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 tn Grk “but answering, he said.” This is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “but he answered.”
5 tn Or simply, “have served,” but in the emotional context of the older son’s outburst the translation given is closer to the point.
6 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to bring out the contrast indicated by the context.
7 sn You never gave me even a goat. The older son’s complaint was that the generous treatment of the younger son was not fair: “I can’t get even a little celebration with a basic food staple like a goat!”