Luke 15:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the son {G5207} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Father {G3962}, I have sinned {G264} against {G1519} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} in {G1799} thy {G4675} sight {G1799}, and {G2532} am {G1510} no more {G3765} worthy {G514} to be called {G2564} thy {G4675} son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son — ’

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:21 captures the poignant confession of the prodigal son, marking the turning point in his journey from rebellion to repentance. Having squandered his inheritance and faced utter destitution, the son returns to his father's house, not demanding rights but humbly acknowledging his profound failures against both God and his earthly parent, declaring himself utterly unworthy of his former status as a son. This verse encapsulates the essence of genuine contrition and sets the stage for the father's overflowing grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the verbal climax of the son's planned confession, which he rehearsed while "coming to himself" in the pigsty, as recounted in [Luke 15:17-19](/luke/15-17-19 "Luke 15:17-19 - The Prodigal Son's Realization and Plan"). It immediately precedes the father's astonishing and compassionate response in [Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father's Embrace"), where he runs to meet his son, embraces him, and restores him before the full confession can even be uttered. The parable itself, found in [Luke 15:11-32](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"), is the third in a trio of parables (the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son) that Jesus tells in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost") to illustrate God's boundless joy over the repentance of a single sinner, directly addressing the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes who criticized His association with "tax collectors and sinners" ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, a son demanding his inheritance before his father's death ([Luke 15:12](/luke/15-12 "Luke 15:12 - Son Demands Inheritance")) was an act of profound disrespect, tantamount to wishing his father dead. It was a complete severing of familial ties and an insult to the family's honor. The son's subsequent squandering of the inheritance in a "far country" ([Luke 15:13](/luke/15-13 "Luke 15:13 - Son Squanders Inheritance")) would have brought immense shame upon his family. His return, therefore, was not merely a personal act but one laden with social implications. For the father to run to him ([Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father Runs")) was highly undignified for an elder in that culture, demonstrating a radical, counter-cultural love that prioritized restoration over societal expectations and personal honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). Foremost is the theme of **Radical Repentance**, as the son's words demonstrate a profound and sincere change of heart, moving beyond mere regret for consequences to a deep sorrow for his actions and a clear acknowledgment of his sin. It also highlights the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Restoration**, as the son's humble confession is met with an overwhelming display of the father's unconditional love and eagerness to welcome him back, foreshadowing God's character. Furthermore, it underscores the **Value of the Lost**, emphasizing that even those who have strayed furthest are precious to the Father and their return brings immense joy, a central message Jesus conveys to His critics in [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner") and [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Joy in Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** This word, meaning "to miss the mark," signifies not just a mistake but a moral failure, a transgression against a standard or law. In this context, it points to the son's conscious deviation from his father's will and, more profoundly, from God's righteous expectations. His use of this term indicates a recognition of his moral culpability.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** This is a classic Hebraism, a common Jewish idiom for God. By saying he sinned "against heaven," the son acknowledges that his rebellion was not merely an offense against his earthly father but, more significantly, a spiritual transgression against the Almighty. This elevates the gravity of his actions and underscores the theological depth of his confession, revealing an understanding that all sin ultimately offends God.
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** This term conveys the idea of being deserving, comparable, or suitable. The son's declaration, "am no more worthy," expresses a profound sense of humility and a recognition that his actions have forfeited his rightful status and privileges as a son. He understands that he no longer merits the honor or position associated with his family name, expecting only to be treated as a hired servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the son said unto him, Father":** This opening establishes the direct, personal address, signaling the son's readiness to humble himself before the one he has wronged. The use of "Father" despite his unworthiness indicates a lingering hope for their relationship, even if only as a servant.
* **"I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight":** This is the core of his confession, a dual acknowledgment of his transgression. "Against heaven" (a Hebraism for God) signifies the spiritual dimension of his sin, recognizing that his rebellion was ultimately an offense against divine authority. "And in thy sight" acknowledges the direct, personal harm and disrespect inflicted upon his earthly father. This comprehensive confession demonstrates a deep understanding of the scope of his wrongdoing.
* **"and am no more worthy to be called thy son":** This final clause expresses profound humility and a complete surrender of his former status. He recognizes that his actions have stripped him of the honor and privilege of sonship, and he no longer expects to be treated as such. This statement is a testament to his brokenness and his willingness to accept any consequence, even the lowest position.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Hebraism** is evident in the phrase "sinned against heaven," which is a common Jewish idiom for sinning directly against God, highlighting the theological dimension of the son's transgression. There is also clear **Parallelism** in his confession, as he acknowledges sin "against heaven" and "in thy sight," creating a balanced and comprehensive statement of guilt. The entire confession is a form of **Lament** and **Supplication**, demonstrating a deep sense of remorse and a plea for mercy, albeit with no expectation of restoration to sonship. The son's declaration of unworthiness, "am no more worthy to be called thy son," is a form of **Self-Abasement**, emphasizing his profound humility and the depth of his fall. This stark contrast between his expectation and the father's subsequent actions creates dramatic **Irony**, underscoring the radical nature of the father's grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true repentance and the character of God. The son's confession, acknowledging sin against both God ("heaven") and his father, mirrors the biblical understanding that all sin, even against fellow humans, is ultimately an offense against a holy God ([Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned")). His declaration of unworthiness highlights the humility required for genuine repentance, a broken and contrite spirit that God does not despise ([Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")). This verse beautifully sets up the father's response, which is a vivid illustration of God's eager, unconditional, and overwhelming grace towards those who turn back to Him, regardless of how far they have strayed or how unworthy they feel. It underscores that God's love is not earned but freely given to the repentant heart.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice God Desires")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prodigal son's confession in Luke 15:21 offers a timeless and profound model for our own journey of repentance and reconciliation with God. It teaches us that true repentance begins with a clear-eyed acknowledgment of our sin, not just its consequences, but its offense against God and others. Like the son, we must humble ourselves, recognizing our unworthiness and laying aside any pretense of deserving God's favor. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial regret to a deep, heart-level contrition that confesses our failures without excuse or blame. It reminds us that no matter how far we have wandered, or how deeply we have sinned, the path back to the Father's embrace begins with this honest, humble admission. Our unworthiness, when confessed, becomes the very ground upon which God's boundless grace and unconditional love can meet us, offering not just forgiveness but full restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to confess my sin against "heaven" (God) and "in thy sight" (others)?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to feel "no more worthy" of God's grace, and how does that humility prepare me for His restoration?**
* **How does the prodigal son's confession encourage me to approach God with genuine repentance, even when I feel distant or ashamed?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "sinned against heaven"?**

Answer: The phrase "sinned against heaven" is a powerful Hebraism, a common Jewish idiom used to refer to God. It signifies that the son understood his actions were not merely a personal offense against his earthly father but, more importantly, a direct transgression against God Himself. This elevates the gravity of his sin, acknowledging its spiritual dimension. It's a recognition that all sin, even that committed against another person, ultimately offends a holy God, as seen in David's confession in [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:21, though a powerful depiction of human repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prodigal son's confession of unworthiness and his recognition of sin against "heaven" foreshadow the universal human condition of sinfulness before a holy God, a condition that no one can rectify on their own merit ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). It is precisely because humanity is "no more worthy" that God, in His infinite love, sent His Son. Jesus Himself is the ultimate demonstration of the Father's eager embrace, for He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making a way for those who confess their sins and believe in Him to be not merely hired servants, but fully restored sons and daughters, adopted into God's family ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")). The father's lavish celebration in the parable ([Luke 15:22-24](/luke/15-22-24 "Luke 15:22-24 - The Father's Celebration")) is a beautiful picture of the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, a joy made possible only through the redemptive work of Christ, who reconciles us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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

Psalms 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

Luke 15:18

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

Luke 15:19

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

Jeremiah 3:13

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Psalms 143:2

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.