The Parable of the Lost Son

11 And he said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his[fn] father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.’ So he divided his[fn] assets between them. 13 And after not many days, the younger son gathered everything and[fn] went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth by[fn] living wastefully. 14 And after[fn] he had spent everything, there was a severe famine throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and[fn] hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to tend pigs. 16 And he was longing to fill his stomach with[fn] the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving anything[fn] to him.

17 “But when he[fn] came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have an abundance of food,[fn] and I am dying here from hunger! 18 I will set out and[fn] go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight![fn] 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’ 20 And he set out and[fn] came to his own father. But while[fn] he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him[fn] and kissed him. 21 And his[fn] son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight![fn] I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his[fn] father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it[fn] on him, and put a ring on his finger[fn] and sandals on his[fn] feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it[fn] and let us eat and[fn] celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and[fn] approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the slaves and[fn] asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has gotten him back healthy.’ 28 But he became angry and did not want to go in. So his father came out and[fn] began to implore[fn] him. 29 But he answered and[fn] said to his father, ‘Behold, so many years I have served you, and have never disobeyed your command! And you never gave me a young goat so that I could celebrate with my friends! 30 But when this son of yours returned—who has consumed your assets with prostitutes—you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 But he said to him, ‘Child, you are always with me, and everything I have belongs to you.[fn] 32 But it was necessary to celebrate and to rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead, and is alive, and was lost, and is found!’ ”