Matthew 21 29

Matthew 21:29 kjv

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

Matthew 21:29 nkjv

He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went.

Matthew 21:29 niv

"?'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

Matthew 21:29 esv

And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went.

Matthew 21:29 nlt

The son answered, 'No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway.

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 29 Meaning

Matthew 21:29 describes the first of two sons in Jesus’ parable. This son is asked by his father to work in the vineyard. His initial response is a blunt refusal: “I will not.” However, despite this vocal disobedience, he later experiences a change of heart or regret and, contrary to his original words, proceeds to go and work as his father commanded. This verse highlights the profound difference between a verbal profession and an actual deed.

Matthew 21 29 Context

This verse is part of Jesus' parable of the Two Sons, told shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the temple. The chief priests and elders confront Jesus, questioning His authority (Matt 21:23). In response, Jesus poses a counter-question about John the Baptist's authority, which they refuse to answer, fearing public backlash. It is in this atmosphere of direct challenge and subtle defiance from the religious establishment that Jesus tells this parable (Matt 21:28-32). The parable serves as a direct critique of the religious leaders, whose outward adherence to the law and verbal claims of devotion contrasted sharply with their refusal to believe John or Jesus, thus failing to do God's actual will. It highlights the stark reality of how initial human rebellion can turn into obedience, while superficial agreement can result in true disobedience.

Matthew 21 29 Word analysis

• He answered: (Ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς, Ho de apokritheis). Implies a direct address and response, emphasizing the son's immediate, conscious choice. The use of "He" refers to the first son, putting his reaction in immediate focus.
• ‘I will not’: (Οὐ θέλω, Ou thelo). A blunt, unambiguous, and present-tense refusal. Ou is the strong Greek negative, meaning "absolutely not." Thelō indicates a lack of will or desire. This showcases an initial, independent, and defiant spirit, perhaps due to laziness or rebellion, typical of human nature against God's commands.
• but afterward: (ὕστερον δὲ, hysteron de). The conjunction de ("but/and") signals a shift or contrast, while hysteron ("later," "after") denotes a significant passage of time where a change occurs. This indicates that initial reaction is not always the final action.
• he changed his mind: (μεταμεληθεὶς, metamelētheis). This is the key verb. While sometimes translated as "regretted" or "felt remorse," in this context it means to "change one's purpose or intention." It is distinct from metanoia (true repentance involving a comprehensive transformation of one's inner being and conduct), as metamelomai can be a shallower emotional or intellectual change of course. Here, however, it is significant because it leads directly to positive action. The change is inward, affecting the will.
• and went: (ἀπῆλθεν, apēlthen). This small phrase signifies the actual deed. It is the crucial action that validates the "change of mind." The son did not just regret or change his intention; he acted upon it. This immediate, decisive action is what sets him apart from the second son who verbally agreed but did not go.
• "I will not," but afterward he changed his mind and went: This sequence highlights the central theme: genuine obedience is demonstrated through actions, not merely initial verbal assent or refusal. The inner change leads to outer obedience, illustrating that even an initial resistant heart can ultimately align with the Father's will. The son's trajectory moves from rebellion to practical submission, prioritizing deed over word.

Matthew 21 29 Bonus section

The first son's journey reflects the common human experience of initially resisting God's call due to pride, misunderstanding, or a desire for personal autonomy, only to later submit upon reflection or conviction. His example suggests that initial resistance is not an insurmountable barrier to divine acceptance if followed by genuine change and action. The father in the parable represents God, whose command to work is constant. The work in the vineyard symbolizes participation in God's kingdom and purpose. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to indict the religious leaders, exposing their hypocrisy where their noble words were void of righteous action, unlike those humble sinners who, though initially wayward, turned and entered God's kingdom.

Matthew 21 29 Commentary

Matthew 21:29 portrays a crucial truth about spiritual authenticity: obedience is defined by action, not merely by words or initial intentions. The first son's initial refusal to work in the vineyard ("I will not") displays human inclination towards rebellion or ease. Yet, his subsequent μεταμεληθεὶς (change of mind/regret), followed by the decisive ἀπῆλθεν (and went), makes him the one who ultimately fulfilled the father's request. This simple narrative reveals profound theological implications: that God values those who, even after a stumble or a protest, ultimately align their will with His and carry out His commands. It subtly commends a humble heart willing to correct its course and act in obedience, demonstrating that true spiritual alignment manifests in deeds rather than outward appearance or verbal declarations alone. This parable lays the groundwork for Jesus' stark contrast between the "tax collectors and prostitutes" (who initially resisted but repented and believed John) and the religious leaders (who verbally assented to God's law but refused to believe John or Jesus).