I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’
English Standard Version (ESV)
When the son says he has "sinned against heaven," he's not just confessing a mistake; he's acknowledging that his actions were ultimately an offense against God's very nature and order. This phrase is a common Jewish way of speaking about sin, highlighting that even sins against family ultimately betray a deeper rebellion against the divine.
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The younger son, having squandered his inheritance in a distant land and fallen into abject poverty, finally comes to his senses. He realizes his desperate situation and the stark contrast with the security of his father's household, prompting his decision to return home. This leads to his humble confession and plea to be accepted back, even as a servant.
What does it really mean to 'arise' when you've fallen so far? It’s more than just getting up; it's a radical shift in perspective and action.
The prodigal son's declaration, 'I will arise,' isn't just about physically standing up. It signifies a profound internal decision – a moment of clarity and resolve after hitting rock bottom.
A Shift in Awareness
When the prodigal 'came to himself' (Luke 15:17), his eyes were opened. He saw his desperate state, contrasting it with the comfort of his father's servants. This self-awareness is the crucial first step toward repentance. It's recognizing the reality of your situation, apart from the self-deception that led you astray.
The Choice to Act
'Arising' is an active choice. It means moving from a state of passive despair or denial to taking intentional steps. For the prodigal, this meant starting the journey home. For us, it means actively turning away from sin and turning towards God, even when the path is difficult and shame looms.
The prodigal’s confession targets 'heaven' and 'you.' Why this specific phrasing, and what does it teach us about the heart of true confession?
When the prodigal decides to return, his rehearsed words are key: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” This confession is deeply relational and directed.
Against Heaven, Before You
He confesses sin 'against heaven' and 'before you' (his father). The phrase 'against heaven' was a Jewish way of saying 'against God,' showing reverence for God's name. It means his sin was ultimately an offense against God's holy nature and divine authority.
Ask a follow-up
The Primary Offense
Confessing 'before you' acknowledges the personal betrayal of his father's love and trust. The commentaries highlight that true repentance recognizes sin’s primary offense is against God. While our sins deeply hurt others and ourselves, the root is rebellion against the Creator. The prodigal’s heartfelt confession shows he understands this profound truth: his deepest wrong was against the divine order and his loving father.
Acknowledging the Relationship
Crucially, he still calls him 'Father.' Despite his rebellion and unworthiness, he holds onto the relationship, acknowledging it as the source of his hope. This shows that even in deep sin, the relationship with God, though fractured, is the ultimate place of refuge.
Understand the original words
hēmarton · Greek Verb
To commit an offense against God's law or character. It signifies missing the mark of righteousness and breaking the relational covenant with the Creator, requiring repentance and reconciliation.
ouranon · Greek Noun
A metonymy used to refer to God Himself. It emphasizes the majesty, holiness, and supreme authority of the Almighty, indicating that sin is ultimately a violation of God's sovereignty regardless of who else is affected.
axios · Greek Adjective
An adjective denoting character, status, or merit. In this context, it reflects the believer's recognition that they possess no inherent claim to God's grace or favor based on their own actions or status.
This passage shows David recognizing the same core truth: that sin is ultimately an offense against God, even when it involves hurting others. He declares, 'Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.'
Isaiah 55:6-7This calls people to seek God and turn from their ways, echoing the prodigal's decision to 'arise and go' to his father. It promises that God is ready to forgive and multiply pardon.
Romans 5:8This verse highlights God's immense love, demonstrating that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. It parallels the father's readiness to receive the prodigal, showing God's initiative in reconciliation.
1 John 1:9This offers a direct promise of confession and forgiveness: 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' It's the same principle the prodigal is acting upon.
barnesLuke 15:18: "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"
I will arise - This is a common expression among the Hebrews to denote "entering on a piece of business." It does not imply that he was "sitting," but that he meant immediately to return. This should be the feeling of every sinner who is conscious of his guilt and danger. To My father - To his father, although he had offended him, and treated him unkindly, and had provok…
calvinLuke 15:11-24: "And he said, A certain man had two sons:"
- And he said, [514] A certain man had two sons: 12. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of property which falls to me. And he divided between them the property. 13. And not many days afterwards, [515] the younger son, having gathered all together, set out on a journey to a distant country, and there wasted his property by living extravagantly. 14. But when he had spent all, a sore famine arose in th…
When the son says he has "sinned against heaven," he's not just confessing a mistake; he's acknowledging that his actions were ultimately an offense against God's very nature and order. This phrase is a common Jewish way of speaking about sin, highlighting that even sins against family ultimately betray a deeper rebellion against the divine.
The younger son, having squandered his inheritance in a distant land and fallen into abject poverty, finally comes to his senses. He realizes his desperate situation and the stark contrast with the security of his father's household, prompting his decision to return home. This leads to his humble confession and plea to be accepted back, even as a servant.
The younger son, having squandered his inheritance in a distant land and fallen into abject poverty, finally comes to his senses. He realizes his desperate situation and the stark contrast with the security of his father's household, prompting his decision to return home. This leads to his humble confession and plea to be accepted back, even as a servant.
"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’" — When the son says he has "sinned against heaven," he's not just confessing a mistake; he's acknowledging that his actions were ultimately an offense against God's very nature and order. This phrase i…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026