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And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. <a href="/esv/luke/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having risen up, he went to his father. And he still being far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck and kissed him. <a href="/kjv/luke/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/nkjv/luke/15.htm">New King James Version</a> “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. <a href="/nasb_/luke/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/nasb/luke/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/nasb77/luke/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him. <a href="/lsb/luke/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So he rose up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/amp/luke/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/csb/luke/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/hcsb/luke/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/asv/luke/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. <a href="/cev/luke/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The younger son got up and started back to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him. <a href="/erv/luke/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/gwt/luke/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "So he went at once to his father. While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him. <a href="/gnt/luke/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> So he got up and started back to his father. "He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. <a href="/isv/luke/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> "So he got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him affectionately. <a href="/msb/luke/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. <a href="/net/luke/15.htm">NET Bible</a> So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him. <a href="/nheb/luke/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/wbt/luke/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "So he rose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and pitied him, and ran and threw his arms round his neck and kissed him tenderly. <a href="/web/luke/15.htm">World English Bible</a> “He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And having risen, he went to his own father, and he being yet far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having ran he fell on his neck and kissed him; <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having risen up, he went to his father. And he still being far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck and kissed him. <a href="/ylt/luke/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And having risen, he went unto his own father, and he being yet far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having ran he fell upon his neck and kissed him; <a href="/slt/luke/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having risen, he came to his father. And yet being far off, his father saw him, and felt compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck, and kissed him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And rising up he came to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and running to him fell upon his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/cpdv/luke/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And rising up, he went to his father. But while he was still at a distance, his father saw him, and he was moved with compassion, and running to him, he fell upon his neck and kissed him. <a href="/nabre/luke/15.htm">New American Bible</a> So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he rose up and came to his father. And while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and had compassion on him, and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And rising, he came to his father, and while he was still distant, his father saw him and he was moved with compassion for him and he ran and fell on his neck and he kissed him.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he arose, and came to his father. And while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion on him, and ran and fell upon his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/godbey/luke/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And having risen, he came to his father. And he being yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck, and kissed him copiously.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. <a href="/mace/luke/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so he departed and went to his father, but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "So he rose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and pitied him, and ran and threw his arms round his neck and kissed him tenderly. <a href="/worrell/luke/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And, arising, he came to his father. But, while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion; and, running, he fell on his neck, and kissed him much.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And he rose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion; and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/15-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6304" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm">The Parable of the Prodigal Son</a> …19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/450.htm" title="450: anastas (V-APA-NMS) -- To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.">he got up</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">and went</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautou (RefPro-GM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">father.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But while</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">he was</a> <a href="/greek/2089.htm" title="2089: eti (Adv) -- (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; yet, still.">still</a> <a href="/greek/3112.htm" title="3112: makran (Adj-AFS) -- At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance."></a> <a href="/greek/568.htm" title="568: apechontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant.">in the distance,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patēr (N-NMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">father</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eiden (V-AIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4697.htm" title="4697: esplanchnisthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved. ">was filled with compassion.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5143.htm" title="5143: dramōn (V-APA-NMS) -- Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.">He ran to his son,</a> <a href="/greek/1968.htm" title="1968: epepesen (V-AIA-3S) -- To fall upon, press upon, light upon, come over. From epi and pipto; to embrace or seize.">embraced him,</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5137.htm" title="5137: trachēlon (N-AMS) -- The neck. Probably from trecho; the throat, i.e. life."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2705.htm" title="2705: katephilēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To kiss affectionately. From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly.">kissed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him.</a> 21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12-14</a> What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a> But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9-10</a> This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19</a> that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a> For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Galatians 4:6-7</a> And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” / So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a> For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/isaiah/30-18.htm">Isaiah 30:18</a> Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him. <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Hosea 11:8-9</a> How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! / I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man—the Holy One among you—and I will not come in wrath. <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a> Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.But.<a href="/deuteronomy/30-2.htm">Deuteronomy 30:2-4</a> And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; … <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Job 33:27,28</a> He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; … <a href="/psalms/86-5.htm">Psalm 86:5,15</a> For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee… and fell.<a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4</a> And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.<a href="/genesis/45-14.htm">Genesis 45:14</a> And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.<a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29</a> And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/luke/15-5.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/luke/10-33.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/luke/12-2.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/luke/14-32.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Far</a> <a href="/luke/14-5.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/luke/10-33.htm">Felt</a> <a href="/luke/15-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Kissed</a> <a href="/mark/14-45.htm">Kisses</a> <a href="/luke/13-14.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/mark/11-2.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/hosea/2-23.htm">Pitied</a> <a href="/luke/10-37.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/luke/8-34.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/luke/11-1.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/luke/14-25.htm">Round</a> <a href="/luke/7-46.htm">Tenderly</a> <a href="/luke/9-42.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/luke/15-10.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/luke/17-13.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/luke/16-20.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/luke/19-12.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Far</a> <a href="/luke/16-21.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/john/21-12.htm">Felt</a> <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/20-37.htm">Kissed</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">Kisses</a> <a href="/luke/16-31.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm">Pitied</a> <a href="/luke/16-24.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/luke/15-22.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/luke/19-4.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/luke/17-19.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/luke/16-31.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Round</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Tenderly</a> <a href="/luke/17-16.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/luke/16-16.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 15</div>1. <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">The parable of the lost sheep;</a> 8. <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">of the piece of silver;</a> 11. <a href="/luke/15-11.htm">of the prodigal son.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/luke/15.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>So he got up This phrase signifies a decisive moment of repentance and action. The Greek word "anastas" implies a rising or standing up, often used in the context of resurrection or awakening. It symbolizes the prodigal son's realization and determination to return to his father, mirroring the spiritual awakening that occurs when a sinner decides to turn back to God.and went to his father The journey back to the father represents repentance and reconciliation. The Greek "poreuomai" for "went" suggests a purposeful journey. This reflects the Christian belief in the necessity of turning away from sin and moving towards God, emphasizing the intentionality required in the process of repentance.But while he was still in the distance This phrase highlights the father's anticipation and longing for his son's return. The imagery of the father watching from afar suggests God's omniscience and His readiness to welcome back those who stray. It underscores the idea that God is always waiting and watching for the return of His children, no matter how far they have wandered.his father saw him The father's ability to see his son from a distance indicates his constant watchfulness and hope. In a spiritual context, it reflects God's omnipresence and His deep desire for the return of the lost. This seeing is not just physical but also a recognition of the son's repentance and change of heart.and was filled with compassion The Greek word "splagchnizomai" for "compassion" conveys a deep, visceral emotion, often associated with the innermost being. This compassion is a central attribute of God, demonstrating His mercy and love. It reassures believers of God's readiness to forgive and embrace them, regardless of their past.He ran to his son In the cultural context of the time, it was undignified for an elder to run. This action by the father breaks social norms, illustrating the depth of his love and eagerness to restore the relationship. It symbolizes God's proactive grace, reaching out to sinners with urgency and love.embraced him The embrace signifies acceptance and reconciliation. The Greek "epipipto" suggests a falling upon, indicating the father's overwhelming joy and affection. This act of embracing reflects the Christian doctrine of God's unconditional love and the restoration of fellowship with Him upon repentance.and kissed him A kiss in biblical times was a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Greek "kataphileo" implies a fervent, repeated action, emphasizing the father's joy and complete acceptance. This gesture assures believers of the warmth and completeness of God's forgiveness, welcoming them back into His family with open arms.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) When he was yet a great way off.--In the story of the parable we must think of the wanderer as coming back weary, foot-sore, hungry, and in rags. In the interpretation, the state of the penitent is that of one who is poor in spirit, hungering and thirsting after righteousness (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm" title="Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.">Matthew 5:3</a>; <a href="/matthew/5-6.htm" title="Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.">Matthew 5:6</a>), with knees that are feeble and hands that hang down (<a href="/hebrews/12-12.htm" title="Why lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;">Hebrews 12:12</a>), conscious of his nakedness and needing something else than the "filthy rags" of his own righteousness (<a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm" title="But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.">Isaiah 64:6</a>) to cover it. And he is yet "a great way off"--not as yet near the home of peace, the light of the Father's countenance--but even there, there comes to him the joy of all joys, the love of the Father finds him, and he is conscious of the love. There is the contact of his soul with the Divine Presence which answers to the Father's kiss.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - And he arose, and came to his father. And so he came safe home; sad, suffering, ragged, destitute, but still safe. But, in spite of this, the parable gives scant encouragement indeed to sin, poor hope indeed to wanderers from the right way, like the hero of our story; for we feel that, though he escaped, yet many were left behind in that sad country. We dimly see many other figures in the picture., The employer of the prodigal was a citizen, but only one of many citizens. The prodigal himself was a servant - one, though, of a great crowd of others; and of all these unhappy dwellers in that land of sin, we only read of one coming out. Not an encouraging picture at best to any soul purposing deliberately to adventure into that country, with the idea of enjoying the pleasant licence of sin for a season and there coming home again. Such a home-coming is, of course, possible - the beautiful story of Jesus tells us this; but, alas I how many stay behind! how few come out thence! But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. But although many who wander never escape from that sad country, it is not because they would be unwelcomed should they choose to return. The whole imagery of this part of the parable tells us how gladly the eternal Father welcomes the sorrowful penitent. The father does not wait for the poor wanderer, but, as though he had been watching for him, sights him afar off, and at once takes compassion, and even hastens to meet him, and all is forgiven. <a href="/commentaries/luke/15-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he got up ἀναστὰς (anastas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_450.htm">Strong's 450: </a> To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up. [and] went ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. his ἑαυτοῦ (heautou) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. father. πατέρα (patera) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. But while δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. he {was} αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. still ἔτι (eti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2089.htm">Strong's 2089: </a> (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still. in the distance, ἀπέχοντος (apechontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_568.htm">Strong's 568: </a> To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. father πατὴρ (patēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. saw εἶδεν (eiden) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. was filled with compassion. ἐσπλαγχνίσθη (esplanchnisthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4697.htm">Strong's 4697: </a> To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved. He ran [to his son], δραμὼν (dramōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5143.htm">Strong's 5143: </a> Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily. embraced him, ἐπέπεσεν (epepesen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1968.htm">Strong's 1968: </a> To fall upon, press upon, light upon, come over. From epi and pipto; to embrace or seize. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. kissed κατεφίλησεν (katephilēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2705.htm">Strong's 2705: </a> To kiss affectionately. From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly. him. αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/15-20.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 15:20 He arose and came to his father (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/15-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 15:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 15:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/15-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 15:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 15:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>