Luke 15:28
And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
Original Language Analysis
ὠργίσθη
he was angry
G3710
ὠργίσθη
he was angry
Strong's:
G3710
Word #:
1 of 13
to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤθελεν
would
G2309
ἤθελεν
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 13
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
8 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πατὴρ
father
G3962
πατὴρ
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 13
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
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
Cross References
Jonah 4:9And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.1 Samuel 18:8And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Luke 15:2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.Luke 7:39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
Historical Context
The eldest son's public refusal to enter would shock all witnesses. His duty was to co-host with his father, welcoming guests and facilitating the celebration. His absence would be noted and discussed, bringing shame on the family. The father's coming out to entreat him publicly demonstrates extraordinary patience and humility—leaving his own feast to plead with his rebellious son reveals the same undignified love he showed the prodigal.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the elder brother's anger reveal about the dangers of viewing obedience as earning rather than expressing love for God?
- How does the father's coming out to entreat the elder son demonstrate that God's grace pursues both kinds of sinners?
- In what ways might believers today refuse to 'go in' to celebrate God's grace toward those they deem undeserving?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. The elder brother's response reveals his true heart: anger (ὠργίσθη, ōrgisthē) toward grace. The verb indicates passionate, indignant wrath—not mild displeasure but burning resentment. His refusal to enter (οὐκ ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν, ouk ēthelen eiselthein) publicly dishonors his father, shaming him before assembled guests. In Middle Eastern culture, such refusal by the eldest son would be scandalous, a profound insult demanding response.
Yet remarkably, "his father came out, and intreated him" (ὁ δὲ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν παρεκάλει αὐτόν, ho de patēr autou exelthōn parekalei auton). The verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω) means to exhort, encourage, plead with, comfort—the father begs his older son to join the celebration. Just as the father ran to meet the returning prodigal, now he leaves the feast to pursue the resentful elder son. God's grace pursues both the flagrantly sinful and the self-righteously religious.
This verse reveals that self-righteousness can be as alienating as scandalous sin. The elder brother's anger exposes his loveless, joyless service. He's kept all the rules but missed the father's heart. His refusal to celebrate his brother's restoration demonstrates that he never understood grace—he viewed his service as earning favor, not expressing love. Both sons need the father's grace; both sons have broken his heart.