Luke 15:15

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.

Study Bible

So he went
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The Greek word for "went" is "poreuomai," which implies a deliberate action or journey. This decision signifies the son's descent into a life of desperation and highlights the consequences of his earlier choices. In a broader spiritual context, it reflects the journey away from God that many take when they choose to live according to their own desires rather than divine guidance.

and hired himself out
The Greek term "kollao" is used here, meaning to glue or join closely. This indicates a binding commitment, suggesting that the son has become attached to a foreign way of life. Historically, this reflects the economic realities of the time, where individuals would often become indentured servants to survive. Spiritually, it symbolizes the binding nature of sin and how it can enslave individuals, drawing them away from their true identity in God.

to a citizen of that country
The "citizen" here is a representation of the Gentile world, as the son has left his Jewish homeland. The Greek word "polites" indicates someone who belongs to a particular city or nation. This highlights the son's alienation from his own people and culture, symbolizing the spiritual alienation from God that occurs when one chooses to live in sin. It also reflects the broader theme of the parable, which is God's love for all, including those who are far from Him.

who sent him into his fields
The act of being sent into the fields signifies a position of low status and servitude. The Greek word "agros" for "fields" can also mean a place of labor and toil. This reflects the harsh reality of the son's situation, as he is now working in a menial job far beneath his previous status. Spiritually, it represents the toil and hardship that come with living outside of God's will.

to feed pigs
In Jewish culture, pigs were considered unclean animals, and tending to them would have been seen as degrading and shameful. The Greek word "choiros" for "pigs" emphasizes this uncleanness. This task symbolizes the depth of the son's fall from grace and the extent of his desperation. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual degradation that occurs when one turns away from God. However, it also sets the stage for redemption, as it is often in the lowest moments that individuals recognize their need for divine grace and forgiveness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prodigal Son
A young man who, after squandering his inheritance, finds himself in dire need and hires himself out to a foreigner.

2. Citizen of that Country
A resident of the foreign land where the prodigal son finds himself. This person employs the son to feed pigs, a task considered degrading for a Jew.

3. The Foreign Country
Represents a place far from the father's house, symbolizing spiritual and physical separation from God.

4. The Pigs
Unclean animals according to Jewish law, symbolizing the depth of the prodigal son's fall into sin and desperation.

5. The Fields
The setting where the prodigal son works, representing the harsh reality of his choices and the consequences of his rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to spiritual and physical degradation. The prodigal son's fall into feeding pigs illustrates the depths to which sin can take us.

Separation from God
The foreign country symbolizes separation from God, reminding us of the dangers of straying from His presence.

The Need for Repentance
The prodigal son's situation highlights the necessity of recognizing our sin and turning back to God.

God's Grace and Redemption
Despite the depths of our sin, God's grace is sufficient to redeem and restore us when we repent.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications
Understanding the cultural context of feeding pigs helps us grasp the severity of the prodigal son's situation and the hope found in returning to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the prodigal son's decision to work with pigs reveal about the consequences of his choices, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. How does the cultural context of feeding pigs enhance our understanding of the prodigal son's fall, and what modern-day situations might parallel this experience?

3. In what ways does the prodigal son's journey reflect the spiritual separation from God, and how can we guard against such separation in our own lives?

4. How do the additional scriptures connected to this passage deepen our understanding of sin and redemption?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain in close relationship with God, avoiding the pitfalls illustrated by the prodigal son's account?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11:7
This passage outlines the Jewish dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating pigs, highlighting the cultural and religious degradation the prodigal son experiences.

Proverbs 13:18
This verse speaks to the consequences of ignoring discipline and wisdom, which parallels the prodigal son's journey.

Philippians 3:19
This verse discusses those whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, drawing a parallel to the prodigal son's situation.

Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, illustrating the spiritual death the prodigal son faces and the hope of redemption.

Psalm 51:17
A broken and contrite heart is what God desires, pointing to the prodigal son's eventual repentance and return.