The Best 50+ Bible Verses About The Prodigal Son
The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known parables in the Bible. It speaks to themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love.
This article brings together 50 Bible verses that highlight different aspects of this powerful story. Each verse offers a unique perspective, helping to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the parable.
50 Bible Verses About The Prodigal Son
10 Bible Verses on The Prodigal Son's Journey

- "Then He said: 'A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me." So he divided to them his livelihood.'" — Luke 15:11-12
- "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living." — Luke 15:13
- "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want." — Luke 15:14
- "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine." — Luke 15:15
- "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything." — Luke 15:16
- "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!'" — Luke 15:17
- "I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you," — Luke 15:18
- "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."' — Luke 15:19
- "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." — Luke 15:20
- "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'" — Luke 15:21
10 Bible Verses on The Prodigal Son's Return

- "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.'" — Luke 15:22
- "And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;" — Luke 15:23
- "for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry." — Luke 15:24
- "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing." — Luke 15:25
- "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant." — Luke 15:26
- "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'" — Luke 15:27
- "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him." — Luke 15:28
- "So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends." — Luke 15:29
- "But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'" — Luke 15:30
- "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.'" — Luke 15:31
10 Bible Verses on The Prodigal Son's Forgiveness

- "It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found." — Luke 15:32
- "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." — Matthew 6:14
- "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
- "bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9
- "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." — Luke 6:37
- "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
- "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." — Psalm 103:12
- "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." — Isaiah 1:18
- "Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy." — Micah 7:18
10 Bible Verses on The Prodigal Son's Redemption

- "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" — Romans 3:23
- "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" — Romans 5:1
- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
- "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." — Galatians 5:1
- "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" — Ephesians 1:7
- "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" — Titus 3:5
- "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." — Hebrews 9:12
- "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." — 1 Peter 1:18-19
- "Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.'" — Revelation 21:5
- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." — John 3:16
10 Bible Verses on The Prodigal Son's Lessons

- "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." — Luke 15:7
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6
- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28
- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13
- "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." — 2 Timothy 2:13
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." — James 1:5
- "Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" — Matthew 18:21-22
- "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." — Luke 6:31
- "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13
- "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What Does the Bible Say About The Prodigal Son
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful story that resonates with many people. It’s about a young man who makes mistakes but finds his way back home. This story is filled with lessons that can guide us in our daily lives.
One key theme is forgiveness. The father in the story forgives his son without hesitation. This mirrors how we should forgive others, as seen in verses like Matthew 6:14 and Ephesians 4:32. Forgiveness can heal relationships and bring peace to our hearts.
Another important theme is redemption. The son’s return symbolizes a fresh start. Verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 3:16 remind us that no matter how far we stray, we can always come back and be renewed. Redemption is about finding hope and starting anew.
The story also teaches us about unconditional love. The father’s love for his son never wavers, even when the son makes poor choices. This is a reflection of God’s love for us, as shown in Luke 15:20 and Romans 5:1. Unconditional love means accepting others as they are.
Lastly, the parable highlights the importance of humility. The son returns home humbled and willing to be a servant. This humility is echoed in verses like James 1:5 and Luke 6:31. Being humble allows us to grow and learn from our experiences.
How to Apply These Bible Verses About The Prodigal Son
Applying the Bible teachings from the story of the Prodigal Son can bring meaningful change to your daily life. These verses offer guidance on forgiveness, redemption, love, and humility, which are essential for personal growth and stronger relationships.
Here are some practical steps to live out these principles:
- Practice Forgiveness: Make it a habit to forgive those who wrong you. Start with small acts, like letting go of minor annoyances.
- Seek Redemption: If you’ve made mistakes, take steps to make amends. Apologize to those you’ve hurt and work on improving yourself.
- Show Unconditional Love: Love others without expecting anything in return. Be kind and supportive, even when it’s hard.
- Stay Humble: Acknowledge your faults and be open to learning from others. Humility can help you grow and connect better with people.
- Pray Regularly: Use the verses as a guide for your prayers. Ask for strength to forgive, love, and stay humble.
- Get Involved in Your Community: Join a local church group or volunteer. Being part of a community can reinforce these values.
Remember, God is always with you, guiding you through every step. Faith-driven transformation is possible, and these teachings can help you lead a more fulfilling life.
For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.