New International Version“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.
New Living Translation“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.
English Standard VersionBut the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
Berean Standard BibleBut 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.
Berean Literal BibleAnd the father said to his servants, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and clothe him, and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet;
King James BibleBut the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
New King James Version“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
New American Standard BibleBut the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet;
NASB 1995“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
NASB 1977“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
Legacy Standard BibleBut the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet,
Amplified BibleBut the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe [for the guest of honor] and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet.
Christian Standard Bible“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“But the father told his slaves, Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
American Standard VersionBut the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Contemporary English VersionBut his father said to the servants, "Hurry and bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.
English Revised VersionBut the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
GOD'S WORD® Translation"The father said to his servants, 'Hurry! Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Good News TranslationBut the father called to his servants. 'Hurry!' he said. 'Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.
International Standard VersionBut the father told his servants, 'Hurry! Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
NET BibleBut the father said to his slaves, 'Hurry! Bring the best robe, and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!
New Heart English Bible"But the father said to his servants, 'Quickly, bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Weymouth New Testament"But the father said to his servants, "'Fetch a good coat quickly--the best one--and put it on him; and bring a ring for his finger and shoes for his feet. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the father said to his servants, ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
World English Bible“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the father said to his servants, Bring forth the foremost robe, and clothe him, and give a ring for his hand, and sandals for the feet;
Berean Literal BibleAnd the father said to his servants, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and clothe him, and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet;
Young's Literal Translation 'And the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the first robe, and clothe him, and give a ring for his hand, and sandals for the feet;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the father said to his servants, Bring out the first robe, and clothe him; and give a ring for his hand, and shoes for the feet: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the first robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut the father said to his servants: ‘Quickly! Bring out the best robe, and clothe him with it. And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.
New American BibleBut his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
New Revised Standard VersionBut the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut his father said to his servants, Bring the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut his father said to his servants, 'Bring the best robe and clothe him and put a ring on his hand and put shoes on him.' NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet.
Godbey New TestamentAnd the father said to his servants, Bring hither the first robe, and put it on him; and give a ring to his hand, and sandals to his feet:
Haweis New Testament
But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet:
Mace New Testament
but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet.
Weymouth New Testament
"But the father said to his servants, "'Fetch a good coat quickly--the best one--and put it on him; and bring a ring for his finger and shoes for his feet.
Worrell New Testament
But the father said to his servants, 'Quickly bring forth a robe, the best, and putit on him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet;
Worsley New Testament
But the father said to his servants, bring out the best robe, and putit on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Prodigal Son… 21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22Butthefathersaidtohisservants,‘Quick!Bringthebestrobeandput it onhim.Puta ringonhisfingerandsandalsonhisfeet.23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.…
Cross References Genesis 41:42Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
Zechariah 3:4So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”
Isaiah 61:10I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Esther 6:8-9have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden—one with a royal crest placed on its head. / Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’”
2 Samuel 12:20Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.
Genesis 27:15And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob.
Exodus 28:2Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.
Isaiah 61:3to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
1 Samuel 18:4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
Genesis 45:22He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.
Revelation 19:8She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.
Matthew 22:11-12But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. / ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.
Galatians 3:27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Romans 13:14Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
2 Corinthians 5:21God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Treasury of Scripture But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: the best. Psalm 45:13 The king's daughteris all glorious within: her clothingis of wrought gold. Psalm 132:9,16 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy… Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom deckethhimself with ornaments, and as a bride adornethherself with her jewels. a ring. Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; Esther 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. Esther 8:2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. and shoes. Deuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoesshall be iron and brass; and as thy days,so shall thy strengthbe. Psalm 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds'feet, and setteth me upon my high places. Song of Solomon 7:1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighsare like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Jump to Previous BestBondmenClotheCoatFeetFetchFingerFirstForthGoodHandQuickQuicklyRingRobeSandalsServantsShoesSlavesJump to Next BestBondmenClotheCoatFeetFetchFingerFirstForthGoodHandQuickQuicklyRingRobeSandalsServantsShoesSlavesLuke 15 1.The parable of the lost sheep;8.of the piece of silver;11.of the prodigal son.But the father said to his servantsIn the cultural context of the time, servants played a crucial role in the household, often acting on behalf of the master. The father's direct command to the servants indicates his authority and the urgency of his request. This reflects the immediate and unconditional acceptance of the son, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.
The best robe signifies honor and restoration of status. In biblical times, clothing often represented one's identity and social standing. The father's instruction to bring the best robe highlights the son's reinstatement into the family, symbolizing the righteousness bestowed upon believers through Christ. This act parallels the robe of righteousness mentioned inIsaiah 61:10. Put a ring on his finger
A ring in ancient times was a symbol of authority and belonging. It often bore the family seal, granting the wearer the power to act in the family's name. By placing a ring on his son's finger, the father not only restores his son's position but also entrusts him with authority and responsibility, akin to the authority given to believers as children of God (Galatians 4:7). and sandals on his feet.
Sandals were a sign of freedom and sonship, as slaves typically went barefoot. Providing sandals to the son signifies his full restoration as a free member of the household, not a servant. This act underscores the theme of redemption and liberation found throughout Scripture, such as inGalatians 5:1, where believers are called to stand firm in the freedom Christ provides. Persons / Places / Events 1. The FatherRepresents God, who is loving, forgiving, and eager to restore those who return to Him. 2. The Prodigal SonSymbolizes sinners who repent and return to God after straying away. 3. The ServantsRepresent those who carry out the will of the Father, possibly symbolizing angels or the church community. 4. The Best RobeA symbol of honor and restoration, indicating the son's reinstatement into the family. 5. The Ring and SandalsSignify authority, belonging, and freedom, restoring the son's status as a member of the family. Teaching Points God's Readiness to ForgiveGod is always ready to forgive and restore us when we repent and return to Him, just as the father was eager to restore his son. Restoration and HonorThe best robe, ring, and sandals signify complete restoration and honor. When we return to God, He restores our dignity and status as His children. Symbol of Authority and BelongingThe ring and sandals symbolize authority and belonging. In Christ, we are given authority and a place in God's family. Urgency in RestorationThe father's command to act quickly shows the urgency and importance of restoring a repentant sinner. We should also be quick to forgive and restore relationships. Community's Role in RestorationThe servants' role in clothing the son highlights the community's role in supporting and restoring those who return to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 15:22?
2.How does Luke 15:22 illustrate God's grace and forgiveness towards repentant sinners?
3.What significance do the "best robe" and "ring" hold in Luke 15:22?
4.How can we emulate the father's actions in Luke 15:22 in our lives?
5.What Old Testament parallels can be drawn from the father's actions in Luke 15:22?
6.How does Luke 15:22 encourage us to welcome back those who have strayed?
7.What is the significance of the robe, ring, and sandals in Luke 15:22?
8.How does Luke 15:22 illustrate God's forgiveness and grace?
9.Why does the father in Luke 15:22 immediately restore the son’s status?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 15?
11.What happens when a wayward son returns home?
12.What lessons does the Prodigal Son teach about forgiveness?
13.Should Christians wear wedding rings?
14.What does the Bible say about celebrating events?What Does Luke 15:22 Mean Quick!“Quick!” shows the father’s eagerness to restore his lost son. • The initiative is immediate—mirroring how God “runs” to forgive (Luke 15:20;Psalm 86:5). • No probation period: salvation is a present reality (John 5:24). • The servants obey at once, picturing angelic joy when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7, 10).
Bring the best robe and put it on him“Bring the best robe” highlights full acceptance. • The robe replaces rags, just as Christ’s righteousness covers our sin (Isaiah 61:10;Zechariah 3:3-4). • “Best” points to God’s lavish grace, not second-rate mercy (Ephesians 1:7-8). • Robing happens before the son can clean himself—grace precedes works (Titus 3:5).
Put a ring on his finger“Put a ring on his finger” restores authority and family status. • Rings sealed documents in Scripture (Genesis 41:42;Esther 3:10); here it seals sonship. • It echoes the Spirit’s witness that we are God’s children (Romans 8:15-17). • The father entrusts responsibility again, showing confidence in the transformed heart (1 Timothy 1:12-14).
Sandals on his feet“sandals on his feet” distinguishes a son from a servant—slaves went barefoot. • Shoes mean freedom, not bondage (Galatians 5:1). • Prepared feet recall the “gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15), now carried by a once-lost son. • The father meets every need—robe for covering, ring for belonging, sandals for the journey (Philippians 4:19).
summaryLuke 15:22 portrays the instant, complete restoration God grants repentant sinners. Urgency, honor, authority, and freedom replace guilt and shame, illustrating the gospel’s transforming power and the Father’s rejoicing heart. (22) Bring forth the best robe.--It is hardly necessary, perhaps, in such a parable, to press the symbolic interpretation of each minute detail; but in this instance the symbolism lies so near the surface that it is at least well to ask ourselves what meaning either earlier or later associations would lead the disciples to attach to them. The "best robe" cannot well be other than the "garment of praise" ( Isaiah 61:3), the vesture of righteousness, the new life and immortality with which it is the desire of the penitent to be clothed upon; the ring, as the signet upon the right hand ( Jeremiah 22:24), must be the token of the special favour of the Giver, the seal of his "calling and election;" the shoes must answer to that "preparation" or "readiness" which comes from the gospel of peace ( Ephesians 6:15), and which makes him eager to do his work as a messenger who proclaims that gospel to others, and which he need not lay aside (comp. Exodus 3:5) even when he treads on the "holy ground" where man holds communion with God, the forgiven and restored son with the Eternal Father. Verse 22. - But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. The older authorities add "quickly" after the words "bring forth." Everything is done by the father to assure the wanderer of full and entire forgiveness. Not only is a welcome given to the tired, ragged son, but he is invested at once, with all speed, with the insignia of his old rank as one of the house. But it is observable not a word is spoken of reply to the confession; in grave and solemn silence the story of the guilty past is received. Nothing can excuse it. He forgives, but forgives in silence.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative 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.fatherπατὴρ(patēr)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.saidΕἶπεν(Eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.toπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.servants,δούλους(doulous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.‘Quick!Ταχὺ(Tachy)Adverb
Strong's 5035:Quickly, speedily. Neuter singular of tachus; shortly, i.e. Without delay, soon, or suddenly, or readily.Bringἐξενέγκατε(exenenkate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1627:To bring out, carry out, sometimes out of the city for burial; I bring forth, bear, produce. From ek and phero; to bear out.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.bestπρώτην(prōtēn)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413:First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.robeστολὴν(stolēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4749:A long robe, worn by the upper classes in the East. From stello; equipment, i.e., a 'stole' or long-fitting gown.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.put it onἐνδύσατε(endysate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1746:To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing.him.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Putδότε(dote)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.a ringδακτύλιον(daktylion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1146:A finger-ring. From daktulos; a finger-ring.onεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.fingerχεῖρα(cheira)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495:A hand.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.sandalsὑποδήματα(hypodēmata)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5266:A sandal; anything bound under. From hupodeo; something bound under the feet, i.e. A shoe or sandal.onεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.hisτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.feet.πόδας(podas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.
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NT Gospels: Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants (Luke Lu Lk) |
