Matthew 21:31

Translations

Modern

Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Which of the two did the will of the father?” They say, “The first.” Jesus says to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes go before you into the kingdom of God.

Latin

…quis ex duobus fecit voluntatem patris? Dicunt ei: Primus. Dicit illis Jesus: Amen dico vobis, quia publicani et meretrices præcedent vos in regnum Dei.

Interlinear

Greek

English

Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

Notes

Matthew 21:28–32

This parable continues to emphasize why John is important.

Matthew 21:28–22:14

Three parables expose the guilt of those who rejected the Messiah and lost their special status as God's chosen people. God now considers only those who accept Jesus as the Messiah as his people.

Matthew 21:23–22:46

This section focuses on how Jewish leaders challenged the authority of Jesus. Each time, the wisdom of Jesus revealed their lack of spiritual understanding. These debates also revealed the status of Jesus as the Messiah and the consequences of rejecting him. Sadly, the leaders became more resistant with each encounter and plotted to kill Jesus (Matthew 21:23, 46; 22:15–17, 23, 34, 41).

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist Eating Together

Events

Related verses

Luke 7:29
All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John.
Luke 7:37–50
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.
Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Romans 9:30–33
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;
Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
1 Timothy 1:13–16
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
Romans 5:20
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Luke 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Job 15:6
Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Prostitute, Prostitution Vines, Vineyard

Topics

Church: Kingdom of God Ecclesiasticism: Jewish, to be Overthrown Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Two Sons Jesus, the Christ: The Parable of the Two Sons (In Jerusalem) Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons Pharisees Publicans: Disreputable Publicans: Many of Embraced the Gospel Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tax: Unpopular Vineyard: Parables of Works: Good: The Two Sons

Matthew 21:31

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?