And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

LUKE 15:20KJV
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Luke 15:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:20 mean?

Luke 15:20 describes the moment when the lost son returns home and, while he is still far away, his father sees him, is filled with compassion, runs to him, embraces him, and kisses him. The verse highlights the father’s eagerness and deep love for his returning son, showing a warm and immediate welcome.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story (the parable of the prodigal son) to a crowd that includes both religious leaders and ordinary people. The son has left home and wasted his inheritance, but decides to return, hoping for mercy. The father’s actions—seeing the son from a distance, running, and embracing him—would have been striking to Jesus’s listeners, showing an unexpected and generous response.

The Greek behind Luke 15:20

  • The word for "had compassion" is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which means to feel deep, gut-level sympathy or mercy. This word shows that the father’s reaction is not just polite or formal, but deeply emotional.
  • The word for "ran" is τρέχω (trechō), which often implies urgency. In the culture of the time, it was unusual and undignified for an older man to run, so this detail emphasizes the father’s eagerness and disregard for social expectations out of love for his son.
  • The phrase "fell on his neck" uses the word τράχηλος (trachēlos) for "neck" and ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) for "fell upon," which together describe a strong, affectionate embrace, not just a casual greeting.
  • The word for "kissed" is καταφιλέω (kataphileō), which can mean to kiss repeatedly or tenderly, suggesting a warm, heartfelt welcome rather than a single formal kiss.

Why Luke 15:20 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the father is waiting passively or with anger; instead, he is actively watching and longing for his son’s return, showing readiness to forgive.
  • The father’s actions—running, embracing, and kissing—reveal a level of love and acceptance that would have surprised Jesus’s audience, challenging common views about dignity, forgiveness, and family honor.
  • Luke 15:20 sets the tone for the rest of the parable, emphasizing the theme of joyful restoration and helping listeners understand the depth of mercy being described in the whole story.

Where else these words appear

“kissed” Greek G2705 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
  • Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

“neck” Greek G5137 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
  • Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
  • Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

“way” Greek G3112 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship;(for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
  • Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

“off” Greek G568 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
  • Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: