Was dead - This is capable of two significations:
- “I supposed” that he was dead, but I know now that he is alive.
- He was “dead to virtue” - he was sunk in pleasure and vice.
The word is not unfrequently thus used. See 1 Timothy 5:6; Matthew 8:22; Romans 6:13. Hence, to be restored to “virtue” is said to be restored again to life, Romans 6:13; Revelation 3:1; Ephesians 2:1. It is probable that this latter is the meaning here. See Luke 15:32.
Was lost - Had wandered away from home, and we knew not where he was.