Luke 15:12

The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The younger son addresses his father in Jesus’ parable, requesting his inheritance before the father divides the estate between the two sons. This exchange occurs immediately after the introduction of the two sons and precedes the younger son’s departure to a distant country.

The words — νεώτερος (neōteros) identifies the speaker as the "younger" son, while πατήρ (pater) is the direct address "Father" used in the demand. The verb εἶπεν (eipen) records the spoken command that directly triggers the father's division of the property.

The thread — The division of property reflects the inheritance customs outlined in Deuteronomy 21:16, while the son's focus on his immediate share parallels the worldly "portion in this life" noted in Psalm 17:14.

Why it lands — The text records a direct request for wealth and a compliant distribution of property, requiring the reader to observe how a son's demand for his inheritance initiates a legal and physical separation from the family estate.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 21:16 when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife.
Mark 12:44 For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Psalms 17:14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
Luke 15:30 But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
Psalms 16:5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.