Luke 15:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναστὰς

G450

he arose

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἦλθεν

G2064

and came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ

G3962

father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

his

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔτι

G2089

was yet

"yet," still (of time or degree)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#10

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

μακρὰν

G3112

a great way

at a distance (literally or figuratively)

#12

ἀπέχοντος

G568

off

(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)

#13

εἶδεν

G1492

saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#14

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#15

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

πατὴρ

G3962

father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#17

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη

G4697

had compassion

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

δραμὼν

G5143

ran

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

#22

ἐπέπεσεν

G1968

and fell

to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)

#23

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#24

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

τράχηλον

G5137

neck

the throat (neck), i.e., (figuratively) life

#26

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#27

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#28

κατεφίλησεν

G2705

kissed

to kiss earnestly

#29

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Luke 15:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources