Luke 15:25
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Now the older son was in the field: and when he came near the house, the sounds of music and dancing came to his ears.
Webster's Revision
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
World English Bible
"Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Definitions for Luke 15:25
Clarke's Luke 15:25 Bible Commentary
His elder son - Meaning probably persons of a regular moral life, who needed no repentance in comparison of the prodigal already described.
In the field - Attending the concerns of the farm.
He heard music - Συμφωνιας, a number of sounds mingled together, as in a concert.
Dancing - Χορων. But Le Clerc denies that the word means dancing at all, as it properly means a choir of singers. The symphony mentioned before may mean the musical instruments which accompanied the choirs of singers.
Barnes's Luke 15:25 Bible Commentary
In the field - At work. This eldest son is designed to represent the Pharisees who had found fault with the Saviour. Their conduct is likened to that of this envious and unnatural brother.
Music and dancing - Dancing was not uncommon among the Hebrews, and was used on various occasions. Thus Miriam celebrated the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt in dances as well as songs, Exodus 15:20. David danced before the ark, 2 Samuel 6:14. It was common at Jewish feasts Judges 21:19-21 and in public triumphs Judges 11:34, and at all seasons of mirth and rejoicings, Psalm 30:11; Jeremiah 31:4, Jeremiah 31:13. It was also used in religious services by the idolaters Exodus 32:19, and also by the Jews, at times, in their religious services, Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:4. In this case it was an expression of rejoicing. Our Lord expresses no opinion about its "propriety." He simply states "the fact," nor was there occasion for comment on it. His "mentioning it" cannot be pleaded for its lawfulness or propriety, any more than his mentioning the vice of the younger son, or the wickedness of the Pharisees, can be pleaded to justify their conduct. It is an expressive image, used in accordance with the known customs of the country, to express joy. It is farther to be remarked, that if the example of persons in Scripture be pleaded for dancing, it can be "only for just such dances as they practiced" - for sacred or triumphal occasions.
Wesley's Luke 15:25 Bible Commentary
15:25 The elder son seems to represent the Pharisees and scribes, mentioned Luke 15:2 .