King James Version

What Does Luke 15:23 Mean?

Luke 15:23 in the King James Version says “And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 15:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry. The father commands a feast of unprecedented celebration. The "fatted calf" (τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ton moschon ton siteyton) was a young bull specially fattened for important occasions—weddings, major festivals, or distinguished guests. Killing this calf meant the whole village would feast, for one household could not consume an entire calf. The father's joy overflows into community-wide celebration.

The phrase "let us eat, and be merry" (φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν, phagontes euphranthōmen) uses the verb euphraínō (εὐφραίνω), meaning to rejoice exceedingly, celebrate festively, make merry with gladness. This is no restrained acknowledgment but explosive, uncontainable joy. The imperative mood and plural form ("let us") invite all to share the father's delight—servants, neighbors, the entire household must join the celebration.

This feast anticipates the messianic banquet Jesus repeatedly described (Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 22:1-14). Heaven celebrates every sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10), and the return of the lost occasions divine rejoicing that demands expression. The sacrificial death of the fatted calf also foreshadows Christ's sacrifice—celebration of the redeemed is only possible through substitutionary death. Just as the calf's death enables the feast, Christ's death enables our welcome into God's kingdom and our place at His table.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century agrarian society, killing the fatted calf represented extraordinary expense and generosity. Most families ate meat rarely, reserving it for Passover, weddings, or significant religious festivals. The father's command to slaughter this valuable asset demonstrates grace's extravagance—no expense is too great to celebrate a lost son's return. The feast would include the entire village, publicly honoring the son and announcing his full restoration to the community.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the father's extravagant celebration teach about God's emotional response to repentant sinners?
  2. How does the sacrificial death of the fatted calf foreshadow Christ's necessary death to enable our feast with God?
  3. In what ways should the church's celebration of new believers and restored backsliders mirror the father's joyful feast?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

ἐνέγκαντες2 of 10

“bring hither”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

τὸν3 of 10
G3588

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

μόσχον4 of 10

“calf”

G3448

a young bullock

τὸν5 of 10
G3588

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

σιτευτόν6 of 10

“the fatted”

G4618

grain-fed, i.e., fattened

θύσατε7 of 10

“and kill”

G2380

properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s

καὶ8 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

φαγόντες9 of 10

“let us eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

εὐφρανθῶμεν10 of 10

“and be merry”

G2165

to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 25:6Matthew 22:2-14Psalms 63:5Isaiah 65:13-14Genesis 18:7Proverbs 9:2

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