Luke 15:18 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Against heaven - Εις τον ουρανον; that is, against God. The Jews often make use of this periphrasis in order to avoid mentioning the name of God, which they have ever treated with the utmost reverence. But some contend that it should be translated, even unto heaven; a Hebraism for, I have sinned exceedingly - beyond all description.