Quiz: Bible Catchphrases

The expression is derived from the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), which tells how a certain man divided his estate between two sons; the younger one went to a distant place and, living promiscuously, wasted his estate. When he was in want and hardship, he returned to his father; his father took pity on him, embraced him and kissed him; and the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son..." But the father ordered him to be dressed in his best clothes and made a feast in his honour, saying: "Let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found…”. The expression "prodigal son" means a son who has gone out of obedience to his father; it is used in the meaning of "one who is dissolute, morally unstable," but more often in the meaning of "one who has repented of his errors."