Luke 15:20-22

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 15:20 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the son’s decision to return home. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.
2. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “a long way off from [home].” The word “home” is implied (L&N 85.16).
3. Luke 15:20 tn Or “felt great affection for him,” “felt great pity for him.”sn The major figure of the parable, the forgiving father, represents God the Father and his compassionate response. God is ready with open arms to welcome the sinner who comes back to him.
4. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “he fell on his neck,” an idiom for showing special affection for someone by throwing one’s arms around them. The picture is of the father hanging on the son’s neck in welcome.
5. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6. Luke 15:21 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
7. Luke 15:21 sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God. 1st century Judaism tended to minimize use of the divine name out of reverence.
8. Luke 15:21 sn The younger son launches into his confession just as he had planned. See vv. 18-19.
9. Luke 15:22 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
10. Luke 15:22 sn With the instructions Hurry! Bring the best robe, there is a total acceptance of the younger son back into the home.
11. Luke 15:22 tn Grk “hand,” but χείρ (cheir) can refer to either the whole hand or any relevant part of it (L&N 8.30).
12. Luke 15:22 sn The need for sandals underlines the younger son’s previous destitution, because he was barefoot.