Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About The Prodigal Son?
16 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding The Prodigal Son in the Bible
Discover 16 powerful Bible verses about the prodigal son. Study what Scripture teaches about this essential theology & doctrine topic.
Top 10 Verses About The Prodigal Son
- 1Genesis 41:42
“And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; fine: or, silk”
KJV - 2Deuteronomy 21:17
“But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. that: Heb. that is found with him”
KJV - 3
- 4Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
KJV - 5
- 6Luke 15:12
“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.”
KJV - 7Luke 15:13
“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.”
KJV - 8Luke 15:15
“And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.”
KJV - 9Luke 15:16
“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.”
KJV - 10Luke 15:17
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About The Prodigal Son? (2 Verses)
“And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; fine: or, silk”
“But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. that: Heb. that is found with him”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About The Prodigal Son? (14 Verses)
“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.”
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
“And he said, A certain man had two sons:”
“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.”
“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.”
“And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.”
“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.”
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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:”
“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”
“It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About The Prodigal Son
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about the prodigal son. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about the prodigal son and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about the prodigal son is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on the prodigal son needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about the prodigal son with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about the prodigal son, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About The Prodigal Son?
You have studied 16 verses about the prodigal son. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.