Prodigal son
Meaning
A person who leaves home to lead a wild or wasteful life but later returns repentant to their family.
Origin
The powerful image of the 'Prodigal Son' springs from one of Jesus's most enduring parables, recorded in the Gospel of Luke. It tells of a younger son who demands his share of the family inheritance, then journeys to a distant land where he squanders his fortune on reckless living and excess. Reduced to absolute destitution, he returns home, expecting only scorn and servitude. Instead, his overjoyed father, seeing him from afar, runs to embrace him, celebrating his return with a lavish feast—a profound tale of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love that has resonated through millennia.
Examples
- After years of wandering and making poor choices, the prodigal son finally returned to his family, seeking forgiveness and a fresh start.
- Her parents welcomed their prodigal daughter home with open arms, overjoyed that she had finally put her wild days behind her.