King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:21 Mean?

Matthew 20:21 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right han... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Matthew 20:21 · KJV


Context

19

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

20

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

23

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
1 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Εἰπὲ3 of 28

Grant

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ4 of 28

unto her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τί5 of 28

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

θέλεις6 of 28

wilt thou

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

λέγει7 of 28

She saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ8 of 28

unto her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Εἰπὲ9 of 28

Grant

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἵνα10 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καθίσωσιν11 of 28

may sit

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

οὗτοι12 of 28

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οἱ13 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δύο14 of 28

two

G1417

"two"

υἱοί15 of 28

sons

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μου16 of 28

my

G3450

of me

εἷς17 of 28

the one

G1520

one

ἐξ18 of 28

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν19 of 28

right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

σου20 of 28

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ21 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἷς22 of 28

the one

G1520

one

ἐξ23 of 28

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

εὐωνύμων24 of 28

the left

G2176

properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand

ἐν25 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ26 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείᾳ27 of 28

kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

σου28 of 28

thy

G4675

of thee, thy


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 20:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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