King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:31 Mean?

Matthew 21:31 in the King James Version says “Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 21:31 · KJV


Context

29

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

30

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

31

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

33

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

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 · 33 words
τίς1 of 33

Whether

G5101

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

ἐκ2 of 33

of

G1537

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

τῶν3 of 33
G3588

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

δύο4 of 33

them twain

G1417

"two"

ἐποίησεν5 of 33

did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸ6 of 33
G3588

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

θέλημα7 of 33

the will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ8 of 33
G3588

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

πατρός;9 of 33

of his father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

λέγω10 of 33

I say

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

αὐτοῖς11 of 33

unto him

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

12 of 33
G3588

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

πρῶτος.13 of 33

The first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

λέγω14 of 33

I say

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

αὐτοῖς15 of 33

unto him

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

16 of 33
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς,17 of 33

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἀμὴν18 of 33

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω19 of 33

I say

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

ὑμῖν20 of 33

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι21 of 33

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ22 of 33
G3588

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

τελῶναι23 of 33

the publicans

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

καὶ24 of 33

and

G2532

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

αἱ25 of 33
G3588

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

πόρναι26 of 33

the harlots

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

προάγουσιν27 of 33

before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

ὑμᾶς28 of 33

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς29 of 33

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν30 of 33
G3588

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

βασιλείαν31 of 33

the kingdom

G932

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

τοῦ32 of 33
G3588

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

θεοῦ33 of 33

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 21:31 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 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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