Luke 15:19-21

15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me¹ like one of your hired workers.”’ 15:20 So² he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home³ his father saw him, and his heart went out to him;⁴ he ran and hugged⁵ his son⁶ and kissed him. 15:21 Then⁷ his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven⁸ and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’⁹

¹tn Or “make me.” Here is a sign of total humility.

²tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the son’s decision to return home. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.

³tn Grk “a long way off from [home].” The word “home” is implied (L&N 85.16).

⁴tn Or “felt great affection for him,” “felt great pity for him.”

sn The major figure of the parable, the forgiving father, represents God the Father and his compassionate response. God is ready with open arms to welcome the sinner who comes back to him.

⁵tn Grk “he fell on his neck,” an idiom for showing special affection for someone by throwing one’s arms around them. The picture is of the father hanging on the son’s neck in welcome.

⁶tn Grk “him”; the referent (the son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁷tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁸sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God. 1st century Judaism tended to minimize use of the divine name out of reverence.

⁹sn The younger son launches into his confession just as he had planned. See vv. 18-19.