prodigal son
Repentant wanderer home
A prodigal son is someone who leaves home, squanders their inheritance or opportunities, then returns seeking forgiveness.
The phrase comes from a parable in the Gospel of Luke, where a wayward son is welcomed back by his father with celebration.
It now describes any person who returns after a period of estrangement or reckless living: The prodigal son came home after years of silence.
The emphasis falls on both the departure and the reconciliation.
Of sacred texts
- LukeMasculine biblical name
- gospelSacred choral tradition
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
repentance · fatted calf · feast · elder brother · father · mercy · grace · reconciliation
Stubbornly self-willed
- returneeOne who comes back
- spendthriftReckless with money
- wastrelReckless spender, idle person
- reformedImproved after abandoning wrongdoing
redemption · homecoming · reconciliation · estrangement · reunion · remorse · transformation · acceptance
biblical
Of sacred texts
- LukeMasculine biblical name
- gospelSacred choral tradition
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
forgiveness · repentance · fatted calf · feast · elder brother · father · mercy · grace · reconciliation · wayward
wayward
Stubbornly self-willed
- returneeOne who comes back
- spendthriftReckless with money
- wastrelReckless spender, idle person
reformed · redemption · homecoming · reconciliation · estrangement · reunion · remorse · transformation · acceptance · second chance
- Jesus ChristChristology, crucifixion, nativity, resurrection, ascension
- cautionary talesIcarus, Prometheus, Faust, Dr. Faustus, Pandora
- Biblical imageryLamb of God, Good Shepherd, bread of life, light of the world, living water
- faith fictioncontemporary Christian, Bible stories, biblical tales, biblical drama, miracle stories
- faith storiesconversion story, personal testimony, spiritual journey, salvation story, conversion experience
- GospelsJesus, gospels, Jesus Christ, apostles, Gospel of Mark
prodigious, prodigal, prodigiously, prodigality, prodigiousness, prodigally, prodigals