Luke 15:21
What does Luke 15:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:21 means
Upon reaching his father, the son begins his rehearsed confession, acknowledging his sin against both Heaven and his father, and reiterating his unworthiness to be called a son. This confirms his genuine remorse and humility, even as his father's actions have already superseded his words. Though his father has already embraced him, the son still expresses his repentant heart, underscoring the sincerity of his return and his understanding of his past offenses.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And his son said to him, Father, I have done wrong, against heaven and in your eyes: I am no longer good enough to be named your son.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the son said to him, Father, I did sin--to the heaven, and before thee, and no more am I worthy to be called thy son.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the son said to him: Father: I have sinned against heaven and before thee I am not now worthy to be called thy son.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee; I am no longer worthy to be called thy son.
Context
This verse shows the younger son delivering his prepared confession, despite the father's overwhelming embrace. It confirms his genuine repentance and humble acknowledgment of his sin. This reaffirmation of his unworthiness, even in the midst of grace, helps to further highlight the father's unconditional love, which extends beyond the son's self-perception and past actions.
v.20And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
v.21This passage
v.22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 51:4
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in thy sight; That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.
- Jeremiah 3:13
Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah.
- Luke 15:18
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
- 1 Corinthians 8:12
And thus, sinning against the brethren, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, ye sin against Christ.
- Ezekiel 16:63
that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done, saith the Lord Jehovah.
- Psalms 143:2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous.
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