Luke 15:13
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετ'
after
G3326
μετ'
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πολλὰς
many
G4183
πολλὰς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
5 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
συναγαγὼν
gathered
G4863
συναγαγὼν
gathered
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
6 of 22
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νεώτερος
the younger
G3501
νεώτερος
the younger
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
9 of 22
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
υἱὸς
son
G5207
υἱὸς
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἀπεδήμησεν
and took his journey
G589
ἀπεδήμησεν
and took his journey
Strong's:
G589
Word #:
11 of 22
to go abroad, i.e., visit a foreign land
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
χώραν
country
G5561
χώραν
country
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
13 of 22
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διεσκόρπισεν
wasted
G1287
διεσκόρπισεν
wasted
Strong's:
G1287
Word #:
17 of 22
to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.Proverbs 29:3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.Jeremiah 2:5Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?Proverbs 28:7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.Luke 16:1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.Luke 16:19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:Luke 15:30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Historical Context
Jewish sons leaving Palestine for Gentile lands typically sought commercial opportunities or escaped family obligations. Converting inheritance to portable wealth and traveling abroad was feasible but risky—bandits, dishonest business partners, and foreign legal systems posed dangers. 'Riotous living' in Gentile territory would include sexual immorality, idol feasts, and ritual uncleanness—complete abandonment of covenant identity. For Jesus's audience, the son's journey represented apostasy, not mere geographical relocation.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'far country' are you tempted to flee to in order to escape God's presence and pursue autonomy?
- How has the pursuit of freedom from God's authority paradoxically led to slavery to sin, appetite, or addiction in your experience?
- In what ways does sin's promise of satisfaction always prove to be scattering and waste rather than genuine fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country (συναγαγὼν πάντα ὁ νεώτερος υἱὸς ἀπεδήμησεν εἰς χώραν μακράν, synagagōn panta ho neōteros huios apedēmēsen eis chōran makran)—The phrase 'not many days' shows impatience; he converts assets to cash immediately. Apodēmeō (ἀποδημέω, to travel abroad) indicates intentional distance. The 'far country' (χώραν μακράν, chōran makran) is geographical and spiritual—Gentile territory where Jewish law doesn't govern.
And there wasted his substance with riotous living (ἐσκόρπισεν τὴν οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ ζῶν ἀσώτως, eskorpisen tēn ousian autou zōn asōtōs)—The verb skorpizō (σκορπίζω, to scatter, squander) implies careless dissipation. Asōtōs (ἀσώτως, dissolutely, wastefully) suggests debauchery and excess. The elder brother later specifies prostitutes (v.30). The son sought freedom but found slavery; pursued pleasure but harvested emptiness. Sin always promises more than it delivers.