Luke 15:26
And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκαλεσάμενος
he called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενος
he called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
2 of 10
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παίδων
of the servants
G3816
παίδων
of the servants
Strong's:
G3816
Word #:
5 of 10
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 10
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
ἐπυνθάνετο
and asked
G4441
ἐπυνθάνετο
and asked
Strong's:
G4441
Word #:
7 of 10
to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
Historical Context
First-century social protocol would normally require the eldest son to host such a celebration, greeting guests and managing the feast. His absence and need to ask what's happening indicates his complete exclusion from planning and his father's joy. This public slight would have been noticed by all attendees, adding to his humiliation and fueling his resentment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the elder brother's interrogation of the servant rather than joining the celebration reveal about his heart condition?
- How does suspicion toward celebrations of grace indicate a merit-based rather than grace-based understanding of salvation?
- In what ways might believers today stand outside 'asking what these things mean' rather than celebrating God's work in others' lives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. Rather than rushing in to join the celebration, the elder brother pauses outside to interrogate a servant (παῖδα, paida, literally "boy" or "young servant"). His question "what these things meant" (τί ἂν εἴη ταῦτα, ti an eiē tauta) reveals his detachment from the household's emotional life. He doesn't recognize that such celebration could only mean something profoundly joyful has occurred.
The elder brother's caution and questioning expose his suspicious, calculating mindset. Rather than assuming good news worthy of investigation, he stands outside analyzing, judging, maintaining distance. This contrasts sharply with the father's immediate, undignified running toward the prodigal (v. 20). The elder brother's reserve and propriety keep him on the margins while grace celebrates inside.
This behavior reveals the fundamental problem with merit-based religion: it cannot comprehend or celebrate grace. Those who believe they've earned God's favor through obedience struggle to rejoice when the undeserving receive free mercy. The elder brother's questioning reflects the Pharisees' attitude toward Jesus welcoming tax collectors and sinners—suspicious interrogation rather than joyful participation in God's redemptive work.