The spelling of the phrase "prodigal returned" is straightforward. The word "prodigal" is pronounced /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/ (PROD-uh-guhl) with stress on the second syllable. The word "returned" is pronounced /rɪˈtɜːnd/ (ri-TURNED) with stress on the first syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced /ˈprɒdɪɡəl rɪˈtɜːnd/ (PROD-uh-guhl ri-TURNED) meaning that the person who was wasteful and spent extravagantly has now come back. It is a commonly used phrase to describe someone who has returned after a long absence.
The term "prodigal returned" refers to an individual who has gone astray or squandered their resources, but has now returned to a previous state of prosperity, abundance, or moral rectitude. It originates from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, a story found in the Gospel of Luke, which recounts the journey of a wayward son who squanders his inheritance in a riotous lifestyle before realizing the error of his ways and returning home to repentance and forgiveness.
In a broader context, the phrase signifies a person's redemption or second chance after a period of recklessness, extravagance, or moral decline. It implies that the individual has recognized their folly, learned from their mistakes, and embraced a path of virtue or success once again. This restoration may include rebuilding relationships, regaining financial stability, or embodying renewed moral values.
Furthermore, the concept of the "prodigal returned" holds connotations of transformation, growth, and the power of redemption. It celebrates the potential for individuals to find their way back to righteousness, wisdom, or abundance, after having strayed from a more positive state or way of life. The term thus carries both a literal interpretation based on the biblical parable and a figurative sense regarding personal and moral journeys.
The phrase "prodigal returned" does not have an etymology as it is not a standalone word or term. However, we can explore the origins of the word "prodigal" and its associations with the concept of returning.
The word "prodigal" comes from the Latin term "prodigus", which means "wasteful" or "extravagant". Its ultimate root is the Latin verb "prodigere", which combines "pro" (forth) and "agere" (to drive or lead). Originally, "prodigal" referred to someone who was recklessly spending or squandering resources.
The association between the prodigal and his eventual return can be traced back to the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, found in the Gospel of Luke.