Lectionary Calendar

Thursday, April 18th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter

Attention!

StudyLight.org has pledged to help build churches in Uganda. Help us with that pledge and support pastors in the heart of Africa.
Click here to join the effort!

Bible Dictionaries
Prodigal Son

Holman Bible Dictionary

Search for…

1 2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Procurator

Next Entry
Profane

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Popular term used to identify Jesus' parable in Luke 15:11-32 . English translations do not use the term prodigal meaning, “reckless” or “wasteful,” though they speak of the younger son's wasting or squandering his property ( Luke 15:13 ). “The Prodigal Son” is an unfortunate designation for this parable told in defense of Jesus' practice of fellowshipping with sinners (Luke 15:1 ). The parable focuses not on the reckless-then-repentant younger son but on the waiting father who rushes to welcome his child home and calls all, elder brother included, to share the joy of homecoming.

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Prodigal Son'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/p/prodigal-son.html. 1991.

Bible Dictionaries Prodigal Son

Holman Bible Dictionary

Bible Dictionaries
Prodigal Son