Prodigal Son
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Also known as Parable of the Prodigal Son · The Lost Son · Illustration of the Lost Son · The Prodigal Son's Homecoming · The Two Sons
In 1896, the prodigal son was explained as representing tax collectors and sinners among the Jews, while the older son represented the Pharisees and other Jews who valued the Law Covenant but failed to show mercy. This understanding was repeated in 1900 and 1914, together with lessons about forgiveness. In 1923 and 1924, the illustration was also applied to the clergy's attitude toward ordinary people and to the eventual return of the human family to God. In 1931, the return of mankind to God's household through Christ's Kingdom was emphasized. In October and November 1943, the parable was presented as a prophecy undergoing its principal fulfillment before Armageddon: the older son represented the anointed remnant, and the younger son a particular class of prospective earthly sons belonging to the other sheep. This interpretation was repeatedly promoted in 1944, including through a worldwide Prodigal Son Testimony Period, and continued in 1945 and 1946. Publications in 1947, 1953 and 1963 also emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation. In 1965, the prophetic interpretation was retained but qualified: not all other sheep were represented by the younger son, and not all anointed Christians by the older son. From 1967 onward, the illustration was increasingly applied to helping those who had stopped associating with the Christian congregation. In 1981, the son's repentance was used when discussing how parents might deal with a disfellowshipped child. In 1982, the two sons were compared with dedicated Christians who had known God's household, while in 1989 and 1991 the modern application involving the little flock and other sheep was repeated. From 1995 through 2003, publications stressed repentance, family relationships and mercy. In 2008, it was clarified that most inactive Christians were not exactly like the prodigal son. In 2014, the younger son was broadly explained as representing those who had strayed from the congregation. In 2024, the father's example supported proactive help for removed persons, alongside an adjustment permitting a simple greeting at congregation meetings according to individual conscience. Publications in 2025 and 2026 continued emphasizing God's readiness to receive repentant sinners. No explicit published withdrawal of the 1943 prophetic application was established.
- Luke 15:1, 2
- Luke 15:11-32
- Luke 15:17-24
- Luke 15:25-32
- John 10:16
- Luke 12:32
- Matt. 25:31-46
- Isa. 25:6
- Isa. 55:7
- Mal. 3:7
- 2 Pet. 3:9
- 1 Cor. 5:11-13
- 2 John 9-11
Rutherford
Joseph F. Rutherford · 1917–1942
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The parable is used to illustrate God's love for lost humanity, not merely the repentance of Jewish sinners. Its older-son imagery is also applied to self-righteous religious leaders in modern Christendom. The return of the prodigal is linked with God's purpose to restore the human family.
2 quotes
The parable shows that God lets his wayward children go their own way.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1923 But the child begotten of one’s own life has much more value than property, and the prodigal human family are shown to be children dear to the heart of God.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1924
Knorr
Nathan H. Knorr · 1942–1977
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The illustration is identified as a prophecy having its main fulfillment during the time of the end, before Armageddon. The older son pictures the anointed, spirit-begotten remnant who have the heavenly hope. The younger son pictures a particular class of people with the earthly hope who knew something of God's purposes but chose worldly pleasures rather than immediate service to Jehovah. Their eventual return represents people of goodwill responding to Kingdom preaching, repenting, dedicating themselves to God and joining his organization. This interpretation was promoted in 1944 through a special worldwide preaching campaign and continued to appear in 1945 and 1946.
11 quotes
Among those coming to the “feast of wines on the lees” is the “prodigal son”.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1943 The parable of the prodigal son not only is rated as the finest short story ever told by a man but is also a prophecy.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1943 Since 1918 the “prodigal son” class have joined themselves to the totalitarian-minded “citizen of that country” for a job and something to eat.
The Watchtower, November 15, 1943 When the boy returned home and was met first by the one whose house he had abandoned he addressed him, saying: "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”
The Watchtower, December 15, 1943 All familiar with the parable remember that the prophetic story of the prodigal son was given by Jesus in connection with his nation-wide announcement of the Kingdom of God.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1944 All proclaimers of Kingdom truth will joyfully engage in the service of the Kingdom during October by having a large share in taking to the “prodigal son” class the truths the Lord has for them.
Informant, September 1944 That which now causes those estranged from their Father’s home to return and join themselves to him is a realization from a knowledge of the truth that there is abundance and to spare in God's organization.
Informant, October 1944 His confession with repentance pictures that the “prodigal” class confess their sins, ask forgiveness through Christ’s meritorious sacrifice and consecrate themselves fully to Jehovah the Father.
1944 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses Now the “prodigal son” class is partaking of that feast, and no one need go lean and in hungry dolefulness.
Consolation, January 3, 1945 The only way for them to escape from the deadly affliction of this spiritual famine is to come to their senses and seek knowledge from the heavenly Father and come home to his Theocratic organization.
The Watchtower, January 1, 1946 Those who dropped away during war years, if now showing the attitude and action of the “prodigal son”, should be received back cordially and given a part in the Father’s service.
The Watchtower, June 1, 1946 -
The modern prophetic application is restated with more precise limitations. The younger son represents only those among the other sheep who followed a wayward course, not all Christians with the earthly hope. The older son represents only those among the anointed remnant who resent the attention and recognition given to the earthly class. The articles also retrospectively identify the 1943 explanation and 1944 preaching campaign as landmarks in gathering the other sheep.
3 quotes
It would not be true, however, to say that all the “other sheep” of John 10:16 are pictured by the “younger son.”
The Watchtower, August 1, 1965, A Young Man Goes Astray In this regard the older son does not picture the entire remnant of the “little flock” yet on earth, but only those who adopt an attitude similar to his.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1965, Jehovah—a God of Love and Patience Interest in the “prodigal son” class was then shown by the publication of two articles, “The Prodigal Son in Need,” and “The Prodigal Son’s Homecoming,” in the Watchtower issues of November 1 and 15, 1943.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1965, Turning to Jehovah -
The parable is applied more directly to Christians who have stopped associating with the congregation or abandoned God's standards. Those who truly repent and discontinue wrongdoing are encouraged to return. Fellow believers should welcome and assist them rather than treat them with contempt.
2 quotes
Come to the congregation meetings. There you will receive a warm welcome and needed assistance to live properly.
The Watchtower, March 1, 1967, A God of Loving-Kindness A considerable number of persons today have taken a course much like that of the younger son when leaving his father's house.
The Watchtower, July 15, 1972
Governing Body
1992–
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The younger son is presented in general terms as representing people who have strayed from the congregation. The father represents Jehovah, and the emphasis is on his readiness to forgive and on the responsibility of other Christians to help inactive persons, welcome those who repent and encourage parents whose children have left worship.
4 quotes
The son who asks for his inheritance and then squanders it represents those who have strayed from the congregation.
The Watchtower, December 15, 2014, Do You Grasp the Meaning? Jehovah is like the father in that illustration. He loves our inactive brothers and sisters and wants them to return to him.
The Watchtower (Study), June 2020, Return to Me The merciful father in the illustration represents Jehovah.
The Watchtower (Study), October 2021, We Serve the God Who Is Rich in Mercy If your child has decided to leave Jehovah, do not give up hope that one day he will return.
The Watchtower (Study), May 2022, Parents—Help Your Children to Love Jehovah -
The father's compassionate reception of his lost son is used to encourage congregation elders to take the initiative in reaching out to removed persons and helping them repent. A related adjustment allows Christians to decide according to their Bible-trained conscience whether to invite a removed person to a congregation meeting or offer a simple greeting there, while continued social association remains restricted.
2 quotes
What a heartwarming and reassuring picture Jesus painted of our merciful Father, Jehovah!
The Watchtower (Study), August 2024, Jehovah Wants All to Repent In the past, we would not greet such a person.
The Watchtower (Study), August 2024, Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation
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