New International Version“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
New Living Translation“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him,
English Standard VersionBut he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,
Berean Standard BibleThe older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
Berean Literal BibleBut he was angry, and was not willing to go in. And his father, having gone, was begging him.
King James BibleAnd he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
New King James Version“But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
New American Standard BibleBut he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.
NASB 1995“But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.
NASB 1977“But he became angry, and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began entreating him.
Legacy Standard BibleBut he became angry and was not wanting to go in, and his father came out and began pleading with him.
Amplified BibleBut the elder brother became angry and deeply resentful and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.
Christian Standard Bible“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
American Standard VersionBut he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him.
Contemporary English VersionThe older brother got so angry that he would not even go into the house. His father came out and begged him to go in.
English Revised VersionBut he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Then the older son became angry and wouldn't go into the house. His father came out and begged him to come in.
Good News TranslationThe older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in.
International Standard Version"Then the older son became angry and wouldn't go into the house. So his father came out and began to plead with him.
NET BibleBut the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him,
New Heart English BibleBut he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and pleaded with him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he was angry, and would not go in; therefore his father came out, and entreated him.
Weymouth New Testament"Then he was angry and would not go in. But his father came out and entreated him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
World English BibleBut he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and begged him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he was angry, and would not go in, therefore his father, having come forth, was pleading him;
Berean Literal BibleBut he was angry, and was not willing to go in. And his father, having gone, was begging him.
Young's Literal Translation 'And he was angry, and would not go in, therefore his father, having come forth, was entreating him;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he was angry and would not go in; then his father having come out, besought him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he was angry, and would not go in. His father therefore coming out began to entreat him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen he became indignant, and he was unwilling to enter. Therefore, his father, going out, began to plead with him.
New American BibleHe became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.
New Revised Standard VersionThen he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he became angry and would not go in; so his father came out and besought him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he was angry and he did not want to enter and his father went out pleading with him. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he was angry, and would not go in. Then his father went out and entreated him.
Godbey New TestamentAnd he was angry, and did not wish to come in: and his father having gone out, continued to intreat him. And responding he said to the father,
Haweis New Testament
Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him.
Mace New Testament
upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father,
Weymouth New Testament
"Then he was angry and would not go in. But his father came out and entreated him.
Worrell New Testament
But he was angry, and was not willing to go in; but his father, coming out, kept entreating him.
Worsley New Testament
Therefore his father came out and desired him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Prodigal Son… 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 angryandrefusedto go in.Sohisfathercame outand pleaded withhim.29But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.…
Cross References Matthew 20:24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.
Jonah 4:1-4Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry. / So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster. / And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” ...
Matthew 5:22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Ephesians 4:26“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,
Genesis 4:5-6but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?
1 John 3:12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
Proverbs 14:17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
James 1:19-20My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Galatians 5:20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,
1 Samuel 18:8-9And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Colossians 3:8But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Proverbs 19:11A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
2 Corinthians 12:20For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
Genesis 37:4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Treasury of Scripture And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. he. Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him sawit, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of womanthis is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. therefore. Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hendoth gather her brood underher wings, and ye would not! Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Genesis 4:5-7 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell… Jump to Previous AngryBeggedBesoughtEntreatedEntreatingForthIntreatedOlderPleadedPleadingRefusedRequestWillingJump to Next AngryBeggedBesoughtEntreatedEntreatingForthIntreatedOlderPleadedPleadingRefusedRequestWillingLuke 15 1.The parable of the lost sheep;8.of the piece of silver;11.of the prodigal son.The older son became angryThe older son represents the Pharisees and religious leaders who were critical of Jesus' association with sinners. His anger reflects the self-righteousness and lack of compassion often seen in those who believe they have earned God's favor through their own efforts. This mirrors the attitude of Jonah, who was displeased with God's mercy towards Nineveh ( Jonah 4:1). and refused to go in.
His refusal to join the celebration signifies a rejection of grace and forgiveness. This act symbolizes the separation between those who rely on their own righteousness and those who accept God's grace. The older son's actions echo the parable of the two sons inMatthew 21:28-32, where one son initially refuses to obey but later repents, highlighting the importance of a repentant heart. So his father came out
The father's action of coming out to the older son demonstrates God's initiative in reaching out to those who are lost, whether they are openly sinful or self-righteous. This reflects the character of God as seen inEzekiel 34:11-16, where God seeks out His lost sheep. The father's willingness to leave the celebration to speak with the older son shows the personal nature of God's love and His desire for reconciliation. and pleaded with him.
The father's pleading illustrates God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance, as expressed in2 Peter 3:9. This act of pleading is reminiscent of God's appeals to Israel through the prophets, urging them to return to Him (Isaiah 1:18). The father's approach is gentle and compassionate, embodying the heart of God who desires mercy over judgment (Hosea 6:6). Persons / Places / Events 1. The Older SonRepresents the Pharisees and religious leaders who were critical of Jesus' association with sinners. His anger and refusal to join the celebration reflect self-righteousness and a lack of compassion. 2. The FatherSymbolizes God, who is loving and patient, reaching out to both the repentant sinner and the self-righteous individual. His actions demonstrate grace and a desire for reconciliation. 3. The CelebrationRepresents the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. It is a metaphor for the Kingdom of God, where grace and forgiveness are extended to all who return to the Father. 4. The PleaThe father's plea to the older son is an invitation to understand grace and join in the joy of redemption. It highlights God's desire for all to experience His love and forgiveness. 5. The FieldThe setting where the older son is found, symbolizing his separation from the joy and fellowship of the household, indicative of spiritual distance from God. Teaching Points Understanding GraceThe older son's reaction highlights the human tendency to rely on self-righteousness. We must recognize that God's grace is available to all, regardless of past actions. Avoiding BitternessThe older son's anger serves as a warning against allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts. We should strive to celebrate others' successes and God's work in their lives. Embracing ReconciliationThe father's plea is a call to embrace reconciliation, both with God and with others. We should actively seek to mend broken relationships. Joy in RepentanceThe celebration signifies the joy that comes with repentance. We should rejoice when others turn to God, understanding that their redemption is a cause for celebration. Self-ReflectionThe older son's account encourages us to examine our own hearts for self-righteousness and to seek a deeper understanding of God's grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 15:28?
2.How does Luke 15:28 illustrate the elder brother's attitude toward forgiveness and grace?
3.What can we learn from the elder brother's reaction in Luke 15:28?
4.How does Luke 15:28 connect to the theme of repentance in Luke 15?
5.How can we avoid the elder brother's resentment in our own spiritual lives?
6.What steps can we take to embrace forgiveness as shown in Luke 15:28?
7.Why did the older brother refuse to join the celebration in Luke 15:28?
8.How does Luke 15:28 challenge our understanding of forgiveness and grace?
9.What cultural context influences the older brother's reaction in Luke 15:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 15?
11.What happens when a wayward son returns home?
12.Is the concept of a heavenly mother biblical?
13.What lessons does the Prodigal Son teach about forgiveness?
14.Why do latecomers receive equal pay as early workers?What Does Luke 15:28 Mean The older son became angry“The older son became angry…” (Luke 15:28) • The son’s anger exposes a heart untouched by the compassion that moved his father (v. 20). Like the Pharisees who grumbled at Jesus for welcoming sinners (Luke 15:2), he resents grace when it costs him perceived superiority (cf.Jonah 4:1;Matthew 20:11-15). • Anger here is not righteous indignation but self-righteous irritation—a warning that external obedience without love can harden into bitterness (1 John 3:15;Hebrews 12:15). • The scene reminds us that sin is not only reckless prodigality; it is also cold pride that refuses to rejoice over repentance (Romans 2:1-5).
Refused to go in“…and refused to go in.” (Luke 15:28) • His refusal breaks fellowship with his family during the celebration, illustrating how self-righteousness isolates (Proverbs 18:1). • By staying outside, he mirrors Israel’s leaders who stood apart from the joyful “banquet” Jesus offered to sinners (Matthew 23:13;Acts 13:46). • The party pictures the kingdom (Isaiah 25:6-9;Revelation 19:9). Declining the invitation shows that rejecting God’s grace is a conscious choice (John 5:40).
So his father came out“So his father came out…” (Luke 15:28) • The father initiates yet again, just as he ran to the prodigal earlier (v. 20). God seeks both the openly rebellious and the secretly resentful (Luke 19:10). • Coming out signifies patient pursuit—God steps toward us while we are still unwilling (Romans 5:8). • The father does not shame or disown; he lowers himself socially to meet the son where he stands (Philippians 2:5-8), embodying the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine (Luke 15:4).
Pleaded with him“…and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28) • “Pleaded” conveys earnest invitation, not mere command. God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4;2 Peter 3:9). • The father appeals to relationship, reminding the son of his place in the household (vv. 31-32). In the same way, the Lord reasons with us (Isaiah 1:18) and stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). • His pleading reveals God’s heart: He desires unity and shared joy more than strict compliance (John 17:13, 23).
summaryLuke 15:28 portrays the hidden danger of self-righteous anger. While the prodigal’s sins were obvious, the elder brother’s pride kept him outside the feast of grace. Yet the father’s loving pursuit shows that God reaches out to both kinds of sinners, urging all to join His celebration of redemption. (28) And he was angry, and would not go in.--This, then, was the first feeling. He who professed obedience to his father is out of harmony with his father's mind. He "shuts love out," and, as by a righteous judgment, is himself "shut out from love." Verse 28. - Therefore came his father out, and entreated him. The disapprobation of Jesus for Pharisee opinions was very marked, yet here and elsewhere his treatment of them, with a few exceptional cases, was generally very gentle and loving. There was something in their excessive devotion to the letter of the Divine Law, to the holy temple, to the proud traditions of their race, that was admirable. It was a love to God, but a love all marred and blurred. It was a patriotism, but a patriotism utterly mistaken. The elder brother here was a representative of the great and famous sect, both in its fair and repulsive aspect, in its moral severity and correctness, in its harshness and exclusive pride. The father condescended to entreat this angry elder son; and Jesus longed to win these proud mistaken Pharisees.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [The older son] became angryὨργίσθη(Ōrgisthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3710:To irritate, provoke, be angry. From orge; to provoke or enrage, i.e. become exasperated.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.refusedἤθελεν(ēthelen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.to go in.εἰσελθεῖν(eiselthein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.Soδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.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.fatherπατὴρ(patēr)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.came outἐξελθὼν(exelthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.[and] pleaded withπαρεκάλει(parekalei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.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.
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NT Gospels: Luke 15:28 But he was angry and would not (Luke Lu Lk) |
