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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 15:21 The son declared, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/15-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/42_Luk_15_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 15:21 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The son declared, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/15-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/15-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm" title="Luke 15:20">◄</a> Luke 15:21 <a href="/luke/15-22.htm" title="Luke 15:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/15.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220The son said to him, &#8216Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/luke/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ <a href="/esv/luke/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; no longer am I worthy to be called your son.' <a href="/kjv/luke/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/nkjv/luke/15.htm">New King James Version</a> And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/nasb_/luke/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/nasb/luke/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And the son said to him, &#8216Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/luke/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/lsb/luke/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/amp/luke/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/csb/luke/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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.’ <a href="/hcsb/luke/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I&#8217m no longer worthy to be called your son.&#8217 <a href="/asv/luke/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/cev/luke/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The son said, "Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son." <a href="/erv/luke/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/gwt/luke/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then his son said to him, 'Father, I've sinned against heaven and you. I don't deserve to be called your son anymore.' <a href="/gnt/luke/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> 'Father,' the son said, 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' <a href="/isv/luke/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then his son told him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and you. I don't deserve to be called your son anymore.' <a href="/msb/luke/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The son declared, ?Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.? <a href="/net/luke/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Then his son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' <a href="/nheb/luke/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' <a href="/wbt/luke/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "'Father,' cried the son, 'I have sinned against Heaven and before you: no longer do I deserve to be called a son of yours.' <a href="/web/luke/15.htm">World English Bible</a> The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the son said to him, Father, I sinned—to Heaven, and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. <a href="/blb/luke/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; no longer am I worthy to be called your son.' <a href="/ylt/luke/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the son said to him, Father, I did sin -- to the heaven, and before thee, and no more am I worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/slt/luke/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the son said to him, Father, I sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the son said to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, I am not now worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/cpdv/luke/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the son said to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. Now I am not worthy to be called your son.’ <a href="/nabre/luke/15.htm">New American Bible</a> His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ <a href="/nrsvce/luke/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And his son said to him, My father, I have sinned before heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to be called your son. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And his son said to him, “My father, I have sinned toward Heaven and before you, and I am not worthy that I should be called your son.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But his son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son. <a href="/godbey/luke/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: and I am no more worthy to be called thy son.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. <a href="/mace/luke/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. <a href="/wey/luke/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "'Father,' cried the son, 'I have sinned against Heaven and before you: no longer do I deserve to be called a son of yours.' <a href="/worrell/luke/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And the son said to the father, 'Father, I sinned against Heaven, and before you; no longer am I worthy to be called your son!'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And <Fr>his<FR> son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/15-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6317" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/15.htm">The Parable of the Prodigal Son</a> …20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">son</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">declared,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Pater (N-VMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">‘Father,</a> <a href="/greek/264.htm" title="264: hēmarton (V-AIA-1S) -- Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.">I have sinned</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranon (N-AMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">against</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I am</a> <a href="/greek/3765.htm" title="3765: ouketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.">no longer</a> <a href="/greek/514.htm" title="514: axios (Adj-NMS) -- Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.">worthy</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: klēthēnai (V-ANP) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">to be called</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">son.’</a> 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! / Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ... <a href="/hosea/14-1.htm">Hosea 14:1-2</a> Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a> Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a> Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? <a href="/jeremiah/3-12.htm">Jeremiah 3:12-13</a> Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8-10</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. / Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/psalms/32-5.htm">Psalm 32:5</a> Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a> This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a> “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.Father.<a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Luke 15:18,19</a> I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, … <a href="/jeremiah/3-13.htm">Jeremiah 3:13</a> Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.<a href="/ezekiel/16-63.htm">Ezekiel 16:63</a> That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.against.<a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a> Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.<a href="/psalms/143-2.htm">Psalm 143:2</a> And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.<a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">1 Corinthians 8:12</a> But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/9-38.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Deserve</a> <a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/matthew/26-42.htm">Father</a> <a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Worthy</a> <a href="/luke/15-18.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/16-24.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/luke/23-15.htm">Deserve</a> <a href="/luke/16-3.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/luke/16-15.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/john/12-26.htm">Father</a> <a href="/luke/15-22.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/16-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/luke/16-15.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/luke/17-1.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/john/9-2.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/luke/20-35.htm">Worthy</a> <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 15</div>1. <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">The parable of the lost sheep;</a> 8. <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">of the piece of silver;</a> 11. <a href="/luke/15-11.htm">of the prodigal son.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The son declared This phrase indicates a moment of confession and humility. The son, representing a repentant sinner, acknowledges his wrongdoing. In the cultural context of the time, a son addressing his father in such a manner would signify deep respect and recognition of authority. This declaration is a pivotal moment in the parable, illustrating the beginning of reconciliation.‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. The use of "Father" signifies a personal relationship, emphasizing the familial bond that has been strained by the son's actions. "Sinned against heaven" reflects a Jewish understanding of sin as an offense against God, aligning with <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a>, where David acknowledges his sin against God. The dual confession "against heaven and against you" underscores the gravity of his actions, affecting both divine and human relationships. This mirrors the biblical principle that sin often has both vertical (Godward) and horizontal (manward) dimensions.I am no longer worthy to be called your son. This statement reveals the son's deep sense of unworthiness and repentance. In the cultural context, a son who squandered his inheritance would be seen as having brought shame upon his family, potentially leading to disownment. The son's acknowledgment of his unworthiness is a critical step in the process of repentance, aligning with the biblical theme of humility before restoration, as seen in <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." This phrase also foreshadows the grace and forgiveness that the father, representing God, is about to extend, highlighting the theme of redemption and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_prodigal_son.htm">The Prodigal Son</a> A young man who squandered his inheritance in reckless living and returned to his father in repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_father.htm">The Father</a> Represents God, who is loving and forgiving, welcoming the repentant son back with open arms. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_far_country.htm">The Far Country</a> Symbolizes a life of sin and separation from God, where the prodigal son wasted his inheritance. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_return.htm">The Return</a> The pivotal event where the son acknowledges his sin and returns to his father, seeking forgiveness. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_confession.htm">The Confession</a> The son's admission of sin against heaven and his father, highlighting his repentance and humility.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/repentance_is_key.htm">Repentance is Key</a> True repentance involves acknowledging our sins and turning back to God, as demonstrated by the prodigal son. <a href="/topical/g/god's_unconditional_love.htm">God's Unconditional Love</a> The father's response shows that God's love and forgiveness are always available, regardless of our past. <a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a> The son's admission of unworthiness teaches us the importance of approaching God with humility. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_reconciliation.htm">Restoration and Reconciliation</a> God desires to restore and reconcile us to Himself, just as the father restored his son to his family. <a href="/topical/t/the_joy_of_return.htm">The Joy of Return</a> There is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, reflecting the father's joy at his son's return.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 15</a> <a href="/q/what_occurs_when_a_son_returns_home.htm">What happens when a wayward son returns home?</a> <a href="/q/bible_on_confession_and_forgiveness.htm">What does the Bible say about confession and forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/is_sin_confession_needed_for_forgiveness.htm">Is confessing sins necessary for divine forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_confession_heal_and_forgive.htm">How does confession lead to forgiveness and healing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Father, I have sinned against heaven.--The iteration of the self-same words comes to us with a wonderful power and pathos. The contrite soul does not play with its contrition, or seek to vary its expression. But the change is as suggestive as the repetition. Now that he has seen his father, he cannot bring himself to say again, "Make me as one of thy hired servants." That had been a natural and right wish before; it would savour of unreality and hypocrisy now. This also has its analogue in the history of true penitents. In the first stirrings of contrition they stand afar off, and as they confess their sins hardly dare to hope for restoration to the blessedness of sons; but when they have felt the Father's kiss, though still confessing that they are unworthy to be called sons, they cannot be satisfied with anything less than sonship.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Many, though not all, of the older authorities add here (apparently taking them from ver. 19) the words, "make me as one of thy hired (servants)." The selfsame words of store original resolution are repeated. They had been stamped deep into the sad heart which so intensely desired a return to the old quiet, pure home-life; but now in his father's presence he feels all is forgiven and forgotten, therefore he no longer asks to be made as one of the servants. He feels that great love will be satisfied with nothing less than restoring him, the erring one, to all the glories and happiness of the old life. <a href="/commentaries/luke/15-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. son υἱὸς (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. declared, Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘Father, Πάτερ (Pater) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. I have sinned ἥμαρτον (hēmarton) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_264.htm">Strong's 264: </a> Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. against εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. heaven οὐρανὸν (ouranon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. against ἐνώπιόν (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. you. σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. I am εἰμὶ (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no longer οὐκέτι (ouketi) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3765.htm">Strong's 3765: </a> No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer. worthy ἄξιος (axios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_514.htm">Strong's 514: </a> Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable. to be called κληθῆναι (klēthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. son.’ υἱός (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/15-21.htm">Luke 15:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 15:21 The son said to him 'Father (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 15:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 15:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/15-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 15:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 15:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>