Luke 15

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

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

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

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

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.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

What does Luke 15:21 mean?

Explanation

This verse is a key moment in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32. The young man in this parable, after squandering his inheritance on a life of decadence, finds himself in dire poverty. Coming to his senses, he decides to return to his father and admit his wrongdoing.

The phrase "I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight" shows his recognition of sin not only against his earthly father but also against God (heaven).

This humble confession demonstrates a change of heart, acknowledging that he is unworthy of the familial title he abandoned.

The son's admission of his unworthiness is central to understanding the depth of his repentance and the subsequent theme of reconciliation.

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Historical Context

The parable is set within the larger context of the Jewish society of Jesus' time. Inheritance was a serious matter, and to ask for one's share while the father was still alive was akin to wishing him dead.

Furthermore, the son's reckless living would have been seen by the community as deeply shameful.

Jesus likely told this parable to address issues of sin, repentance, and divine forgiveness.

The audience would have been familiar with the socio-economic dynamics of inheritance and family honor, which highlight the severity of the son's actions and the depth of his contrition upon returning.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse encapsulates themes of confession, repentance, and redemption. Various Christian denominations interpret it through different lenses:

Evangelical perspective: Emphasizes the need for personal repentance and divine forgiveness through a direct relationship with God.
Catholic perspective: May underline the sacrament of reconciliation, where one confesses sins to a priest to receive absolution.
Orthodox perspective: Focuses on metanoia, a transformative change of heart leading to spiritual conversion and renewal in God's grace.
Reformed perspective: Views this confession as evidence of the son's election and God's irresistible grace in prompting his return.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the verse teaches about humility, repentance, and the courage to face one's wrongdoings.

It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, seek forgiveness, and understand that despite failing, there is a path to restoration.

This can be applied in personal relationships, community interactions, and religious practices, emphasizing the power of confession and the grace available for the repentant.

Cross-References

Psalm 51:4: "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight."
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
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."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of this verse include:

ἁμαρτάνω (hamartano): Translated as "I have sinned," it means to miss the mark or err, referring to both moral transgression and failure to live up to one's purpose.
οὐκέτι (ouketi): Meaning "no more" or "no longer," indicating a permanent change in status or condition.
ἀξιός (axios): Translated as "worthy," this word conveys the idea of deserving or suitable.

In this context, it reflects the son's sense of unfitness to be considered part of the family.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other cultural myths, themes of exile and return are prevalent, such as in the tales of Odysseus in Greek mythology.

Religious parallels can be drawn to stories of repentance and forgiveness in traditions such as Judaism's narrative of Jonah, and in Islam's teachings that emphasize seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, psychology might offer insights into the emotional states of shame, guilt, and their resolutions through acts like confession and reconciliation, which are key elements in the verse.

commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians provide various views on this verse:

John Calvin: Emphasizes the genuine repentance shown by the son, which compels the father's compassion.
Charles Spurgeon: Notes the lavish love and forgiveness of the father as a picture of God's grace to repentant sinners.
NT Wright: Suggests a broader social and political reading, where Jesus uses the parable to critique contemporary society and offer new ways to understand forgiveness and redemption.

Luke 15

Luke 15

What does Luke 15:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 15:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?