King James Version

What Does Luke 15:22 Mean?

Luke 15:22 in the King James Version says “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:”

Luke 15:22 · KJV

Context

20

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Grace erupts in immediate, extravagant restoration. The father addresses "his servants" (τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ, tous doulous autou), commanding them to clothe the son with symbols of full sonship, not the hired servant status the son proposed. The "best robe" (στολὴν τὴν πρώτην, stolēn tēn prōtēn) literally means "the first robe," likely referring to the finest garment reserved for honored guests or the father's own ceremonial robe—a covering that replaces the son's filthy, pig-stained rags with dignity and honor.

The "ring" (δακτύλιον, daktylion) placed on his hand signifies authority and family identity—signet rings sealed legal documents and represented the family name. This gift grants the son power to act in the father's name, conducting business and making binding commitments. The "shoes" (ὑποδήματα, hypodēmata) distinguish free sons from barefoot slaves—only servants and the poor went unshod. Each gift systematically reverses the son's degradation and restores full sonship privileges.

Theologically, these gifts picture justification and adoption. The robe represents Christ's righteousness covering our sin (Isaiah 61:10, Zechariah 3:3-5). The ring symbolizes the Holy Spirit as seal and pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The shoes indicate our freedom from slavery to sin and our status as beloved children (Galatians 4:5-7). The father's immediate, unconditional restoration—before any probation or penance—demonstrates that salvation is entirely God's gracious work, not earned through human effort.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture highly valued honor and shame. The father's lavish gifts publicly restored the son's honor before the household and village. The best robe would be visible to all, announcing the son's restored status. The ring granted legal authority—ancient business was transacted through sealed documents, and possession of the family signet meant power to represent the father. Shoes marked free status; slaves typically went barefoot or wore simple sandals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the three gifts—robe, ring, and shoes—symbolize specific aspects of our salvation in Christ?
  2. What does the father's immediate restoration without probationary period teach about justification by grace through faith?
  3. How should the father's extravagant welcome shape the church's treatment of repentant believers who have wandered?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
εἶπεν1 of 28

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 28

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ4 of 28

“the father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

πρὸς5 of 28

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλους7 of 28

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτοῦ8 of 28

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξενέγκατε9 of 28

“Bring forth”

G1627

to bear out (literally or figuratively)

τὴν10 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στολὴν11 of 28

“robe”

G4749

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

τὴν12 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρώτην13 of 28

“the best”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

καὶ14 of 28

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνδύσατε15 of 28

“put it on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ16 of 28

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ17 of 28

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δότε18 of 28

“put”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

δακτύλιον19 of 28

“a ring”

G1146

a finger-ring

εἰς20 of 28

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρα22 of 28

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῦ23 of 28

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ24 of 28

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑποδήματα25 of 28

“shoes”

G5266

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

εἰς26 of 28

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας28 of 28

“his feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

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 15:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 41:42Esther 8:2Revelation 6:11Esther 3:10Zechariah 3:3-5Isaiah 61:10

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