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.

LUKE 15:21KJV
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Luke 15:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 15:21 mean?

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.

The Greek behind Luke 15:21

  • 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.

Why Luke 15:21 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“sinned” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

“in” Greek G1799 · used in 89 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.