Matthew 20:21

Translations

Modern

“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

And He said to her, “What do you want?” She says to Him, “Say that these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left hand, in Your kingdom.”

Latin

Qui dixit ei: Quid vis? Ait illi: Dic ut sedeant hi duo filii mei, unus ad dexteram tuam, et unus ad sinistram in regno tuo.

Original

Greek

English

“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”

Notes

Matthew 20:21

Jesus had already promised positions of authority in God’s kingdom to the disciples (Matthew 19:28). The request of the two brothers came from selfish desire to be important, without concern for the suffering the Messiah would soon face (see Matthew 23:6; Luke 14:7–11).

Matthew 20:20–21

This mother's question seems to have come from her sons, as Jesus answered the sons instead of the mother (compare Mark 10:35–37).

Matthew 20:20–28

Each time Jesus predicted his suffering in the Gospel of Matthew, he also gave teaching about what it means to be his disciple. These teachings showed that discipleship is shaped by Jesus own path of service and sacrifice (see Matthew 16:24–28; 17:24–18:5). This teaching called the Messiah's disciples to imitate his service and sacrifice.

Theme notes and profiles

James, Son of Zebedee John, Son of Zebedee

Events

Jesus Teaches in Pereac. AD 30

Related verses

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mark 10:36–37
“What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired.
Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
Esther 5:3
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
1 Kings 3:5
One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
Matthew 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew 20:32
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked.
Acts 1:6
So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Mark 6:22
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
Colossians 3:1
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Luke 22:24
A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

Matthew 20:21

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