Luke 15:18

KJV

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

KJV (with Strong's)

I will arise {G450} and go {G4198} to {G4314} my {G3450} father {G3962}, and {G2532} will say {G2046} unto him {G846}, Father {G3962}, I have sinned {G264} against {G1519} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} before {G1799} thee {G4675},

Complete Jewish Bible

I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you;

Berean Standard Bible

I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

American Standard Version

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:18 marks the turning point in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, capturing the moment of the younger son's profound internal transformation. After squandering his inheritance and facing the depths of destitution, he "comes to himself" and resolves to abandon his pride and self-reliance. This verse articulates his decision to return to his father, acknowledging the dual nature of his transgression: a sin against God ("heaven") and a direct offense against his earthly father. It is a pivotal declaration of repentance, humility, and the desperate hope for reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the profound and beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in [Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11-32 "The Parable of the Prodigal Son"). This parable is the culmination of three parables Jesus tells in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke Chapter 15 - Parables of the Lost"), following the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([Luke 15:3-7](/luke/15-3-7 "Parable of the Lost Sheep")) and the Parable of the Lost Coin ([Luke 15:8-10](/luke/15-8-10 "Parable of the Lost Coin")). All three parables serve as Jesus' direct response to the grumbling Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for associating with and eating with tax collectors and sinners ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Jesus Eats with Sinners")). The son's decision in this verse is the narrative pivot from his self-imposed exile and suffering to the anticipated path of restoration and reconciliation, setting the stage for the father's astonishing display of unconditional love and forgiveness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, a son demanding his inheritance while his father was still alive was an act of profound disrespect, akin to wishing his father dead. This action would have brought shame upon the family and was a radical rejection of familial and societal norms. The son's subsequent squandering of his wealth in a "far country" and his descent into feeding pigs (an unclean animal for Jews) would have signified the absolute lowest point of degradation and alienation for a Jewish person. His planned return, therefore, was not merely a physical journey but a desperate attempt to re-enter a community and family he had utterly disgraced. His intention to offer himself as a "hired servant" rather than a son reflects the cultural understanding that he had forfeited all rights and status, demonstrating a deep, culturally informed humility.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke Chapter 15 - Parables of the Lost") and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **repentance**, demonstrating that genuine turning involves a recognition of sin, a willingness to confess, and a decisive action to return. Secondly, it underscores the **nature of sin** as not merely a personal failing but ultimately an offense against God Himself, as evident in the phrase "sinned against heaven." Thirdly, it implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **divine grace and forgiveness**, as the son's resolution anticipates the father's overwhelming love and immediate acceptance, which is the central message of the entire chapter, especially seen in the father's response in [Luke 15:20-24](/luke/15-20-24 "The Father's Welcome"). The son's humility and the father's compassion together paint a vivid picture of God's heart for the lost, mirroring Jesus' mission to seek and save those who are lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arise (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This word, meaning "to stand up" or "to raise up," signifies a decisive, active movement from a state of inactivity or degradation. Here, it conveys the son's resolve to physically and spiritually lift himself out of his wretched condition. It's not a passive thought but an intention to take action, marking a turning point from despair to hopeful initiative.
* **sinned (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," this term encapsulates the son's moral failure. It means to err, especially in a moral sense, to trespass, or to offend. The son's use of this word indicates a clear and conscious acknowledgment of his wrongdoing, not merely as a mistake, but as a deliberate deviation from what is right and expected, both by his father and by God.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** While literally referring to the sky, in this context, "heaven" is a common Hebraism used to refer to God Himself. By saying he sinned "against heaven," the son acknowledges that his rebellion and moral failures were not just a breach of familial trust or societal norms, but fundamentally an offense against divine authority and the moral order established by God. This elevates the gravity of his confession beyond mere human relational brokenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will arise and go to my father,"**: This clause reveals the son's firm decision to act. It signifies a shift from passive suffering and self-pity to active repentance and a determined movement towards reconciliation. The "arise" (anístēmi) implies a spiritual awakening and a physical departure from his current state of destitution.
* **"and will say unto him,"**: This indicates the son's premeditated plan to confess. It highlights his humility and preparedness to articulate his wrongdoing, demonstrating that his return is not merely for physical sustenance but for a restoration of relationship, which requires verbal acknowledgment of his sin.
* **"Father, I have sinned against heaven,"**: This is the core of his confession. Addressing his father directly, the son first acknowledges the spiritual dimension of his sin. The phrase "against heaven" is a reverent Hebraism for "against God." This shows a profound understanding that all sin, regardless of its immediate target, is ultimately an offense against a holy God and His moral law.
* **"and before thee,"**: This second part of the confession acknowledges the direct, personal impact of his sin on his earthly father. It demonstrates his recognition of the relational brokenness he caused and his willingness to take responsibility for the pain and dishonor he inflicted upon his family. This dual confession—against God and against his father—is a model of comprehensive repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:18 employs several powerful literary devices. The son's internal **monologue** (or soliloquy, as he "comes to himself" in [Luke 15:17](/luke/15-17 "Luke 15:17 - The Prodigal Son Comes to Himself")) reveals his transformation and resolve, drawing the reader into his emotional and spiritual journey. The phrase "against heaven, and before thee" is a clear example of **parallelism**, emphasizing the dual nature of his sin—both spiritual and relational. This also incorporates a significant **Hebraism**, where "heaven" serves as a reverent circumlocution for God, underscoring the theological depth of his transgression. The entire declaration serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, anticipating the father's incredibly gracious and unexpected response, which will starkly contrast with the son's humble expectations of becoming a hired servant. The son's planned confession itself carries a touch of **irony**, as the father's overwhelming love will prevent him from even uttering the full extent of his prepared speech.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:18 is a profound theological statement on the nature of genuine repentance and the necessary posture for reconciliation with God. The son's confession, "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee," reveals a critical understanding that all sin, regardless of its immediate impact on others, is fundamentally an offense against the holy and sovereign God. This echoes the biblical truth that sin is not merely a breaking of human laws or social conventions, but a rebellion against the divine will and character. His willingness to "arise and go" signifies that true repentance involves not just internal remorse but a decisive, active turning away from sin and a movement towards God. This verse sets the stage for the Father's extravagant grace, emphasizing that God is always ready to receive those who humbly turn back to Him, regardless of the depth of their past transgressions.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:18 provides a powerful blueprint for anyone seeking to return to God or to mend broken relationships. The prodigal son's journey from destitution to decisive action teaches us that genuine repentance begins with a clear-eyed recognition of our sin, not as mere mistakes, but as offenses against God ("against heaven") and against those we have wronged ("before thee"). It demands humility, a willingness to set aside pride, and the courage to take the first step, even when we feel utterly unworthy. This verse encourages us to "arise" from whatever spiritual or moral wilderness we find ourselves in and to actively pursue reconciliation. It reminds us that our Heavenly Father's heart is always open, ready to welcome us back with forgiveness and restoration, far beyond what we might deserve or expect. The son’s resolve, born out of desperation, ultimately leads to profound grace, offering hope to all who feel lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "coming to oneself" mean in your own spiritual journey, and what actions might it prompt?**
* **In what ways have you sinned "against heaven" (against God) and "before others" (against those around you)?**
* **What "arising" and "going" might God be calling you to do in your life today, even if it feels difficult or humbling?**
* **How does the son's planned confession inform your understanding of genuine repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does "sinned against heaven" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "sinned against heaven" is a common Hebraism, a Jewish idiom used to refer to God without explicitly naming Him. In ancient Jewish culture, it was often considered too sacred to utter God's name directly. Therefore, when the prodigal son says he sinned "against heaven," he is primarily acknowledging that his rebellion, his wasteful living, and his disrespect for his father were ultimately offenses against God Himself and His divine order. This highlights the theological truth that all sin is fundamentally an act against a holy God, as exemplified by David's confession in [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin").

**Why does the son plan to offer himself as a hired servant?**

Answer: The son's intention to offer himself as a hired servant (mentioned in [Luke 15:19](/luke/15-19 "Luke 15:19 - The Prodigal Son's Humility")) stems from his profound recognition that he has forfeited his rights and status as a son. In Jewish society, demanding one's inheritance prematurely was a grave dishonor, and squandering it would have brought immense shame. He understood that he no longer deserved the privileges of sonship and was willing to accept the lowest possible position in his father's household, or even among his father's employees, just to be home. This demonstrates his deep humility and repentance, acknowledging his unworthiness and the severe consequences of his actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:18, while articulating the prodigal son's resolve, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the very heart of Christ's mission. The son's decision to "arise and go to my father" is made possible only because of the Father's character, which Jesus Himself perfectly embodies and reveals. Jesus is the ultimate seeker of the lost, going out to find those who, like the prodigal, have strayed far from home ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). His life, death, and resurrection provide the very means by which we, who have sinned "against heaven" and "before" God, can genuinely repent and be reconciled. Through Christ, our "sins are forgiven" ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through His Blood")), and we are brought near to God, not as hired servants, but as beloved children, adopted into His family through faith in Jesus ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")). The Father's embrace of the prodigal son ([Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father's Compassion")) is a vivid picture of God's boundless grace, made accessible to us through the atoning work of Jesus, who bore our sins so that we might become righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the son's turning is a human response to a divine reality, a reality fully unveiled and accomplished in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Luke 15:21

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.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Psalms 51:3

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.