Luke 15:30

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 15:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf.
Luke 15:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But as soon as this thy son was come, etc.] He will not own him in the relation of a brother, though the father had owned him in that of a son; and the offence he took was, that the fatted calf should be killed, or that a crucified Christ should be preached; that he should be preached at all, and much less that he should be preached to sinners; and still less that he should be preached so soon to them, as soon as ever they became sensible of their sin, as it was the will of his father it should be: for such are not to be sent away to cleanse themselves from sin by any thing they do, and then apply to Christ; or to heal themselves, and then come to him for a cure; or to get peace by doing so,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This thy son - This son of “thine.” This is an expression of great contempt. He did not call him “his brother,” but “his father’s son,” to show at once his contempt for his younger brother, and for his father for having received him as he did. Never was there a more striking instance of petty malice, or more unjustifiable disregard of a father’s conduct and will. Thy living - Thy property. This is still designed to irritate the father, and set him against his younger son. It was true that the younger son had been guilty, and foolish, and ungrateful; but he was penitent, and “that” was of more consequence to the father than all his property; and in the joy that he was penitent and was safe,…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:30 this son of yours: He refused to acknowledge his own relationship to his brother.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“this: Luk 15:32, Luk 18:11; Exo 32:7, Exo 32:11 devoured: Luk 15:13, Luk 15:22, Luk 15:23 Luke 15:31”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification