Luke 15:25

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

Now {G1161} his {G846} elder {G4245} son {G5207} was {G2258} in {G1722} the field {G68}: and {G2532} as {G5613} he came {G2064} and drew nigh {G1448} to the house {G3614}, he heard {G191} musick {G4858} and {G2532} dancing {G5525}.

“Now his older son was in the field. As he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing.

Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.

Commentary

Luke 15:25 introduces a pivotal character into the beloved Parable of the Lost Son (often called the Prodigal Son): the elder brother. This verse sets the scene for his dramatic entrance and subsequent reaction to his younger brother's return, highlighting the contrasting perspectives within the narrative of grace and forgiveness.

Context

This verse immediately follows the joyous reunion between the father and the repentant younger son, who had squandered his inheritance. The father's overwhelming joy led him to order an extravagant celebration, including the killing of the fatted calf, new robes, and a ring (see Luke 15:22-24). The elder son, having been diligently working in the fields, is now returning home, oblivious to the events that have transpired. The sounds of "musick and dancing" are the first indication to him that something extraordinary is happening, setting the stage for his contrasting emotional response.

Key Themes

  • The Elder Son's Perspective: This verse marks the shift in focus to the elder son, who represents those who have always been "faithful" or "obedient" but may struggle with understanding or accepting the radical nature of God's grace for others.
  • Joy vs. Duty: The father's house is filled with spontaneous, unbridled joy, a stark contrast to the elder son's routine and dutiful work in the field. This contrast foreshadows the tension between grace and legalism.
  • Ignorance and Discovery: The elder son's initial ignorance of the reason for the celebration builds anticipation for his inevitable discovery and subsequent reaction, which unfolds in the following verses (e.g., Luke 15:28-30).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "musick and dancing" translates the Greek words symphōnia (music, harmony, a concert) and choros (a dance, a company of dancers or singers). These terms denote a significant, joyous celebration, not just casual entertainment. The use of symphōnia suggests a full orchestral sound, emphasizing the father's lavish and wholehearted welcome. This vibrant atmosphere underscores the depth of the father's delight in his lost son's return, making the elder son's subsequent reaction all the more poignant.

Practical Application

Luke 15:25 invites us to consider our own hearts when confronted with God's boundless grace towards others, especially those we might deem "unworthy." Are we like the father, ready to celebrate the return of the lost, or do we carry the potential for resentment, similar to the elder son who felt his diligent service was unappreciated compared to the celebration for his wayward brother? This verse primes us to examine our attitudes towards forgiveness, restoration, and the nature of God's kingdom, where all are invited to partake in the joy of His presence.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 150:4 (3 votes)

    Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

  • Psalms 126:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

  • Luke 7:32 (2 votes)

    They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

  • Jeremiah 31:4 (2 votes)

    Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

  • 2 Samuel 6:14 (2 votes)

    And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod.

  • Psalms 149:3 (2 votes)

    Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

  • Luke 15:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons: