Luke 15:5-7

15:5 Then ¹  when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 15:6 Returning ²  home, he calls together ³  his ⁴  friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 15:7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner ⁵  who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people ⁶  who have no need to repent. ⁷ 

Luke 15:23-24

15:23 Bring ⁸  the fattened calf ⁹  and kill it! Let us eat ¹⁰  and celebrate, 15:24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again – he was lost and is found!’ ¹¹  So ¹²  they began to celebrate.

¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

² tn Grk “And coming into his…” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

³ sn A touch of drama may be present, as the term calls together can mean a formal celebration (1 Kgs 1:9-10).

⁴ tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215). It occurs before “neighbors” as well (“his friends and his neighbors”) but has not been translated the second time because of English style.

⁵ sn There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The pursuit of the sinner is a priority in spite of the presence of others who are doing well (see also Luke 5:32; 19:10). The theme of repentance, a major Lukan theme, is again emphasized.

⁶ tn Here δικαίοις (dikaioi") is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”

⁷ tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”

⁸ tn Grk “And bring.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.

⁹ tn Or “the prize calf” (L&N 65.8). See also L&N 44.2, “grain-fattened.” Such a calf was usually reserved for religious celebrations.

¹⁰ tn The participle φαγόντες (fagontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

¹¹ sn This statement links the parable to the theme of 15:6, 9.

¹² tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the father’s remarks in the preceding verses.