Bible Commentary

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 18. I will arise and go to my father ] The youth in the parable had loved his father, and would not doubt about his father’s love; and in the region which the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:18”

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! 17. And when he came to himself ] His previous state was that of his false self a brief delusion and madness ‘the old man with his affections and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:17”

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 16. he would fain ] Literally, “he was longing.” filled his belly with ] The plain expression purposely adopted to add the last touch to the youth’s degradation gave offence to some copyists, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:16”

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 15. joined himself to a citizen of that country ] Rather, one of the citizens. Even in its worst and most willing exile the soul cannot cease to be by right a citizen … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:15”

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 14. And when he had spent all ] Historically, “On that hard Roman world, disgust And secret loathing fell; Deep weariness and sated lust Made human life a hell.” M. Arnold. Individually, “The limits … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:14”

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. 13. not many days after ] This shadows forth the rapidi ty (1) of national, and (2) of individual degeneracy. “In some children, says Sir Thomas Elyot in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:13”

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. 12. the portion of goods that falleth to me ] This would be one third (Deu 21:17). The granting of this portion corresponds to the natural gifts and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:12”

And he said, A certain man had two sons: 11-32. The Son lost and found. 11. had tzuo sons ] The primary applications of this divine parable, which is peculiar to St Luke, and would alone have added inestimable value to his Gospel are (1) to the Pharisees and the ‘sinners’ i.e. to the professedly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:11”

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 10. joy in the presence of the angels of God ] The same as the ‘joy in heaven’ of Luk 15:7; the Te Deums of heaven over the victories of grace. over one sinner … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:10”

And when she hath found [it,] she calleth [her] friends and [her] neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 9. I have found the piece which I had lost ] She does not say ‘my piece.’ If the woman be intended to represent the Church, the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 15:9”