Bible Strands
Luke 15:30
But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The older brother addresses his father after hearing the announcement of a feast. He confronts him by pointing out the younger brother's past wastefulness.
The words — καταφαγών (kataphagōn) literally means "having devoured" or "squandered." The phrase ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος ("this son of yours") deliberately distances the speaker from his sibling.
The thread — The younger brother's lifestyle matches the warning in Proverbs 29:3 that a companion of prostitutes squanders wealth. The father's reply in Luke 15:31 directly answers this complaint by reaffirming the older son's standing.
Why it lands — The text states the older brother's accusation before any theological inference about grace or resentment. It requires the reader to identify whether they align with the resentful claimant or the forgiving father.
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
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 29:3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
- Luke 15:12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
- Luke 15:32 But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
- Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
- Exodus 32:7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.
- Exodus 32:11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?
- Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.