Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 Version But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, Berean Standard Bible The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. Berean Literal Bible But he was angry and was not willing to go in. And his father, having gone, was imploring him. King James Bible And 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 Bible But 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 Bible But he became angry and was not wanting to go in, and his father came out and began pleading with him. Amplified Bible But 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. Berean Annotated Bible The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father {patēr} came out and pleaded 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 Version But he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him. Contemporary English Version The 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 Version But 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 Translation The 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 Bible But the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him, New Heart English Bible But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and pleaded with him. Webster's Bible Translation And 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 Bible But 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 Bible But he was angry and was not willing to go in. And his father, having gone, was imploring 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 Translation And 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 Version Then he became indignant, and he was unwilling to enter. Therefore, his father, going out, began to plead with him. New American Bible He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. New Revised Standard Version Then 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 English And 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 Testament 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 Worsley New Testament 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.’ 28 The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 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 The older son became angry Jonah 4:1-4 Jonah, 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 20:11-12 On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner. / ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ Matthew 21:15-16 But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” / “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?” and refused to go in. Matthew 22:3-5 He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ / But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, another to his business. John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. Matthew 23:13 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. So his father came out Matthew 20:13-15 But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius? / Take your pay and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. / Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Ezekiel 34:11-16 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. … Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. and pleaded with him. Philemon 1:8-10 So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper, / I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well. / I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. Exodus 32:11-14 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” … Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Matthew 5:22 But 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 4:5-6 but 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? 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 saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this 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 hen doth gather her brood under her 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 Angry Begged Besought Entreated Entreating Forth Intreated Older Pleaded Pleading Refused Request WillingJump to Next Angry Begged Besought Entreated Entreating Forth Intreated Older Pleaded Pleading Refused Request WillingLuke 15 1. The parable of the lost sheep;8. of the piece of silver; 11. of the prodigal son. The older son became angry The 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. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 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 Father Symbolizes 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 Celebration Represents 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 Plea The 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 Field The 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 Bitterness The 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 Reconciliation The 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 Repentance The 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-Reflection The 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). summary Luke 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. refused ἤθελεν (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. So δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. 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. father πατὴρ (patēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. came out ἐξελθὼν (exelthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. [and] pleaded with παρεκάλει (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. Links Luke 15:28 NIVLuke 15:28 NLT Luke 15:28 ESV Luke 15:28 NASB Luke 15:28 KJV Luke 15:28 BibleApps.com Luke 15:28 Biblia Paralela Luke 15:28 Chinese Bible Luke 15:28 French Bible Luke 15:28 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 15:28 But he was angry and would not (Luke Lu Lk) |
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