Matthew 21 30

Matthew 21:30 kjv

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

Matthew 21:30 nkjv

Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go.

Matthew 21:30 niv

"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

Matthew 21:30 esv

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go.

Matthew 21:30 nlt

Then the father told the other son, 'You go,' and he said, 'Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go.

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 30 Meaning

This verse, particularly the specific actions described within the text provided ("I will not:’ but afterward he repented, and went."), narrates the conduct of the first son in Jesus' parable, illustrating a critical spiritual principle. It signifies an initial human resistance or outright refusal to God's clear instruction or call, followed by a genuine change of heart and will (repentance), which then translates into obedient action. This journey—from "no" to repentance to "yes" through deeds—is presented as the true path of God's will. It emphasizes that a changed heart evidenced by tangible obedience is far more valued than mere verbal affirmation without subsequent action, which is contrasted with the second son's initial positive reply but lack of follow-through.

Matthew 21 30 Context

Matthew chapter 21 marks Jesus' climactic arrival in Jerusalem for His final Passover. Following His triumphal entry (Matt 21:1-11), He asserts His authority by cleansing the Temple (Matt 21:12-17) and cursing the fig tree (Matt 21:18-22), acts which challenge the religious establishment. The chief priests and elders, indignant at His actions and teachings, directly question His authority (Matt 21:23). In response, Jesus poses a counter-question about John the Baptist's authority (Matt 21:24-27). When they refuse to answer, Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons (Matt 21:28-32).

The verse text provided, "And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I will not:’ but afterward he repented, and went," precisely describes the actions of the first son in the parable (found in Matt 21:29). This is distinct from Matthew 21:30, which describes the second son saying, "I go, sir," but then "went not." However, given the prompt's specific text to analyze, this response focuses on the essence of the first son's actions as quoted, while placing it within the overall narrative of the two sons.

The parable directly contrasts two types of responses to God's will. The first son, who initially rebels but then truly repents and obeys, represents those who were once considered outcasts (like tax collectors and prostitutes, as Jesus later explains in Matt 21:31-32) but who believed John's message and responded to God's call. The second son, who outwardly agrees but inwardly disobeys, represents the religious leaders (chief priests and elders) who maintained an outward show of piety but rejected God's messengers and failed to genuinely follow His will. The setting within the Temple precincts highlights the direct challenge Jesus poses to the spiritual hypocrisy of the religious authorities.

Matthew 21 30 Word analysis

• And he came (Καὶ προσελθὼν - Kai proselthōn): "And having approached" or "going to." This indicates a direct, personal encounter between the father and the son. In a spiritual sense, it reflects God's direct call or invitation to individuals to participate in His work.
• to the second, (τῷ δευτέρῳ - tō deuterō): While the subsequent actions describe the first son from Matt 21:29, this phrase "to the second" introduces the father’s identical command given to both sons. This ensures fairness in the test presented by the father and underscores that the father’s request was clear and consistent for all his children.
• and said likewise. (εἶπεν ὡσαύτως - eipen hōsautōs): "He said in like manner" or "the same way." The father's instruction, "Go work in my vineyard today," was identical for both sons, indicating God's unchanging standard and universal call to obedience. No special preference or varying degree of expectation was given, highlighting personal choice.
• And he answered and said, (Ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν - Ho de apokritheis eipen): This is a common Greek construction to introduce a direct reply. It denotes a deliberate verbal response to the father's command.
• ‘I will not: (Οὐ θέλω - Ou thelō): "I do not want to." This is a blunt, unambiguous, and immediate refusal. It expresses a direct personal will or desire contrary to the father’s command. This initial defiance points to a self-willed attitude that rejects authority and duty, characterizing those who might initially resist God's will due to their sinful nature or chosen path. In the context of the first son (to whom this "no" is attributed in the full parable), it speaks to individuals who have lived openly disobedient lives, not conforming to religious norms.
• but afterward (ὕστερον δὲ - hysteron de): "Later, however." This adverb marks a critical turning point. It highlights a change from the initial stance. It signifies a period of reflection, conviction, or renewed consideration that occurs after the initial response, revealing that hearts and minds can change.
• he repented, (μεταμεληθείς - metamelētheis): Derived from metamellomai, meaning "to regret, to change one's mind, to be sorry." This is distinct from metanoeō (true repentance that involves a comprehensive turning), though often leads to it. Here, metamelētheis implies an internal shift in emotion or decision, a re-evaluation of his initial, stubborn "no." It’s an emotional remorse or a recognition of folly that prompts a shift in intent, leading directly to action. It shows that mere verbal refusal is not necessarily a final state, and God’s grace allows for such inward transformation.
• and went. (ἀπῆλθεν - apelthen): "He went away" (to the vineyard to work). This is the decisive and crucial part of the verse. It indicates a clear, physical, and obedient action following the internal repentance. It is the practical manifestation of the changed will and the true fulfillment of the father's request. This action defines genuine obedience and marks the son as one who ultimately did the father's will, despite his initial protest. It contrasts sharply with those who make verbal promises but fail to act.

Matthew 21 30 Bonus section

The vineyard metaphor (used in this parable and others like Isa 5:1-7, Matt 21:33-46) consistently represents Israel or God's Kingdom and the people's responsibility to produce spiritual fruit for Him. The "work in the vineyard" signifies engaging in God's divine will and kingdom purpose. The father's command highlights that participation is a matter of immediate urgency ("today"). The internal spiritual dynamic, moving from initial refusal ("Ou thelō") to inner regret/change ("metamelētheis") and then external action ("apēlthen"), depicts a conversion process from self-will to God's will. The parables are Jesus' method of both revealing divine truth and condemning those who refuse to hear it (see Matt 13:10-17). In this specific parable, the Chief Priests and Elders identify with the first son's initial defiance when they said they didn't know John's authority, then reveal they are the second son when their words and actions don't align with God's will. The people they despised (tax collectors and prostitutes) are revealed as the true spiritual heirs because they actually did what God commanded by responding to John's message.

Matthew 21 30 Commentary

The specified text for Matthew 21:30, though descriptively aligning with the first son's actions in Matthew 21:29, powerfully encapsulates a profound theological truth about repentance and genuine obedience. It reveals that God values not merely a spoken word or an outward religious profession, but a heart that, through conviction, changes its course and obeys His command.

The first son’s initial "I will not" embodies the natural human rebellion against divine authority, perhaps mirroring the open defiance of tax collectors and prostitutes, who lived lives contrary to religious law. However, his subsequent metamellētheis (regret/change of mind) leading to active obedience ("and went") signifies a crucial repentance that transforms a verbal "no" into an actual "yes." This underscores that God accepts those who turn from their ways and respond with action, regardless of their past.

This is a stark contrast to the second son (whose true account is in Matt 21:30) who says "I go, sir" but does not go. This exemplifies hypocrisy—an outward show of religiosity or submission coupled with an inward unwillingness to comply, representative of the chief priests and elders whom Jesus was addressing.

The core lesson is that ultimate obedience, stemming from a genuine change of heart, surpasses superficial promises or outward conformity. True faith is not just about what one says, but what one does, demonstrating a real commitment to God's will. It’s a call to honest self-assessment, encouraging sinners to truly turn to God and challenging the outwardly righteous to examine their true devotion and actions.

For practical usage, this passage encourages believers to examine their own "yes" to God. Do our actions align with our words? Are we genuinely striving to obey, even if it requires overcoming initial resistance? It also offers hope to those who may have initially rejected God's call, emphasizing that repentance and subsequent obedience are always welcomed by the Father, regardless of a rebellious past.