迷失的羊

15 许多税吏和罪人都来听耶稣讲道, 法利赛人和律法教师埋怨说:“这个人竟和罪人来往,还跟他们一起吃饭。”

耶稣给他们讲了一个比喻: “如果你们有人有一百只羊,走失了一只,难道他不暂时把那九十九只留在草场上,去找那只迷失的羊,一直到找着为止吗? 他找到后,会欢欢喜喜地把那只羊扛回家, 并邀来朋友邻居,说,‘我走失的羊找到了,来和我一同庆祝吧!’ 我告诉你们,同样,一个罪人悔改,在天上也要这样为他欢喜,甚至比有九十九个不用悔改的义人还欢喜。

丢钱的比喻

“又比如一个妇人有十块钱,不小心弄丢了一块,难道她不点亮灯,打扫房子,仔细寻找一直到找着为止吗? 她找到后,会邀朋友邻居来,说,‘我丢的钱找到了,来和我一同庆祝吧!’ 10 我告诉你们,同样,一个罪人悔改,上帝的众天使也会这样为他欢喜。”

浪子回头

11 耶稣又说:“某人有两个儿子。 12 小儿子对父亲说,‘父亲,请你把我应得的家产分给我。’父亲就把财产分给了两个儿子。

13 “没过几天,小儿子带着他所有的财物出门远游去了。他终日在外花天酒地,挥金如土, 14 很快囊空如洗,又遇到严重的饥荒,就陷入困境, 15 只好投靠一个当地人。那人派他到田里去放猪, 16 他饿到恨不得拿喂猪的豆荚充饥,可是连这些也没有人给他。 17 最后,他醒悟过来,心想,‘在我父亲家里,连雇工的口粮都绰绰有余,我现在却要在这里饿死吗? 18 我要动身回到我父亲身边,对他说,父亲,我得罪了天,也得罪了你, 19 今后,我再也不配做你的儿子,请把我当作雇工看待吧。’ 20 于是他动身回家。

“他父亲远远地看见他,就动了慈心,跑上前去抱着他连连亲吻。 21 小儿子说,‘父亲,我得罪了天,也得罪了你,今后,我再也不配做你的儿子。’

22 “父亲却对奴仆说,‘赶快拿最好的袍子来给他穿上,给他戴上戒指,穿上鞋, 23 把那只肥牛犊牵来宰了,让我们一同欢宴庆祝! 24 因我这儿子是死而复活、失而复得的。’于是他们欢宴庆祝。

25 “那时,大儿子正在田间。当他回来还没到门口,就听见家里传出奏乐跳舞的声音。 26 他叫来一个奴仆问个究竟。

27 “奴仆回答说,‘你弟弟回来了!你父亲因他无灾无难地回来,特地宰了那只肥牛犊。’ 28 大儿子很生气,不肯进去。父亲就出来劝他。

29 “他对父亲说,‘你看,我伺候你这么多年,从来没有违背过你的命令,可是你没有给过我一只羊羔,让我和朋友一同欢宴。 30 但你这个儿子在娼妓身上耗尽家财,一回来,你倒为他宰了肥牛犊!’

31 “父亲对他说,‘孩子啊!你一直在我身边,我所有的一切都是你的。 32 可是你弟弟是死而复活、失而复得的,所以我们应该欢喜快乐。’”

失羊的比喻(A)

15 众税吏和罪人,都接近耶稣,要听他讲道。 法利赛人和经学家,纷纷议论说:“这个人接待罪人,又和他们一起吃饭。” 耶稣就对他们讲了这个比喻,说: “你们中间谁有一百只羊,失去一只,不把九十九只留下在旷野,去寻找那失落的,直到找着呢? 既找着了,就欢欢喜喜地放在肩上, 回到家里,请朋友邻舍来,对他们说:‘请大家和我一同欢乐,因为我失去的羊已经找到了!’ 我告诉你们,因为一个罪人悔改,天上也要这样为他欢乐,比为九十九个不用悔改的义人欢乐更大。

失银币的比喻

“或是一个女人,有十个银币(“银币”原文作“拉克玛”,一个“拉克玛”相当于一天的工钱。),失去一个,哪能不点上灯,打扫屋子,细细地找,直到找着呢? 既找着了,就请朋友邻舍来,说:‘请大家和我一同欢乐,因为我失去的那个银币,已经找到了。’ 10 我告诉你们,因为一个罪人悔改, 神的使者也必这样为他欢乐。”

浪子的比喻

11 耶稣又说:“某人有两个儿子。 12 小儿子对父亲说:‘爸爸,请把我应得的家业给我。’父亲就把财产分给他们两兄弟。 13 过了不多几天,小儿子收拾一切,到远方去了,在那里生活放荡,浪费钱财。 14 他花尽了一切所有的,那地方又遇上了严重的饥荒,就穷困起来; 15 于是他去投靠当地的一个居民。那人打发他到田里去放猪, 16 他恨不得吃猪所吃的豆荚,可是没有人给他。 17 他醒悟过来,说:‘我父亲有那么多雇工,又有丰富的食物,我却要在这里饿死吗? 18 我要起来,到我父亲那里去,对他说:爸爸,我得罪了天,也得罪了你, 19 不配再称为你的儿子,把我当作一个雇工吧!’ 20 于是他起来往父亲那里去。他还在远处时,他父亲看见了他,就动了慈心,跑过去抱着他,连连与他亲吻。 21 儿子说:‘爸爸,我得罪了天,也得罪了你,不配再称为你的儿子。’ 22 父亲却吩咐仆人说:‘快把那最好的袍子拿来给他穿,把戒指戴在他手上,把鞋穿在他脚上, 23 把肥牛犊牵来宰了,我们要吃喝快乐, 24 因为我这儿子是死而复活、失而又得的。’他们就欢乐起来。

25 “那时,大儿子正在田里。他回来离家不远的时候,听见音乐跳舞的声音, 26 就叫了一个仆人来,问他这是怎么一回事。 27 仆人说:‘你弟弟回来了,你父亲因为他平安无恙地回来,就宰了肥牛犊。’ 28 大儿子就生气,不肯进去;父亲出来劝他。 29 他对父亲说:‘你看,我服事你这么多年,从来没有违背过你的命令,可是你没有给我一只山羊羔,叫我和朋友一同欢乐。 30 但你这个儿子,常常跟娼妓在一起,花尽了你的财产,他一回来,你倒为他宰杀肥牛犊!’ 31 父亲对他说:‘孩子,你常跟我在一起,我的一切都是你的。 32 只是因为你这个弟弟是死而复活、失而又得的,我们应该欢喜快乐。’”

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin

15 Now all the tax collectors[a] and sinners were coming[b] to hear him. But[c] the Pharisees[d] and the experts in the law[e] were complaining,[f] “This man welcomes[g] sinners and eats with them.”

So[h] Jesus[i] told them[j] this parable:[k] “Which one[l] of you, if he has a hundred[m] sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture[n] and go look for[o] the one that is lost until he finds it?[p] Then[q] when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Returning[r] home, he calls together[s] his[t] friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner[u] who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people[v] who have no need to repent.[w]

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins[x] and loses[y] one of them,[z] does not light a lamp, sweep[aa] the house, and search thoroughly until she finds it? Then[ab] when she has found it, she calls together her[ac] friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice[ad] with me, for I have found the coin[ae] that I had lost.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels[af] over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Compassionate Father

11 Then[ag] Jesus[ah] said, “A man had two sons. 12 The[ai] younger of them said to his[aj] father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate[ak] that will belong[al] to me.’ So[am] he divided his[an] assets between them.[ao] 13 After[ap] a few days,[aq] the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered[ar] his wealth[as] with a wild lifestyle. 14 Then[at] after he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and worked for[au] one of the citizens of that country, who[av] sent him to his fields to feed pigs.[aw] 16 He[ax] was longing to eat[ay] the carob pods[az] the pigs were eating, but[ba] no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses[bb] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food[bc] enough to spare, but here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned[bd] against heaven[be] and against[bf] you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me[bg] like one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So[bh] he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home[bi] his father saw him, and his heart went out to him;[bj] he ran and hugged[bk] his son[bl] and kissed him. 21 Then[bm] his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven[bn] and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[bo] 22 But the father said to his slaves,[bp] ‘Hurry! Bring the best robe,[bq] and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger[br] and sandals[bs] on his feet! 23 Bring[bt] the fattened calf[bu] and kill it! Let us eat[bv] and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again—he was lost and is found!’[bw] So[bx] they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field. As[by] he came and approached the house, he heard music[bz] and dancing. 26 So[ca] he called one of the slaves[cb] and asked what was happening. 27 The slave replied,[cc] ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf[cd] because he got his son[ce] back safe and sound.’ 28 But the older son[cf] became angry[cg] and refused[ch] to go in. His father came out and appealed to him, 29 but he answered[ci] his father, ‘Look! These many years I have worked like a slave[cj] for you, and I never disobeyed your commands. Yet[ck] you never gave me even a goat[cl] so that I could celebrate with my friends! 30 But when this son of yours[cm] came back, who has devoured[cn] your assets with prostitutes,[co] you killed the fattened calf[cp] for him!’ 31 Then[cq] the father[cr] said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything that belongs to me is yours. 32 It was appropriate[cs] to celebrate and be glad, for your brother[ct] was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’”[cu]

Footnotes

  1. Luke 15:1 sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12.
  2. Luke 15:1 tn Grk “were drawing near.”
  3. Luke 15:2 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
  4. Luke 15:2 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
  5. Luke 15:2 tn Or “and the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
  6. Luke 15:2 tn Or “grumbling”; Grk “were complaining, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  7. Luke 15:2 tn Or “accepts,” “receives.” This is not the first time this issue has been raised: Luke 5:27-32; 7:37-50.
  8. Luke 15:3 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ telling of the parable is in response to the complaints of the Pharisees and experts in the law.
  9. Luke 15:3 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  10. Luke 15:3 sn Them means at the minimum the parable is for the leadership, but probably also for those people Jesus accepted, but the leaders regarded as outcasts.
  11. Luke 15:3 tn Grk “parable, saying.” The participle λέγων (legōn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  12. Luke 15:4 tn Grk “What man.” The Greek word ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used here in a somewhat generic sense.
  13. Luke 15:4 sn This individual with a hundred sheep is a shepherd of modest means, as flocks often had up to two hundred head of sheep.
  14. Luke 15:4 tn Or “desert,” but here such a translation might suggest neglect of the 99 sheep left behind.
  15. Luke 15:4 tn Grk “go after,” but in contemporary English the idiom “to look for” is used to express this.
  16. Luke 15:4 sn Until he finds it. The parable pictures God’s pursuit of the sinner. On the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, see John 10:1-18.
  17. Luke 15:5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  18. Luke 15:6 tn Grk “And coming into his…” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  19. Luke 15:6 sn A touch of drama may be present, as the term calls together can mean a formal celebration (1 Kgs 1:9-10).
  20. Luke 15:6 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215). It occurs before “neighbors” as well (“his friends and his neighbors”) but has not been translated the second time because of English style.
  21. Luke 15:7 sn There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The pursuit of the sinner is a priority in spite of the presence of others who are doing well (see also Luke 5:32; 19:10). The theme of repentance, a major Lukan theme, is again emphasized.
  22. Luke 15:7 tn Here δικαίοις (dikaiois) is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”
  23. Luke 15:7 tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”
  24. Luke 15:8 sn This silver coin is a drachma, equal to a denarius, that is, a day’s pay for the average laborer.
  25. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “What woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses.” The initial participle ἔχουσα (echousa) has been translated as a finite verb parallel to ἀπολέσῃ (apolesē) in the conditional clause to improve the English style.
  26. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “one coin.”
  27. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “and sweep,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
  28. Luke 15:9 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  29. Luke 15:9 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
  30. Luke 15:9 sn Rejoice. Besides the theme of pursuing the lost, the other theme of the parable is the joy of finding them.
  31. Luke 15:9 tn Grk “drachma.”
  32. Luke 15:10 sn The whole of heaven is said to rejoice. Joy in the presence of God’s angels is a way of referring to God’s joy as well without having to name him explicitly. Contemporary Judaism tended to refer to God indirectly where possible out of reverence or respect for the divine name.
  33. Luke 15:11 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  34. Luke 15:11 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  35. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “And the.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  36. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
  37. Luke 15:12 tn L&N 57.19 notes that in nonbiblical contexts in which the word οὐσία (ousia) occurs, it refers to considerable possessions or wealth, thus “estate.”
  38. Luke 15:12 tn L&N 57.3, “to belong to or come to belong to, with the possible implication of by right or by inheritance.”
  39. Luke 15:12 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the father’s response to the younger son’s request.
  40. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
  41. Luke 15:12 sn He divided his assets between them. There was advice against doing this in the OT Apocrypha (Sir 33:20). The younger son would get half of what the older son received (Deut 21:17).
  42. Luke 15:13 tn Grk “And after.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  43. Luke 15:13 tn Grk “after not many days.”
  44. Luke 15:13 tn Or “wasted.” This verb is graphic; it means to scatter (L&N 57.151).
  45. Luke 15:13 tn Or “estate” (the same word has been translated “estate” in v. 12).
  46. Luke 15:14 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the sequence of events in the parable. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.
  47. Luke 15:15 tn Grk “joined himself to” (in this case an idiom for beginning to work for someone).
  48. Luke 15:15 tn Grk “and he.” Here the conjunction καί (kai) and the personal pronoun have been translated by a relative pronoun to improve the English style.
  49. Luke 15:15 sn To a Jew, being sent to the field to feed pigs would be an insult, since pigs were considered unclean animals (Lev 11:7).
  50. Luke 15:16 tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  51. Luke 15:16 tn Or “would gladly have eaten”; Grk “was longing to be filled with.”
  52. Luke 15:16 tn This term refers to the edible pods from a carob tree (BDAG 540 s.v. κεράτιον). They were bean-like in nature and were commonly used for fattening pigs, although they were also used for food by poor people (L&N 3.46).
  53. Luke 15:16 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
  54. Luke 15:17 tn Grk “came to himself” (an idiom).
  55. Luke 15:17 tn Grk “bread,” but used figuratively for food of any kind (L&N 5.1).
  56. Luke 15:18 sn In the confession “I have sinned” there is a recognition of wrong that pictures the penitent coming home and “being found.”
  57. Luke 15:18 sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God.
  58. Luke 15:18 tn According to BDAG 342 s.v. ἐνωπιον 4.a, “in relation to ἁμαρτάνειν ἐ. τινος sin against someone Lk 15:18, 21 (cp. Jdth 5:17; 1 Km 7:6; 20:1).”
  59. Luke 15:19 tn Or “make me.” Here is a sign of total humility.
  60. Luke 15:20 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the son’s decision to return home. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.
  61. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “a long way off from [home].” The word “home” is implied (L&N 85.16).
  62. Luke 15:20 tn Or “felt great affection for him,” “felt great pity for him.”sn The major figure of the parable, the forgiving father, represents God the Father and his compassionate response. God is ready with open arms to welcome the sinner who comes back to him.
  63. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “he fell on his neck,” an idiom for showing special affection for someone by throwing one’s arms around them. The picture is of the father hanging on the son’s neck in welcome.
  64. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  65. Luke 15:21 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  66. Luke 15:21 sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God. 1st century Judaism tended to minimize use of the divine name out of reverence.
  67. Luke 15:21 sn The younger son launches into his confession just as he had planned. See vv. 18-19.
  68. Luke 15:22 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
  69. Luke 15:22 sn With the instructions Hurry! Bring the best robe, there is a total acceptance of the younger son back into the home.
  70. Luke 15:22 tn Grk “hand,” but χείρ (cheir) can refer to either the whole hand or any relevant part of it (L&N 8.30).
  71. Luke 15:22 sn The need for sandals underlines the younger son’s previous destitution, because he was barefoot.
  72. Luke 15:23 tn Grk “And bring.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
  73. Luke 15:23 tn Or “the prize calf” (L&N 65.8). See also L&N 44.2, “grain-fattened.” Such a calf was usually reserved for religious celebrations.
  74. Luke 15:23 tn The participle φαγόντες (phagontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  75. Luke 15:24 sn This statement links the parable to the theme of 15:6, 9.
  76. Luke 15:24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the father’s remarks in the preceding verses.
  77. Luke 15:25 tn Grk “And as.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  78. Luke 15:25 sn This would have been primarily instrumental music, but might include singing as well.
  79. Luke 15:26 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the older son hearing the noise of the celebration in progress.
  80. Luke 15:26 tn The Greek term here, παῖς (pais), describes a slave, possibly a household servant regarded with some affection (L&N 87.77).
  81. Luke 15:27 tn Grk “And he said to him.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated. The rest of the phrase has been simplified to “the slave replied,” with the referent (the slave) specified in the translation for clarity.
  82. Luke 15:27 tn See note on the phrase “fattened calf” in v. 23.
  83. Luke 15:27 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the younger son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  84. Luke 15:28 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the older son, v. 25) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  85. Luke 15:28 tn The aorist verb ὠργίσθη (ōrgisthē) has been translated as an ingressive aorist, reflecting entry into a state or condition.
  86. Luke 15:28 sn Ironically the attitude of the older son has left him outside and without joy.
  87. Luke 15:29 tn Grk “but answering, he said.” This is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “but he answered.”
  88. Luke 15:29 tn Or simply, “have served,” but in the emotional context of the older son’s outburst the translation given is closer to the point.
  89. Luke 15:29 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to bring out the contrast indicated by the context.
  90. Luke 15:29 sn You never gave me even a goat. The older son’s complaint was that the generous treatment of the younger son was not fair: “I can’t get even a little celebration with a basic food staple like a goat!”
  91. Luke 15:30 sn Note the younger son is not “my brother” but this son of yours (an expression with a distinctly pejorative nuance).
  92. Luke 15:30 sn This is another graphic description. The younger son’s consumption had been like a glutton. He had both figuratively and literally devoured the assets which were given to him.
  93. Luke 15:30 sn The charge concerning the prostitutes is unproven, but essentially the older brother accuses the father of committing an injustice by rewarding his younger son’s unrighteous behavior.
  94. Luke 15:30 sn See note on the phrase “fattened calf” in v. 23.
  95. Luke 15:31 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the parable.
  96. Luke 15:31 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the father) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  97. Luke 15:32 tn Or “necessary.”
  98. Luke 15:32 sn By referring to him as your brother, the father reminded the older brother that the younger brother was part of the family.
  99. Luke 15:32 sn The theme he was lost and is found is repeated from v. 24. The conclusion is open-ended. The reader is left to ponder with the older son (who pictures the scribes and Pharisees) what the response will be. The parable does not reveal the ultimate response of the older brother. Jesus argued that sinners should be pursued and received back warmly when they returned.