King James Version

What Does Luke 15:11 Mean?

Luke 15:11 in the King James Version says “And he said, A certain man had two sons:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said, A certain man had two sons:”

Luke 15:11 · KJV

Context

9

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

11

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A certain man had two sons. This simple opening to the parable of the prodigal son establishes the family context that drives the entire narrative. The "certain man" represents God the Father, whose character is revealed through his treatment of both sons. The "two sons" represent two fundamentally different approaches to relationship with God—one openly rebellious, the other outwardly compliant but inwardly resentful.

The parable structure follows the classic pattern of Jesus' teaching stories: a realistic scenario that suddenly takes an unexpected turn, challenging conventional wisdom and revealing kingdom values. The father's response to both sons defies cultural expectations and reveals the radical nature of divine grace.

This introduction sets up the central tension of the parable: how divine love responds to both flagrant sin and self-righteous legalism. Both sons are alienated from the father despite their different behaviors, suggesting that external conformity without heart transformation is as problematic as open rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The parable was told in response to Pharisees and scribes criticizing Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2). In first-century Jewish culture, table fellowship implied acceptance and approval, making Jesus' behavior scandalous to religious leaders who maintained strict separation from the ceremonially unclean.

The family dynamics described would have been familiar to Jesus' audience. Younger sons typically received one-third of the inheritance, while the eldest received a double portion. Requesting inheritance while the father lived was culturally unthinkable—equivalent to wishing the father dead. The father's granting this request would have shocked listeners.

The parable addresses the fundamental Jewish struggle with Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom. The religious leaders (represented by the elder son) resented God's acceptance of sinners without requiring full proselyte conversion and law observance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do both sons in the parable represent different forms of alienation from the father, and what does this teach about human relationship with God?
  2. What does the father's character in this parable reveal about God's nature that challenges both legalistic and antinomian approaches to faith?
  3. How should this parable shape Christian attitudes toward both open sinners and self-righteous religious people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
Εἶπεν1 of 7

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δέ2 of 7

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἄνθρωπός3 of 7

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τις4 of 7

“A certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

εἶχεν5 of 7

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δύο6 of 7

“two”

G1417

"two"

υἱούς7 of 7

“sons”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 15:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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