Keraia
Luke 15

Luke 15:21

The Parable of the Prodigal Son · Luke 15:11–32
Read Luke 15

Translations

Modern
The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Traditional
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.
Literal
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I sinned against heaven and before you; no longer am I worthy to be called your son.’
Latin
Dixitque ei filius: Pater, peccavi in cælum, et coram te: jam non sum dignus vocari filius tuus.

Original

Greek
English
The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

Notes

Luke 15:21

The son delivered the speech he had practiced. Some early Greek manuscripts add Please take me on as a hired servant. The absence of this sentence in the majority of the manuscripts suggests his father interrupted him before he could finish what he wanted to say.

Luke 15:11–32

Like the previous two parables (15:3–7, 8–10), the parable of the lost son demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy God experiences when they return. It also reflects the ministry of Jesus. The father represents God, the younger son represents the tax collectors and sinners Jesus welcomed, and the older son represents the religious leaders.

Luke 15:1–32

Chapter 15 contains three related parables of things lost and found:

The loss of something loved causes deep sorrow, whereas finding it brings great joy. There is great rejoicing in heaven when lost sinners return to their heavenly Father.

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 21:18–21

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Judaism Love Luke, Gospel of Sin

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Afflictions and Adversities: Prodigal Son Afflictions Made Beneficial: Prodigal's Son Confession of Sin: Illustrated God: Love of, Exemplified Jesus, the Christ: Enunciates the Parables of the Lost Sheep, of the Lost Piece of Silver, of the Prodigal Son Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Prodigal Son and his Older Brother Joy in Heaven Joy of the Father, when his Prodigal Son Returned Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Pardon: Illustrated Penitent: Promises To Prodigal Son: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Illustrated Repentance: The Prodigal Son Select Readings: The Parable of the Prodigal Son Sin: Confession of Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning