King James Version

What Does Luke 15:21 Mean?

Luke 15:21 in the King James Version says “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called th...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 15:21 · KJV

Context

19

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21

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.

22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Read Luke 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The prodigal's actual confession mirrors his rehearsed speech (v. 19) but gets interrupted before he can propose becoming a hired servant. His confession contains three crucial elements: acknowledgment of sin "against heaven" (εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν, eis ton ouranon), recognizing that sin is ultimately against God; confession of sin "in thy sight" (ἐνώπιόν σου, enōpion sou), acknowledging personal offense against his father; and declaration of unworthiness for sonship.

The phrase "I have sinned" (ἥμαρτον, hēmarton) uses the aorist tense, indicating a decisive, completed action—genuine acknowledgment, not excuse-making. The dual direction of his sin—"against heaven" and "in thy sight"—reflects the theological truth that all sin is both vertical (against God) and horizontal (against others). David's confession in Psalm 51:4, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned," emphasizes sin's primary offense against God, even when it harms others.

Significantly, the father interrupts before the son can complete his planned request to become a hired servant (compare v. 19). Grace overtakes penance. The father's actions (vv. 22-24) demonstrate that God's forgiveness is not earned through self-abasement but freely given to the genuinely repentant. True repentance acknowledges unworthiness, but God's response transcends our expectations—He restores us to sonship, not servitude.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish understanding, sin was primarily offense against God's covenant, His law, and His holiness. The son's confession "against heaven" uses a Jewish circumlocution for God—"heaven" often substituted for the divine name out of reverence. His recognition of both vertical and horizontal dimensions of sin reflects proper Hebrew theology. The public nature of his offense (violating family honor, wasting inheritance among Gentiles) would require equally public confession and reconciliation in first-century Jewish culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the son's confession model the essential elements of genuine repentance before God?
  2. Why does the father interrupt the confession before the son can propose earning his way back as a servant?
  3. What does the dual nature of sin—against heaven and against people—teach about the comprehensive offense of rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἶπεν1 of 20

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ3 of 20

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ4 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱός5 of 20

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Πάτερ6 of 20

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἥμαρτον7 of 20

“I have sinned”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

εἰς8 of 20

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν9 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν10 of 20

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ11 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνώπιόν12 of 20

“in”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

σου13 of 20

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ14 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκέτι15 of 20

“no more”

G3765

not yet, no longer

εἰμὶ16 of 20

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἄξιος17 of 20

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

κληθῆναι18 of 20

“to be called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

υἱός19 of 20

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

σου20 of 20

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 15:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:4Luke 15:18-19Jeremiah 3:131 Corinthians 8:12Romans 2:4Psalms 143:2

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