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Luke 15:23

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 15:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and bring the fatted calf, [and] kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and bring the fatted calf, [and] kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:
Luke 15:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But 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:
23and bring the fatted calf, [and] kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:
24for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these things might be.
← Luke 15:22Luke 15:24 →
← Full Chapter 15 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, etc.] By which Christ is designed, in allusion to the calves offered in sacrifice, which were offered for sin offerings, and for peace offerings, and for burnt offerings; and were one of the sacrifices on the day of atonement: so Christ has offered up himself in soul and body, freely and voluntarily, in the room and stead of his people, an offering and sacrifice to God, of a sweet smelling savour; which is well pleasing to him, and effectual to the purposes for which it was offered, and therefore will never be repeated; and has hereby satisfied law and justice, procured peace and reconciliation, and made full atonement and expiation for all…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the fatted calf--kept for festive occasions.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be merry - Literally, “eating, let us rejoice.” The word “merry” does not quite express the meaning of the Greek. “Merriment” denotes a light, playful, jovial mirth. The Greek denotes simply “joy - let us be happy, or joyful.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let us be merry - Both here, and wherever else this word occurs, whether in the Old or New Testament, it implies nothing of levity, but a solid, serious, religious, heartfelt joy: indeed this was the ordinary meaning of the word two hundred years ago, when our translation was made. Luke 15:25”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:23 The father would have been fattening a calf for a banquet. The son was welcomed as a visiting dignitary.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the fatted: Gen 18:7; Psa 63:5; Pro 9:2; Isa 25:6, Isa 65:13, Isa 65:14; Mat 22:2-14 Luke 15:24”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 15 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification