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Luke 15:28

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And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And {G1161} he was angry {G3710}, and {G2532} would {G2309} not {G3756} go in {G1525}: therefore {G3767} came {G1831} his {G846} father {G3962} out {G1831}, and intreated {G3870} him {G846}.

But the older son became angry and refused to go inside.

“So his father came out and pleaded with him.

The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.

But he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him.

Commentary

Context of Luke 15:28

Luke 15:28 is a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Lost Son, often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This verse immediately follows the joyous celebration of the younger son's return, where the father embraced him and threw a feast. The elder brother, who had been faithfully working in the fields, hears the music and dancing and, upon learning the cause, reacts with profound anger and resentment. This parable is part of a series of three parables (the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son) that Jesus tells to illustrate God's boundless joy over the repentance of a sinner, often directed at the Pharisees and scribes who grumbled about Jesus associating with "sinners."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Envy and Resentment: The elder brother's refusal to enter the celebration highlights his deep-seated envy and resentment towards his younger brother, whom he views as undeserving of such grace and honor. His anger stems from a sense of injustice and his own perceived righteousness.
  • Self-Righteousness vs. Grace: The elder brother embodies a self-righteous attitude, believing his years of obedience and service should be rewarded, and that his brother's recklessness should be punished, not celebrated. He struggles to comprehend the father's unconditional love and grace, which extends beyond merit. This contrasts sharply with the salvation offered by grace through faith.
  • The Father's Persistent Love: Despite the elder brother's coldness and disrespect, the father does not condemn him. Instead, he comes out to entreat him, demonstrating the same patient, compassionate love he showed the prodigal son. This illustrates God's relentless pursuit of all His children, both the lost and those who are near yet alienated by their own hearts.
  • Misunderstanding Relationship: The elder brother views his relationship with his father as one of servitude ("these many years do I serve thee") rather than one of sonship and love. He misses the joy of being part of the family and sharing in the father's delight.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "intreated him" comes from the Greek word parakaleō (παρακαλέω). This verb means "to call alongside," "to appeal to," "to exhort," "to comfort," or "to encourage." It's the same root word from which Paraclete (Comforter/Helper) is derived, often used for the Holy Spirit. In this context, it emphasizes that the father's action was not a command but a gentle, loving persuasion and appeal. He didn't force his son, but humbly invited him, showing profound patience and a desire for reconciliation, even with the son who was physically present but spiritually distant.

Reflection and Application

Luke 15:28 offers a powerful mirror for self-examination. We can often relate to both sons in different seasons of life. Are there times we are like the elder brother, struggling with resentment when others receive grace or blessings we feel they haven't earned? Do we sometimes miss the joy of God's kingdom because we are too focused on our own "good works" or perceived righteousness, rather than celebrating the redemptive work of Christ?

This verse reminds us that God's love extends to all—the wayward and the seemingly obedient. It challenges us to embrace a heart of grace, to rejoice in the repentance of others, and to recognize that God's generosity is not limited by our human concepts of fairness or merit. It calls us to forgive one another, just as God has forgiven us, and to welcome those who return, rather than judging them from a distance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 18:8 (5 votes)

    And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom?

  • Jonah 4:9 (5 votes)

    And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, [even] unto death.

  • Genesis 4:5 (4 votes)

    But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

  • Genesis 4:7 (4 votes)

    If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

  • Jonah 4:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

  • Jonah 4:4 (4 votes)

    Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

  • Isaiah 65:5 (3 votes)

    Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.