Luke 15:27
New International Version
Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

New Living Translation
‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

English Standard Version
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’

Berean Standard Bible
‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father killed the fattened calf, because he received him back in good health.’

King James Bible
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

New King James Version
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

New American Standard Bible
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’

NASB 1995
“And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’

NASB 1977
“And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’

Amplified Bible
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’

Berean Annotated Bible
‘Your brother has returned, he said, ‘and your father {patēr} has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.

Christian Standard Bible
‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your brother is here,’ he told him, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

American Standard Version
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

Contemporary English Version
The servant answered, "Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father ordered us to kill the best calf."

English Revised Version
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The servant told him, 'Your brother has come home. So your father has killed the fattened calf to celebrate your brother's safe return.'

Good News Translation
'Your brother has come back home,' the servant answered, 'and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.'

International Standard Version
The servant told him, 'Your brother has come home, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got him back safely.'

NET Bible
The slave replied, 'Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got his son back safe and sound.'

New Heart English Bible
He said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him in health.

Weymouth New Testament
"'Your brother has come,' he replied; 'and your father has had the fat calf killed, because he has got him home safe and sound.'
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’

World English Bible
He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he said to him, Your brother has arrived, and your father killed the fatted calf, because he received him back in health.

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father killed the fattened calf, because he received him back in good health.’

Young's Literal Translation
and he said to him -- Thy brother is arrived, and thy father did kill the fatted calf, because in health he did receive him back.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to him, That thy brother has come, and thy father has sacrificed the fatted calf; because he received him in good health.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to him: Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to him: ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safely.’

New American Bible
The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

New Revised Standard Version
He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He said to him, Your brother has come; and your father has killed the fat ox, because he received him safe and well.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened ox, because he has received him well.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in health.

Godbey New Testament
And he said to him, Because thy brother has come; and thy father has slain the fatted calf, because he received him sound.

Haweis New Testament
And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health.

Mace New Testament
who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health.

Weymouth New Testament
"'Your brother has come,' he replied; 'and your father has had the fat calf killed, because he has got him home safe and sound.'

Worrell New Testament
And he said to him, 'Your brother has come; and your father killed the fatted calf, because he received him in sound health.'

Worsley New Testament
And he said to him, Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and well: but he was angry, and would not go in.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
26So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.…

Cross References
“Your brother has returned,” he said

Philemon 1:15-16
For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— / no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

Genesis 33:4
Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
“and your father has killed the fattened calf,

1 Samuel 28:24
The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.

Proverbs 15:17
Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

Matthew 22:4
Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
because he has him back safe and sound.”

Genesis 45:27-28
However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived. / “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

Genesis 46:30
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

Hebrews 11:19
Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.
Matthew 18:13
And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

Matthew 9:10-13
Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” / On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. …

John 4:34-38
Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. / Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. / Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. …

John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. / Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

Ephesians 2:13-17
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. / For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility / by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace …


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to him, Your brother is come; and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.

Thy brother.

Luke 15:30
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 22:13
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

and thy.

Luke 15:23
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

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Luke 15
1. The parable of the lost sheep;
8. of the piece of silver;
11. of the prodigal son.












‘Your brother has returned,’ he said,

The servant tells the older son that his younger brother has come home after leaving the family and wasting his inheritance. His return marks the end of his rebellion and the beginning of his restoration to the household.

Phm 1:15-16 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you…
Gen 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him…
Jas 5:19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander…

‘and your father has killed the fattened calf,

The father orders the animal reserved for an important feast to be prepared. Such a meal was a costly public expression of joy, showing that he receives his returning son fully rather than treating him as a servant.

1Sa 28:24 The woman had a fattened calf at her house,…
Pro 15:17 Better a dish of vegetables where there is love…
Mat 22:4 Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who…

because he has him back safe and sound.’

The father rejoices because his son has returned alive and restored to the family. The news also reveals the contrast that will follow: the father welcomes the repentant son with mercy, while the older son struggles to share in that joy.

Gen 45:27-28 However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them,…
Gen 46:30 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die,…
Heb 11:19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Older Brother
Represents those who may feel resentment or jealousy when others receive grace or blessings, especially when they perceive themselves as more deserving.

2. The Younger Brother (Prodigal Son)
Symbolizes sinners who repent and return to God, experiencing His grace and forgiveness.

3. The Father
Represents God, who is loving, forgiving, and eager to welcome back those who repent.

4. The Servant
Acts as the messenger, informing the older brother of the celebration and the return of the younger brother.

5. The Fattened Calf
A symbol of celebration and abundance, representing the joy and generosity of the father upon the return of his lost son.
Teaching Points
Understanding Grace
The father's reaction to the prodigal son's return is a powerful illustration of God's grace. We are reminded that God's love and forgiveness are not based on our merit but on His character.

Dealing with Resentment
The older brother's reaction challenges us to examine our own hearts for feelings of jealousy or resentment when others receive blessings or forgiveness.

Celebrating Repentance
The celebration for the younger brother's return teaches us the importance of rejoicing when others come to faith or return to God.

God's Unconditional Love
The father's actions remind us of the unconditional love God has for each of us, regardless of our past mistakes.

Community and Restoration
The parable encourages us to foster a community that welcomes and restores those who have strayed, reflecting the father's heart.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 15:27?

2. How does Luke 15:27 illustrate God's joy over a sinner's repentance?

3. What can we learn about God's character from the father's reaction in Luke 15?

4. How does Luke 15:27 connect with the theme of grace in Ephesians 2:8-9?

5. How can we emulate the father's response in our relationships today?

6. What steps can we take to celebrate others' spiritual growth like in Luke 15:27?

7. How does Luke 15:27 reflect God's attitude towards repentance and forgiveness?

8. What cultural significance does the celebration in Luke 15:27 hold in biblical times?

9. How does Luke 15:27 challenge our understanding of grace and mercy?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 15?


(27) Because he hath received him safe and sound.--Literally, in health. The participle is the same which we have noted as characteristic of St. Luke and St. Paul in Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10.

Luke 15:27 captures the gospel in miniature: a lost sinner becomes a restored brother; a loving Father spares no expense to celebrate; and the household is called to share the joy. The verse urges us to rejoice in God’s saving work, testify to His grace, and welcome the repentant with the same open-armed generosity our Father has shown us.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
‘Your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother
ἀδελφός (adelphos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

has returned,’
ἥκει (hēkei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2240: To have come, be present, have arrived. A primary verb; to arrive, i.e. Be present.

he said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

‘and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

father
πατήρ (patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

has killed
ἔθυσεν (ethysen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2380: A primary verb; properly, to rush, i.e. to sacrifice; by extension to immolate.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fatted
σιτευτόν (siteuton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4618: Fattened, fatted. From a derivative of sitos; grain-fed, i.e. Fattened.

calf,
μόσχον (moschon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3448: A calf, heifer, young bull. Probably strengthened for oschos; a young bullock.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he has him back
ἀπέλαβεν (apelaben)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 618: From apo and lambano; to receive; also to take aside.

safe and sound.’
ὑγιαίνοντα (hygiainonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5198: From hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well; figuratively, to be uncorrupt.


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NT Gospels: Luke 15:27 He said to him 'Your brother has (Luke Lu Lk)

Luke 15:26
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