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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 15:12 The younger son said to him, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/15-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/42_Luk_15_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 15:12 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The younger son said to him, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' 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And he divided the property between them. <a href="/kjv/luke/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. <a href="/nkjv/luke/15.htm">New King James Version</a> And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. <a href="/nasb_/luke/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/nasb/luke/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The younger of them said to his father, &#8216Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.&#8217 So he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/nasb77/luke/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ And he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/lsb/luke/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/amp/luke/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them. <a href="/csb/luke/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. <a href="/hcsb/luke/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.&#8217 So he distributed the assets to them. <a href="/asv/luke/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. <a href="/cev/luke/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The younger son said to his father, "Give me my share of the property." So the father divided his property between his two sons. <a href="/erv/luke/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. <a href="/gwt/luke/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the property.' So the father divided his property between his two sons. <a href="/gnt/luke/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> The younger one said to him, 'Father, give me my share of the property now.' So the man divided his property between his two sons. <a href="/isv/luke/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> The younger one told his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So the father divided his property between them. <a href="/msb/luke/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The younger son said to him, ?Father, give me my share of the estate.? So he divided his property between them. <a href="/net/luke/15.htm">NET Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that will belong to me.' So he divided his assets between them. <a href="/nheb/luke/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of your property.' He divided his livelihood between them. <a href="/wbt/luke/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided to them his living. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The younger of them said to his father, "'Father, give me the share of the property that comes to me.' "So he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/web/luke/15.htm">World English Bible</a> The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ So he divided his livelihood between them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the younger of them said to the father, Father, give me the portion of the substance falling to [me], and he divided to them the living. <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the younger of them said to the father, 'Father, give to me the portion of the property falling to me.' And he divided the property between them. <a href="/ylt/luke/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the younger of them said to the father, Father, give me the portion of the substance falling to me, and he divided to them the living. <a href="/slt/luke/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the younger of them said to the father, Father, give me the portion of property falling. And he divided to them the property.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the younger of them said to his father: Father, give me the portion of substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his substance. <a href="/cpdv/luke/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the younger of them said to the father, ‘Father, give me the portion of your estate which would go to me.’ And he divided the estate between them. <a href="/nabre/luke/15.htm">New American Bible</a> and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And his younger son said to him, My father, give me the portion, which is coming to me from your house. And he divided to them his possessions. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And his younger son said to him, 'My father, give me the portion that befalls me from your estate.' Then he divided to them his wealth.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of the property that falls to me. And he divided his estate between them. <a href="/godbey/luke/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And the younger of them said to the father, Father, give to me the portion of the estate that falls to me. And he immediately divided unto them his living.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. <a href="/mace/luke/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the younger of which said to his father, father, give me that portion of the estate which falls to my share, accordingly he divided his estate among them. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The younger of them said to his father, "'Father, give me the share of the property that comes to me.' "So he divided his wealth between them. <a href="/worrell/luke/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And the younger said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of the estate that falls to me.' And he divided to them his living.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Father, give me the portion that falleth <Fr>to my share.<FR> And he divided his substance between them.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/15-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6233" 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> 11Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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.">The</a> <a href="/greek/3501.htm" title="3501: neōteros (Adj-NMS-C) -- (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh. ">younger</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">son</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patri (N-DMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Pater (N-VMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">‘Father,</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dos (V-AMA-2S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">give</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1911.htm" title="1911: epiballon (V-PPA-ANS) -- From epi and ballo; to throw upon; specially to reflect; impersonally, to belong to.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3313.htm" title="3313: meros (N-ANS) -- A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.">share</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3776.htm" title="3776: ousias (N-GFS) -- Property, wealth, substance. From the feminine of on; substance, i.e. Property.">estate.’</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">So</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/1244.htm" title="1244: dieilen (V-AIA-3S) -- To divide into parts, cut asunder, distribute. From dia and haireomai; to separate, i.e. Distribute.">he divided</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.">his</a> <a href="/greek/979.htm" title="979: bion (N-AMS) -- A primary word; life, i.e. the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood.">property</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">between them. </a> 13After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living.…<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="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a> Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Proverbs 29:3</a> A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-2</a> What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. <a href="/genesis/25-6.htm">Genesis 25:6</a> But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a> For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-19</a> I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. / And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. <a href="/mark/12-7.htm">Mark 12:7</a> But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Hebrews 11:24-26</a> By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. <a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a> So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">1 Corinthians 6:12</a> “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21</a> An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. <a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Ephesians 5:5</a> For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <a href="/genesis/49-28.htm">Genesis 49:28</a> These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this was what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing. <a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a> For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided to them his living.give.<a href="/deuteronomy/21-16.htm">Deuteronomy 21:16,17</a> Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn: … <a href="/psalms/16-5.htm">Psalm 16:5,6</a> The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot… <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a> From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.And he.<a href="/mark/12-44.htm">Mark 12:44</a> For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/12-53.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/luke/12-51.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/luke/14-5.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/luke/12-44.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-5.htm">Livelihood</a> <a href="/luke/12-46.htm">Part</a> <a href="/luke/12-46.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/luke/8-37.htm">Possessed</a> <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Property</a> <a href="/luke/12-46.htm">Share</a> <a href="/luke/8-3.htm">Substance</a> <a href="/luke/12-34.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/luke/22-17.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/luke/20-18.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/luke/20-18.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-5.htm">Livelihood</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Part</a> <a href="/acts/1-17.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/john/7-20.htm">Possessed</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Property</a> <a href="/luke/20-10.htm">Share</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Substance</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Younger</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The younger son said to him In the cultural context of the time, the younger son making a request to his father would have been seen as audacious and disrespectful. Traditionally, the eldest son held a place of honor and responsibility, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance (<a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a>). The younger son's approach indicates a break from expected familial roles and responsibilities, highlighting his impatience and desire for independence.‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ This request is significant because it implies a wish for the father's death, as inheritances were typically distributed after the father's passing. The demand for an early inheritance reflects a heart of rebellion and self-centeredness, paralleling humanity's tendency to seek autonomy from God. Theologically, this can be seen as a representation of sin, where individuals prioritize their desires over their relationship with the Father.So he divided his property between them. The father's response is unexpected; he grants the request without protest. This act of dividing the property demonstrates the father's grace and willingness to allow his son the freedom to choose, even if it leads to poor decisions. It reflects God's respect for human free will, allowing individuals to make choices, even when they lead away from Him. This division of property also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption and reconciliation, mirroring God's readiness to restore those who return to Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_younger_son.htm">The Younger Son</a> Represents a person who is impulsive and desires immediate gratification. He symbolizes those who seek independence from God and pursue worldly pleasures. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_father.htm">The Father</a> Represents God, who is loving and generous, even when His children make poor choices. His willingness to divide the estate shows His respect for free will. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_estate.htm">The Estate</a> Symbolizes the blessings and inheritance that God provides. It can also represent the spiritual gifts and responsibilities given to believers. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_division_of_property.htm">The Division of Property</a> An event that signifies a turning point in the parable, where the younger son chooses to leave the protection and provision of his father’s house. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a> Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the setting is a parable told by Jesus, illustrating the kingdom of God and His relationship with sinners.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_impulsivity.htm">The Danger of Impulsivity</a> The younger son's request for his inheritance reflects a lack of foresight and wisdom. Believers should seek God's guidance before making significant life decisions. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_free_will.htm">Respect for Free Will</a> The father's response shows that God respects our choices, even when they lead us away from Him. This underscores the importance of making choices aligned with God's will. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_selfish_desires.htm">The Consequences of Selfish Desires</a> The younger son's demand for his inheritance is rooted in selfishness. Christians are called to examine their motives and ensure they align with God's purposes. <a href="/topical/g/god's_unconditional_love.htm">God's Unconditional Love</a> Despite the younger son's actions, the father's willingness to grant his request foreshadows the grace and forgiveness available to us through Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_inheritance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Inheritance</a> The estate represents more than material wealth; it symbolizes spiritual blessings. Believers should prioritize their spiritual inheritance over worldly gains.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 15</a> <a href="/q/prodigal_son's_lesson_on_forgiveness.htm">What lessons does the Prodigal Son teach about forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/why_ignore_the_older_brother's_grievances.htm">Why does the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32 not address the older brother’s grievances more directly? </a> <a href="/q/is_early_inheritance_to_a_younger_son_plausible.htm">How historically plausible is it for a father to grant an early inheritance to a younger son, as described in Luke 15:11-12?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_rebellious_kids.htm">What does the Bible say about rebellious children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) The younger of them said to his father.--In its bearing on the individual life, the younger son represents the temper that is eager for independence, self-asserting, energetic; the elder that which is contemplative, devout, ceremonial, quiescent. As the latter pre-eminently characterises, as noticed above, the sons of Shem as distinguished from those of Japheth, the Semitic as distinct from the Aryan race, the younger son represents primarily the Jew who has yielded to non-Jewish tendencies; and on the wider scale of interpretation, stands for the whole Gentile world. The contrast between the Esau and Jacob types of character is reproduced (<a href="/genesis/25-27.htm" title="And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.">Genesis 25:27</a>), only here the elder brother answers to Jacob and the younger to Esau, the variation indicating that the former is with all its short-comings the natural heir of the double portion of the first-born in the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom. Israel remains within comparatively narrow limits of thought and habitation. Japheth is "enlarged" (<a href="/genesis/9-27.htm" title="God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.">Genesis 9:27</a>) and goes forth with all his marvellous gifts of speech and thought, and fancy and invention.Divided unto them his living.--In the normal scale of distribution, the elder son would have as his portion two-thirds of the personal, and possibly also of the real, property, the younger the remainder. In the framework of the story, the father and the elder son become, as it were, tenants in common (<a href="/luke/15-31.htm" title="And he said to him, Son, you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours.">Luke 15:31</a>), the former still retaining the general direction of affairs. The state of things so described represents roughly the life of Israel under its theocracy, acknowledging God as its true King and Father.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12, 13. - And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together. The subject of the story this time is not derived from humble life. The family pictured is evidently one belonging to the wealthy class. There was money to be distributed; there were estates to be cultivated; means existed to defray the cost of feasting on a large scale; mention, too, is made incidentally of costly clothing and even of gems. Like other of the Lord's parable-teachings, the framework of the story was most likely founded upon fact. The family of the father and the two sons no doubt had been personally known to the Galilaean Teacher. This imperious demand of the younger seems strange to us. Such a division, however, in the lifetime of the father was not uncommon in the East. So Abraham in his lifetime bestowed the main body of his possessions on Isaac, having previously allotted portions to his other sons. There was, however, no Jewish law which required any such bestowal of property in the parent's lifetime. It was a free gift on the part of the father. But to the young son it was a hapless boon. "God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers; And flings the thing we have asked in our face, A gauntlet - with a gift in it." (E. B. Browning.) And took his journey into a far country. The youth, who probably in the Master's experience had suggested this part of the story, after receiving his share of money, started with unformed purposes of pleasure, perhaps of trade. The man, who was a Jew, left his home for one of the great world's marts, such as Carthage or Alexandria, Antioch or Rome. And there wasted his substance with riotous living. This is an extreme case. Few probably of the publicans and sinners whose hearts the Lord touched so deeply, and who are examples of the great class in every age to whom his gospel appeals so lovingly, had sinned so deeply as the young man of the story. Indecent haste to be free from the orderly quiet home-life, ingratitude, utter forgetfulness of all duty, the wildest profligacy, - these were the sins of the prodigal. It has been well remarked that the line runs out widely to embrace such a profligate, that every sinner may be encouraged to return to God and live. There is a grave reticence in sparing all details of the wicked life - a veil which the elder son with pitiless hand would snatch away (ver. 30). <a href="/commentaries/luke/15-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. younger νεώτερος (neōteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3501.htm">Strong's 3501: </a> (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh. [son] αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. said εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [him], πατρί (patri) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. ‘Father, Πάτερ (Pater) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. give δός (dos) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. me μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. my ἐπιβάλλον (epiballon) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1911.htm">Strong's 1911: </a> From epi and ballo; to throw upon; specially to reflect; impersonally, to belong to. share μέρος (meros) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3313.htm">Strong's 3313: </a> A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. estate.’ οὐσίας (ousias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3776.htm">Strong's 3776: </a> Property, wealth, substance. From the feminine of on; substance, i.e. Property. So δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. he divided διεῖλεν (dieilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1244.htm">Strong's 1244: </a> To divide into parts, cut asunder, distribute. From dia and haireomai; to separate, i.e. Distribute. [his] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. property βίον (bion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_979.htm">Strong's 979: </a> A primary word; life, i.e. the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood. between them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/15-12.htm">Luke 15:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/15-12.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 15:12 The younger of them said to his (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 15:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 15:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/15-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 15:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 15:13" /></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>