Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. New Living Translation “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. English Standard Version Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. Berean Standard Bible After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. Berean Literal Bible And after not many days, the younger son, having gathered together all, went away into a far country, and there he scattered his substance living prodigally. King James Bible And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. New King James Version And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. New American Standard Bible And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living. NASB 1995 “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. NASB 1977 “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Legacy Standard Bible And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate living recklessly. Amplified Bible A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. Berean Annotated Bible After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. Christian Standard Bible Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. Holman Christian Standard Bible Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. American Standard Version And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his substance with riotous living. Contemporary English Version Not long after that, the younger son packed up everything he owned and left for a foreign country, where he wasted all his money in wild living. English Revised Version And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his substance with riotous living. GOD'S WORD® Translation "After a few days, the younger son gathered his possessions and left for a country far away from home. There he wasted everything he had on a wild lifestyle. Good News Translation After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. International Standard Version A few days later, the younger son gathered everything he owned and traveled to a distant country. There he wasted it all on wild living. NET Bible After a few days, the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth with a wild lifestyle. New Heart English Bible Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. Webster's Bible Translation And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. Weymouth New Testament No long time afterwards the younger son got all together and travelled to a distant country, where he wasted his money in debauchery and excess. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. World English Bible Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd not many days after, having gathered all together, the younger son went abroad to a far country, and there he scattered his substance, living riotously; Berean Literal Bible And after not many days, the younger son, having gathered together all, went away into a far country, and there he scattered his substance living prodigally. Young's Literal Translation 'And not many days after, having gathered all together, the younger son went abroad to a far country, and there he scattered his substance, living riotously; Smith's Literal Translation And not many days after, having gathered all things, the younger son went abroad into a far off country, and there disposed his property, living in a profligate manner. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd not many days after, the younger son, gathering all together, went abroad into a far country: and there wasted his substance, living riotously. Catholic Public Domain Version And after not many days, the younger son, gathering it all together, set out on a long journey to a distant region. And there, he dissipated his substance, living in luxury. New American Bible After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. New Revised Standard Version A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd after a few days, his younger son gathered everything that was his share, and went to a far-away country, and there he scattered his wealth in extravagant living. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “And after a few days his younger son gathered everything that was coming to him and he went to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth while living wastefully.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd not many days after, the younger son, taking with him all that was his, left home for a distant country, and there wasted his property in riotous living. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. Mace New Testament a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living. Weymouth New Testament No long time afterwards the younger son got all together and travelled to a distant country, where he wasted his money in debauchery and excess. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Parable of the Prodigal Son…12The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.… Cross References After a few days, James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. the younger son got everything together Genesis 12:5 And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Genesis 31:17-18 Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, / and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. Exodus 12:35-36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. and journeyed to a distant country, Jonah 1:3 Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Genesis 12:1-5 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” … Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. / By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. / For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. where he squandered his wealth Proverbs 21:20 Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. Proverbs 29:3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. in wild living. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 1 Peter 4:3-4 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Proverbs 28:7 A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Treasury of Scripture And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. and took. 2 Chronicles 33:1-10 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: … Job 21:13-15 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave… Job 22:17,18 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? … wasted. Luke 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. Luke 16:1,19 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods… Proverbs 5:8-14 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: … Jump to Previous Afterwards Country Debauchery Distant Estate Far Far-Away Foolish Gathered Gathering Journey Later Money Property Riotous Squandered Substance Time Together Traveled Travelled Wasted Wealth Wild YoungerJump to Next Afterwards Country Debauchery Distant Estate Far Far-Away Foolish Gathered Gathering Journey Later Money Property Riotous Squandered Substance Time Together Traveled Travelled Wasted Wealth Wild YoungerLuke 15 1. The parable of the lost sheep;8. of the piece of silver; 11. of the prodigal son. After a few days This phrase indicates a short period of time after the younger son received his inheritance. It suggests a sense of urgency or impatience, reflecting the son's eagerness to pursue his own desires. In biblical times, the division of inheritance typically occurred after the father's death, making the son's request and subsequent actions culturally disrespectful. the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country where he squandered his wealth in wild living Persons / Places / Events 1. The Younger SonRepresents a person who seeks independence and self-gratification, often at the expense of wisdom and responsibility. 2. The Distant Country Symbolizes a place far from the father's influence, representing separation from God and His guidance. 3. The Father Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a central figure in the parable, symbolizing God’s love and grace. 4. Wild Living Indicates a lifestyle of excess and moral recklessness, leading to spiritual and physical impoverishment. 5. The Journey Represents the choices and paths we take in life, often leading us away from God’s intended purpose. Teaching Points The Dangers of Self-IndulgenceThe younger son's desire for immediate gratification led him away from his father and into a life of recklessness. We must be wary of the temptation to prioritize our desires over God's will. The Consequences of Separation from God Journeying to a "distant country" signifies moving away from God's presence. This separation often results in spiritual and moral decline. The Importance of Stewardship The younger son squandered his inheritance, highlighting the need for responsible management of the resources God entrusts to us. The Call to Repentance Although not covered in this specific verse, the broader parable emphasizes the possibility of redemption and return to God, no matter how far one has strayed. God’s Unchanging Love The father’s eventual response in the parable reminds us of God’s unwavering love and readiness to forgive when we repent and return to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 15:13?2. How does Luke 15:13 illustrate the consequences of reckless living? 3. What lessons can we learn from the prodigal son's journey in Luke 15:13? 4. How does Luke 15:13 connect with Proverbs on wisdom and foolishness? 5. How can we avoid the prodigal son's mistakes in our own lives? 6. What steps can we take to return to God after straying like the prodigal? 7. What does Luke 15:13 reveal about human nature and free will? 8. How does Luke 15:13 illustrate the consequences of reckless living? 9. What cultural context is important for understanding Luke 15:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 15? 11. What are hedonism and a hedonist? 12. How historically plausible is it for a father to grant an early inheritance to a younger son, as described in Luke 15:11-12? 13. Why does the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 not address the older brother's grievances more directly? 14. What lessons does the Prodigal Son teach about forgiveness? What Does Luke 15:13 Mean After a few days“After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant…” • The son does not linger; he rushes to act on his demand (Luke 15:12). • Scripture warns that hurried gain often ends badly—see Proverbs 20:21; 28:20. • Impatience exposes the heart: desire outweighs gratitude, echoing Israel’s craving in Numbers 11:4-6. The younger son got everything together • He liquidates his portion, signaling finality—no intent to return (Hebrews 11:15). • By cashing out, he treats the father as dead, violating Exodus 20:12. • Like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:22), he trusts possessions more than relationship. Journeyed to a distant country • Distance is both geographic and spiritual (Ephesians 2:13). • Choosing life “far away” pictures mankind straying from God—compare Jonah 1:3; Isaiah 53:6. • Out of sight of the father’s house, he thinks he is free, yet Psalm 139:7 reminds us no one outruns God’s reach. Where he squandered his wealth • “Squandered” implies reckless waste; see Proverbs 21:20; 13:11. • What took a lifetime to amass disappears quickly—classic fruit of folly (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14). • Jesus later says, “He spent everything” (Luke 15:14), underscoring total loss. In wild living • The phrase covers indulgence—drunkenness, immorality, unrestrained pleasure (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3). • Sin promises excitement but pays out emptiness (Romans 6:21). • He embodies the warning of Ephesians 5:18: dissipation replaces divine filling. summary Luke 15:13 paints the downward spiral of a heart that rejects the father’s care, runs to self-directed freedom, and ends in ruin. The verse cautions against impatience, misplaced trust in wealth, and the deceit of sinful pleasure, while setting the stage for the Father’s gracious rescue that follows. (13) Took his journey into a far country.--Such instances of emigration were, we may believe, familiar things in most towns of Galilee and Judaea. The young man left his home, and started, bent on pleasure or on gain, for Alexandria, or Rome, or Corinth, and rumour came home of riotous living, and a fortune wasted upon harlots, sabbaths broken, synagogues unvisited, perhaps even of participation in idol feasts. In the interpretation that lies below the surface, the "far country" is the state of the human spirit, of the Gentile world, in their wanderings far off from God. The "riotous living" is the reckless waste of noble gifts and highest energies on unbridled sensuality of life, or sensuous, i.e., idolatrous, forms of worship. The fearful history traced in Romans 1:19-32, is but too faithful a picture of the wanderings of the younger son.Riotous.--The exact meaning of the word is prodigal, thriftless. Greek Afterμετ’ (met’) Preposition Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. a few πολλὰς (pollas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. days, ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. the ὁ (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. younger νεώτερος (neōteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative Strong's 3501: (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh. son υἱὸς (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. got everything together συναγαγὼν (synagagōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain. [and] journeyed ἀπεδήμησεν (apedēmēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 589: To be away from home, go into another country, be away, be abroad. From apodemos; to go abroad, i.e. Visit a foreign land. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. a distant μακράν (makran) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3117: Long, distant, far; of long duration. From mekos; long (distant) or time (neuter plural). country, χώραν (chōran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5561: Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory. [where] ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. he squandered διεσκόρπισεν (dieskorpisen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1287: From dia and skorpizo; to dissipate, i.e. to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander. his αὐτοῦ (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. wealth οὐσίαν (ousian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3776: Property, wealth, substance. From the feminine of on; substance, i.e. Property. in wild ἀσώτως (asōtōs) Adverb Strong's 811: Prodigally, with prodigal living, wastefully. Adverb from the same as asotia; dissolutely. living. ζῶν (zōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. Links Luke 15:13 NIVLuke 15:13 NLT Luke 15:13 ESV Luke 15:13 NASB Luke 15:13 KJV Luke 15:13 BibleApps.com Luke 15:13 Biblia Paralela Luke 15:13 Chinese Bible Luke 15:13 French Bible Luke 15:13 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 15:13 Not many days after the younger son (Luke Lu Lk) |
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