And he said, A certain man had two sons:

LUKE 15:11KJV
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Luke 15:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:11 mean?

Luke 15:11 introduces a story Jesus tells about a father and his two sons. By naming both sons at the outset, Jesus prepares his listeners to follow a family relationship, not just the actions of one person.

Jesus begins this story after speaking about a lost coin. Earlier in the chapter, tax collectors and others had gathered to hear him, while some religious leaders complained that he welcomed them.

Why Luke 15:11 matters

  • Both sons matter to the story. The younger son leaves home in verse 13, but the older son also has a part in the family’s response when his brother returns in verses 25–28.

  • The father connects the two parts of the story. He receives the younger son in verse 20 and later goes out to speak with the older son in verse 28.

Where else these words appear

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?