Question 1

What does Luke 15:21 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 15:21 shows the younger son admitting his wrongdoing to his father, saying he has sinned against both heaven and his father, and feels unworthy to be called his son. This verse highlights the son's deep regret and humility as he returns home after wasting his inheritance. In this scene, Jesus is telling a story (the parable of the prodigal son) to a crowd. The son, who had left home and lived recklessly, now confesses his failures directly to his father. By saying he has sinned "against heaven, and in thy sight," the son recognizes both a spiritual and a personal offense. His words express not just guilt, but a sense of lost status and deep humility before his father.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 15:21

Accepted Answer

ἥμαρτον (hēmarton; "sinned"): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. The son uses it to admit real failure, not just a minor mistake. οὐκέτι (ouketi; "no more" or "no longer"): This word stresses that the son feels he has lost his right to be called a son, not just that he feels bad about what he did. ἄξιος (axios; "worthy"): This word means deserving or fit. The son is saying he does not deserve the status or privileges of being called a son anymore.

Question 3

Why Luke 15:21 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 15:21 clears up that the son's apology is not just about feeling sorry, but about recognizing the full weight of his actions and their consequences. The verse emphasizes the son's humility and his willingness to accept whatever his father decides, showing a real change in his heart. This confession sets up the father's response in the next verses, highlighting the contrast between the son's sense of unworthiness and the father's generous forgiveness.

Luke 15:21 (KJV)