavish celebration challenge our own tendencies to judge or withhold forgiveness from those who repent?**
* **In what ways can we, as the church, embody the father's welcoming spirit to those who have strayed and returned, creating spaces of genuine restoration?**
* **What does the "fatted calf" celebration teach us about the true nature of God's joy over our repentance, and how might this understanding deepen our own worship?**

### FAQ

**Why was the fatted calf so significant, and not just any animal?**

Answer: The "fatted calf" (Greek: _moschon siteuton_) was an animal specially prepared and fattened over a long period, making it a valuable and costly possession. Its slaughter was reserved for the most important and celebratory occasions, signifying a feast of immense honor and joy. It was not an everyday meal but a symbol of ultimate generosity and the highest form of welcome. In the parable, it underscores the father's complete and unreserved acceptance of his son, restoring him to full status and celebrating his return with an extravagance that defied social norms for a disgraced son.

**What is the deeper significance of the son being "safe and sound"?**

Answer: The phrase "safe and sound" (Greek: _hygiaínō_) literally means "healthy" or "in good health." However, in the context of the parable, its significance extends beyond mere physical well-being. The father had previously considered his son "dead" and "lost" ([Luke 15:32](/luke/15-32 "The Father's Explanation of Lost and Found")), implying a state of spiritual, social, and perhaps even moral decay. Therefore, "safe and sound" signifies a complete restoration—not just physically alive, but whole, restored to his rightful place, and no longer in the perilous state of separation and destitution. It speaks to the profound relief and joy of the father at the son's holistic return from a state of being utterly lost.

**How does this verse specifically set up the elder brother's reaction in the parable?**

Answer: Luke 15:27 directly provides the reason for the celebration that the elder brother encounters upon returning from the field. By clearly stating that "thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound," the servant delivers the news that ignites the elder brother's indignation. This revelation highlights the stark contrast between the father's overflowing, unconditional joy and the elder brother's rigid, merit-based understanding of justice and reward. It immediately sets the stage for the elder brother's refusal to join the celebration and his subsequent confrontation with his father, revealing his resentment and lack of understanding regarding grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:27, with its depiction of the father's joyous and lavish celebration over the returned son, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the divine "fatted calf," the ultimate sacrifice provided by God the Father, whose death on the cross makes possible the reconciliation and restoration of all who were once lost. Just as the fatted calf was slaughtered for a feast of celebration, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was sacrificed so that sinners could be brought "safe and sound" back into the Father's presence. His entire ministry, as highlighted in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost"), was to "seek and to save that which was lost." The celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents ([Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents")) is a direct result of Christ's redemptive work. Through His atoning sacrifice, we, who were once alienated and "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Dead in Sin, Made Alive in Christ")), are made alive together with Christ and welcomed into God's family with a celebration far grander than any earthly feast, foreshadowing the glorious [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") in eternity.

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

Philemon 1:16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Acts 22:13

Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

Acts 9:17

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 15:30

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.