Bible Dictionaries
Prodigal Son

Holman Bible Dictionary

Popular term used to identify Jesus' parable in Luke 15:11-32 . English translations do not use the term prodigal meaning, “reckless” or “wasteful,” though they speak of the younger son's wasting or squandering his property ( Luke 15:13 ). “The Prodigal Son” is an unfortunate designation for this parable told in defense of Jesus' practice of fellowshipping with sinners (Luke 15:1 ). The parable focuses not on the reckless-then-repentant younger son but on the waiting father who rushes to welcome his child home and calls all, elder brother included, to share the joy of homecoming.