Luke 15:7

15:7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner ¹  who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people ²  who have no need to repent. ³ 

Luke 15:10

15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels ⁴  over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:24

15:24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again – he was lost and is found!’ ⁵  So ⁶  they began to celebrate.

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¹ 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.

² tn Here δικαίοις (dikaioi") is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”

³ tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”

⁴ sn The whole of heaven is said to rejoice. Joy in the presence of God’s angels is a way of referring to God’s joy as well without having to name him explicitly. Contemporary Judaism tended to refer to God indirectly where possible out of reverence or respect for the divine name.

⁵ sn This statement links the parable to the theme of 15:6, 9.

⁶ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the father’s remarks in the preceding verses.