Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 15:24

"for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." — Luke 15:24 (ASV)

Was dead. This is capable of two meanings:

1. I supposed that he was dead, but I know now that he is alive.
2. He was dead to virtue—he was sunk in pleasure and vice. The word is often used this way. See 1 Timothy 5:6; Matthew 8:22; Romans 6:13.

Therefore, to be restored to virtue is said to be restored to life (Romans 6:13; Revelation 3:1; Ephesians 2:1).

It is probable that the latter is the meaning here. See Luke 15:31.

Was lost. He had wandered away from home, and we did not know where he was.

Is alive again: Romans 6:11, 13. Was lost: Ezekiel 34:4, 16; Luke 19:10.