It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

LUKE 15:32KJV
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Luke 15:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:32 mean?

Luke 15:32 describes the father's explanation for celebrating the return of his lost son, saying it was right to rejoice because the son who was thought dead is now alive, and the one who was lost has been found. The verse highlights the appropriateness of joy and restoration after a time of loss.

In this verse, Jesus is finishing the parable of the prodigal son, speaking to a group that includes both religious leaders and ordinary people. The father is addressing the older brother, who is upset about the celebration for his wayward sibling. The father's words stress that restoration and forgiveness are reasons for genuine happiness, not resentment.

The Greek behind Luke 15:32

  • "meet" (δεῖ, dei): This word means "it is necessary" or "it is fitting." The father is not just saying it's nice to celebrate, but that it is the right and necessary response to the son's return.
  • "merry" (εὐφραίνεσθαι, euphrainesthai): This word means to rejoice or celebrate, often with a sense of shared joy. It emphasizes the communal aspect of the celebration.
  • "glad" (χαίρειν, chairein): This is another word for being glad or rejoicing, but it can also carry the sense of deep, heartfelt happiness.
  • "dead" (νεκρός, nekros): Used metaphorically here, it means the son was as good as dead to the family, but now he is "alive again" (ἀναζάω, anazaō), showing a complete turnaround.

Why Luke 15:32 matters

  • Luke 15:32 clarifies that the father's joy is not just emotional but is presented as the right response to a lost person's return, countering the older brother's resentment.
  • The verse ties together the themes of loss and restoration that run through all three parables in Luke 15, showing God's heart for the lost.
  • By using strong words for necessity and joy, the verse challenges listeners to see forgiveness and restoration as central values, not optional extras.

Where else these words appear

“again” Greek G326 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
  • Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

“merry” Greek G2165 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

“glad” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“lost” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.