Luke 15:18
What does Luke 15:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:18 means
Having "come to himself," the younger son resolves to return home and humbly confess his sin to his father. His planned confession, "I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight," demonstrates sincere remorse, acknowledging both his offense against God and his personal offense against his father. This decision to confess and seek his father's mercy, despite his unworthiness, signifies a true change of heart and the initial act of repentance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
KJV
King James Version · 1611I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have done wrong, against heaven and in your eyes:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having risen, I will go on unto my father, and will say to him, Father, I did sin--to the heaven, and before thee,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will arise and will go to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I will rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee;
Context
This verse details the younger son's resolve to return home and his planned confession. It follows directly from his "coming to himself" in the previous verse, outlining the concrete steps of his repentance. This decision and the content of his intended confession are central to understanding his humility and the depth of his regret, setting the stage for the highly anticipated reunion with his father.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jonah 2:4
And I said, I am cast out from before thine eyes; Yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
- Luke 15:21
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.
- Jonah 3:9
Who knoweth whether God will not turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
- Luke 18:13
But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
- Daniel 4:26
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
- Jeremiah 50:4
In those days, and in that time, saith Jehovah, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Jehovah their God.
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