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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 15:25 Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/15-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/42_Luk_15_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 15:25 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/15-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/15-25.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 25</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/15-24.htm" title="Luke 15:24">◄</a> Luke 15:25 <a href="/luke/15-26.htm" title="Luke 15:26">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/15.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nlt/luke/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, <a href="/esv/luke/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And his elder son was in the field, and while coming up, he drew near to the house; he heard music and dancing. <a href="/kjv/luke/15.htm">King James Bible</a> Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. <a href="/nkjv/luke/15.htm">New King James Version</a> “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nasb_/luke/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nasb/luke/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nasb77/luke/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/lsb/luke/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/amp/luke/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Now his older son was in the field; and when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/csb/luke/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/hcsb/luke/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/asv/luke/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/cev/luke/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The older son had been out in the field. But when he came near the house, he heard the music and dancing. <a href="/erv/luke/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/gwt/luke/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "His older son was in the field. As he was coming back to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/gnt/luke/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> "In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing. <a href="/isv/luke/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Now the father's older son was in the field. As he was coming back to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/msb/luke/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/net/luke/15.htm">NET Bible</a> "Now his older son was in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nheb/luke/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/wbt/luke/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Now his elder son was out on the farm; and when he returned and came near home, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/web/luke/15.htm">World English Bible</a> “Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And his elder son was in a field, and as, coming, he drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing, <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And his elder son was in the field, and while coming up, he drew near to the house; he heard music and dancing. <a href="/ylt/luke/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And his elder son was in a field, and as, coming, he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing, <a href="/slt/luke/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his elder son was in the field: and coming, as he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and dances.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now his elder son was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing: <a href="/cpdv/luke/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But his elder son was in the field. And when he returned and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/nabre/luke/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But his elder son was in the field; and as he came near the house, he heard the voice of the singing of many. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But his older son was in the field and as he came, he approached the house and he heard the sound of many people singing.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/godbey/luke/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And his elder son was in the field: and while coming he drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. <a href="/mace/luke/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> In the mean time his elder son was in the country, at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Now his elder son was out on the farm; and when he returned and came near home, he heard music and dancing. <a href="/worrell/luke/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Now his elder son was in a field; and as, in coming, he drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But his elder son was <Fr>out<FR> in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/15-25.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=6353" 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> …24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 25<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Meanwhile</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: 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/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteros (Adj-NMS-C) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">older</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/5207.htm" title="5207: huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">son</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/68.htm" title="68: agrō (N-DMS) -- From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet.">the field,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To come, go. ">he approached</a> <a href="/greek/1448.htm" title="1448: ēngisen (V-AIA-3S) -- Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- 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/3614.htm" title="3614: oikia (N-DFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house,</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousen (V-AIA-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">he heard</a> <a href="/greek/4858.htm" title="4858: symphōnias (N-GFS) -- Harmony of instruments, music. From sumphonos; unison of sound, i.e. A concert of instruments.">music</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5525.htm" title="5525: chorōn (N-GMP) -- A dance, dancing. Of uncertain derivation; a ring, i.e. Round dance">dancing.</a> 26So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on.…<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/20-11.htm">Matthew 20:11-15</a> On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner. / ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ / But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius? ... <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28-32</a> But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ / ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. / Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. ... <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30-32</a> What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28-31</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. / At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. / But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” ... <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a> Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a> Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-8</a> but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” ... <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/exodus/32-17.htm">Exodus 32:17-19</a> When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp.” / But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!” / As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain. <a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Numbers 11:28-29</a> Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” / But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-9</a> As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” / And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” ... <a href="/1_kings/21-4.htm">1 Kings 21:4</a> So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. <a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a> For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a> For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a> A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.his.<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11,12</a> And he said, A certain man had two sons: … he.<a href="/luke/7-32.htm">Luke 7:32</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a> And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.<a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14</a> And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/13-31.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/matthew/14-6.htm">Dancing</a> <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/luke/15-15.htm">Farm</a> <a href="/luke/14-18.htm">Field</a> <a href="/luke/14-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/luke/15-6.htm">Home</a> <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/luke/7-32.htm">Music</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Musick</a> <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Older</a> <a href="/amos/3-6.htm">Sounds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/18-35.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Dancing</a> <a href="/luke/18-31.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Farm</a> <a href="/luke/16-3.htm">Field</a> <a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/luke/15-27.htm">Home</a> <a href="/luke/16-27.htm">House</a> <a href="/luke/22-1.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Music</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Musick</a> <a href="/luke/18-35.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/luke/15-28.htm">Older</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">Sounds</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>Meanwhile the older son was in the field The older son represents the Pharisees and religious leaders who were critical of Jesus' association with sinners. The field symbolizes labor and duty, reflecting the older son's commitment to work and adherence to the law. This setting contrasts with the celebration occurring at the house, highlighting the older son's separation from the joy of his father's grace. The field can also be seen as a metaphor for the world, where one toils without experiencing the fullness of God's grace.and as he approached the house The house represents the father's household, symbolizing the kingdom of God and the community of believers. The older son's approach signifies a moment of decision, where he must choose between joining the celebration or remaining outside. This moment parallels the invitation to the Pharisees to accept Jesus' message of grace and forgiveness. The house is a place of fellowship and joy, contrasting with the isolation of the field.he heard music and dancing Music and dancing are expressions of joy and celebration, indicating the father's delight in the return of the prodigal son. This celebration reflects the heavenly rejoicing over one sinner who repents, as described earlier in the chapter. The older son's reaction to these sounds reveals his heart's condition, as he struggles with jealousy and self-righteousness. The music and dancing also symbolize the new life and freedom found in Christ, contrasting with the older son's adherence to the law without understanding grace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_older_son.htm">The Older Son</a> Represents the Pharisees and religious leaders who were critical of Jesus' association with sinners. He symbolizes those who are self-righteous and feel entitled to God's blessings due to their works. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> The place where the older son was working. It signifies diligence and responsibility, but also a potential disconnect from the joy and grace found in the father's house. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a> Represents the father's house, a place of celebration and acceptance. It symbolizes the kingdom of God and the joy of welcoming back the repentant sinner. 4. <a href="/topical/m/music_and_dancing.htm">Music and Dancing</a> Indicative of celebration and joy. It reflects the heavenly rejoicing over one sinner who repents, as seen earlier in the parable. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a> The return of the prodigal son and the subsequent celebration. This event highlights the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the joy of reconciliation with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/self-righteousness_vs._grace.htm">Self-Righteousness vs. Grace</a> The older son's attitude warns against self-righteousness and entitlement. We must remember that God's grace is a gift, not a reward for our works. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_repentance.htm">Joy in Repentance</a> The celebration in the father's house teaches us to rejoice in the repentance and restoration of others, rather than harboring resentment or jealousy. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_disconnection.htm">The Danger of Disconnection</a> Being diligent in our duties is important, but we must not let it disconnect us from the joy and grace found in God's presence. <a href="/topical/e/embrace_forgiveness.htm">Embrace Forgiveness</a> Just as the father welcomed the prodigal son, we are called to forgive and embrace those who return to God, reflecting His love and mercy. <a href="/topical/e/examine_our_hearts.htm">Examine Our Hearts</a> We should regularly examine our hearts for any traces of the older son's attitude, ensuring we are aligned with God's heart of compassion and grace.<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/why_do_you_doubt_when_you_have_faith.htm">What does the Bible say about dancing?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_dancing.htm">What does the Bible say about dancing?</a> <a href="/q/what_occurs_when_a_son_returns_home.htm">What happens when a wayward son returns home?</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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) He heard musick and dancing.--This brings in a new feature. The father, like the chief actors in the other parables, had called together his "friends and neighbours," and they were rejoicing after the manner of the East. There was "musick," literally, a symphony, or concert, implying voices as well as instruments. The word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, but it is found in the LXX. version of <a href="/daniel/3-5.htm" title="That at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up:">Daniel 3:5</a>; <a href="/daniel/3-10.htm" title="You, O king, have made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image:">Daniel 3:10</a>, Where indeed the Hebrew, or rather the Aramaic, word is but the Greek transliterated. The word for "dancing," also, is found here only in the New Testament, and is the same as that used, in classical Greek, for the chorus of the Greek drama, and from which we get our English "choir." It probably implied, i.e., song as well as dancing. Spiritually, these outward signs of gladness answer to the overflowing demonstrative joy which thrills through the hearts of those whose sympathies with God's work in the souls of men are keen and strong, and to which those who live only in the colder religionism of outward service are so insensible that they cannot understand it. They ask now, as the elder son asked, as the Pharisees were in their hearts asking, what it means? Why this departure from the even tenor of men's wonted life?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - Now his elder son was in the field. The broad universal interest of the parable here ceases. Whereas the story of the sin and the punishment, the repentance and the restoration, of the prodigal belongs to the Church of the wide world, and has its special message of warning and comfort for thousands and thousands of world. workers in every age, this division of the story, which tells of the sour discontent of the prodigal's elder brother, was spoken especially to the Pharisees and rulers of the Jews, who were bitterly incensed with Jesus being the Friend of publicans and sinners. They could not bear the thought of sharing the joys of the world to come with men whom they had despised as hopeless sinners here. This second chapter of the great parable has its practical lessons for every day common life; but its chief interest lay in the striking picture which it drew of that powerful class to whom the teaching of Jesus, in its broad and massive character, was utterly repulsive. Now, while the events just related were taking place, and the lost younger son was being received again into his father's heart and home, the elder, a hard and selfish man, stern, and yet careful of his duties as far as his narrow mind grasped them, was in the field at his work. The rejoicing in the house over the prodigal's return evidently took him by surprise. If he ever thought of that poor wandering brother of his at all, he pictured him to himself as a hopelessly lost and ruined soul. The Pharisees and rulers could not fail at once to catch the drift of the Master's parable. They too, when the Lord came and gathered in that great harvest of sinners, those firstfruits of his mighty work - they too were "in the field" at work with their tithings and observances, making hedge after hedge round the old sacred Hebrew Law, uselessly fretting their lives away in a dull round of meaningless ritual observances. They - the Pharisee party - when they became aware of the great crowds of men, whom they looked on as lost sinners, listening to the new famous Teacher, who was showing them how men who had lived their lives too could win eternal life - they, the Pharisees, flamed out with bitter wrath against the bold and daring Preacher of glad tidings to such a worthless crew. In the vivid parable-story these indignant Pharisees and rulers saw themselves clearly imaged. <a href="/commentaries/luke/15-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Meanwhile δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. 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. older πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. son υἱὸς (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. was Ἦν (Ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] field, ἀγρῷ (agrō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. he approached ἐρχόμενος (erchomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative 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. house, οἰκίᾳ (oikia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family. he heard ἤκουσεν (ēkousen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. music συμφωνίας (symphōnias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4858.htm">Strong's 4858: </a> Harmony of instruments, music. From sumphonos; unison of sound, i.e. A concert of instruments. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. dancing. χορῶν (chorōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5525.htm">Strong's 5525: </a> A dance, dancing. Of uncertain derivation; a ring, i.e. Round dance <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/15-25.htm">Luke 15:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/15-25.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/15-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 15:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 15:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/15-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 15:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 15:26" /></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>