But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

LUKE 15:22KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 15:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:22 mean?

Luke 15:22 describes the father telling his servants to bring out the best robe, put it on his son, and give him a ring and shoes. This shows the father’s immediate and generous welcome of his son, treating him with honor and restoring his place in the family.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story (the parable of the prodigal son) where the father represents a figure of compassion and forgiveness. The father is speaking to his servants after his lost son has returned home, and instead of scolding or punishing him, the father commands that his son be dressed in fine clothing and given symbols of dignity and belonging.

The Greek behind Luke 15:22

  • "δοῦλοι" (douloi, G1401) means "servants" or "slaves." The father’s instructions are directed to those who serve him, showing he has authority and resources.
  • "πρώτην" (prōtēn, G4413) means "best" or "first." The father asks for the finest robe, not just any garment, highlighting the special honor being given.
  • "δακτύλιον" (daktulion, G1146) means "ring." In the ancient world, a ring often signified authority, family status, or acceptance.
  • "ὑποδήματα" (hupodēmata, G5266) means "shoes" or "sandals." Servants often went barefoot, so giving shoes marks the son’s restoration as a free and honored member of the household.

Why Luke 15:22 matters

  • Luke 15:22 clarifies that the father’s response is not hesitant or conditional; he acts immediately and lavishly to restore his son’s dignity.
  • The verse emphasizes the reversal of the son’s status from shame and loss to honor and acceptance, which is central to the message of the parable.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing the father’s joy and readiness to forgive, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teaching about God’s character.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Greek G1627 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

“robe” Greek G4749 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
  • Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

“shoes” Greek G5266 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
  • John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

“on” Greek G1746 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.