King James Version
Matthew 21:45 in the King James Version says “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.”
Matthew 21:45 · King James Version
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“when the chief priests”
G749the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“Pharisees”
G5330a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
“his parables”
G3850a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“they perceived”
G1097to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
“of”
G4012properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“he spake”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
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.
Matthew 21:45 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 21:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge