And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

LUKE 15:31KJV
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Luke 15:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:31 mean?

Luke 15:31 records the father reassuring his older son that he has always been with him and that everything the father owns belongs to him. The verse highlights the father's ongoing relationship and generosity toward the son who stayed.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable. The father is speaking to his older son, who is upset about the celebration for his wayward brother’s return. The father’s words emphasize that the older son has never been neglected or overlooked; he has always had access to the father's presence and resources. This moment helps clarify the father's attitude of steady love and inclusion.

Why Luke 15:31 matters

  • Luke 15:31 addresses a common misunderstanding that loyalty or obedience goes unnoticed; the father affirms that the faithful son’s position and inheritance are secure.
  • The verse reveals the father’s heart, showing that his love is not diminished by welcoming back the lost son—he values both sons deeply.
  • In the context of Jesus’ parable, this line helps explain God’s attitude toward both those who stray and those who remain faithful, inviting listeners to see the generosity and fairness in the father’s response.

Where else these words appear

“thine” Greek G4674 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
  • John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

“ever” Greek G3842 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“have” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.