“When he had spent
Everything he had,
A severe famine
Took place
Throughout that country.
He began
To be in need.”
δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὰ κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην, καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι.
This long parable story about the prodigal son can only be found in Luke, not in any of the other gospel stories. Luke indicated that Jesus said that when this young prodigal son had spent everything that he had (δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα), a severe famine took place (ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὰ) throughout that country (κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην). He began to be and feel needy (καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι). Having dissipated his wealth, he was broke in a foreign land, where there was a famine. He really began to feel like he needed help. Have you ever felt like you needed help?
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 