Definition: And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 15:27. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage about forgiveness and love. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone has been treated unfairly – perhaps they've suffered a great loss or hardship. Jesus is saying, “Don’t worry; your brother is coming.” It highlights the idea that God loves us and wants to forgive those who have wronged us. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Luke 15:27” : This is the verse itself – a specific moment in Jesus’ story. “And he said unto him…” : Jesus is speaking directly to someone who has been treated badly. “…thy brother is come…” : This means someone who has been hurt or rejected has finally arrived. “…and thy father hath killed the fatted calf…” : This is a bit more figurative. "Fatted calf" is a traditional Jewish celebration – it's a large, richly prepared lamb that was offered as a sacrifice to God. Jesus means this person feels like they’ve lost something incredibly important in their life (like a family reunion or a happy event). “because he hath received him safe and sound.” : This is the key part! "Safe and sound" means someone has been rescued from danger, hardship, or disappointment. Jesus is saying that this person is safe and whole – they’ve been given a new life, a second chance. So, what does it all mean? It's about grace and forgiveness. Jesus is saying that God will forgive those who are suffering and that He wants to offer them a way back to happiness and wholeness. It’s a powerful message of hope – even when things seem hopeless, God can restore us and make things right. In essence, it's about the ultimate forgiveness and restoration offered by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context for this passage? (Like its significance in the story of Jesus’s ministry) Answer any specific questions you have about it?