And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
What does Luke 15:19 mean?
Having viewed the prodigal in his abject state of misery, we are next to consider his recovery from it. This begins by his coming to himself.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Luke 15:18-22 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Luke 15:19
No more worthy ... - "Such has been my conduct that I have been a disgrace to my father. I am not fit to be honored by being called the son of a man so kind and virtuous." Make me as one ... - "Treat me as a servant. Let me come again into your family, but I do not ask to be treated as a son. I am willing to come in if you will give me only the support that you give to a servant." This evinced, 1. Deep humility - such as a sinner should have. 2. Love for his father's house - such as all penitents should have toward God's dwelling-place in heaven. 3.
Key words
- worthy
-
And am no more worthy to be called thy son,.
- called
-
And am no more worthy to be called thy son,.
Context in Luke 15
Show chapter context
Luke 15 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as journey to Jerusalem. Luke emphasizes salvation for the poor and the outsider, prayer, joy, women, table fellowship, the Holy Spirit, and the universal reach of Christ’s mission. Read this chapter with the wider themes of salvation, Spirit, and prayer in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on asking, persistence, confession, dependence, and the way prayer shapes Christian life and attention.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Central texts on sin, grace, faith, Christ’s saving work, and the Bible’s announcement that salvation is received rather than achieved.