Book of Luke - Chapter 15 - Verse 21
Meaning
The verse "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." highlights the concept of repentance and humility. In this passage from the Bible, the son, who had squandered his inheritance and lived a life of sin, comes to his senses and realizes the gravity of his actions. By acknowledging his wrongdoing and confessing his sins to his father, he demonstrates a deep sense of remorse and a desire to seek forgiveness. This verse emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, seeking reconciliation with God, and humbly admitting one's faults. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of repentance and the unconditional love and forgiveness that God extends to all who truly repent and turn back to Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prodigal son acknowledges his sin before his father by stating, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." The theological interpretation of this confession highlights the importance of repentance and humility before God. The son recognizes that his actions have not only offended his earthly father but have also transgressed against the divine order established by heaven. This acknowledgment of sin demonstrates a deep sense of remorse and a desire for reconciliation with both his earthly father and God.
The word "sin" in this verse comes from the Greek word "hamartano," which means to miss the mark or to err. By using this word, the son admits that he has fallen short of the moral standards set by heaven and his father. This word study emphasizes the son's awareness of his wrongdoing and his willingness to accept responsibility for his actions. Despite feeling unworthy of being called a son, the son's humble confession sets the stage for his repentance and eventual restoration to his father's household.