17 When he came to his senses,B he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!* 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinneda against heavenb and in your sight. 19 I’m no longer worthyc to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.d He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissede him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robef and put it on him; put a ringg on his finger and sandalsh on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calfi and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again;j he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. 27 ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’D

28 “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assetsE with prostitutes,k you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’

31 “ ‘Son,’F he said to him, ‘you are always with me,l and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”