Matthew 21 31

Matthew 21:31 kjv

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.

Matthew 21:31 nkjv

Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 21:31 niv

"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

Matthew 21:31 esv

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

Matthew 21:31 nlt

"Which of the two obeyed his father?" They replied, "The first." Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 31 Meaning

This verse encapsulates a pivotal statement by Jesus, revealing that sincere obedience and repentance, regardless of one's social or religious standing, are valued by God above outward profession or religious pride. It declares that individuals from the marginalized strata of society, specifically tax collectors and prostitutes, who responded to God's call to repentance through figures like John the Baptist, would enter God's Kingdom ahead of the religious elite who outwardly professed righteousness but failed to do God's will.

Matthew 21 31 Context

Matthew chapter 21 places this verse within Jesus' final days in Jerusalem, just after His Triumphal Entry (vv. 1-11) and cleansing of the temple (vv. 12-17), and following the symbolic cursing of the fig tree (vv. 18-22). The immediate preceding context (vv. 23-27) is a confrontation with the chief priests and elders who questioned Jesus' authority. Jesus responds with a counter-question about John the Baptist's authority, which silences them. This parable of the two sons (vv. 28-32) is then told, directly addressing their self-righteousness and lack of submission to God's will. Historically and culturally, tax collectors (telōnai) were Jewish individuals who collected taxes for the Roman occupiers, often known for corruption, making them deeply despised by their fellow Jews. Prostitutes (pornai) were considered social and religious outcasts. In contrast, the chief priests and elders represented the religious elite who prided themselves on their adherence to the Law and traditions. Jesus' statement served as a direct polemic against their perceived spiritual superiority and hypocrisy, shattering the contemporary belief that salvation was a privilege of religious lineage or social status.

Matthew 21 31 Word analysis

• Which of the two (τίς ἐκ τῶν δύο - tis ek tōn duo): This is part of a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, designed to make His hearers acknowledge a principle that will then condemn them. It implies a moral choice.
• did the will (ἐποίησεν τὸ θέλημα - epoiēsen to thelēma):
  • did (ἐποίησεν - epoiēsen): The aorist indicative of `poiēo`, meaning "to do, make, accomplish." It emphasizes action and completion, rather than just intention or words. The core issue is practical obedience.
  • the will (τὸ θέλημα - to thelēma): Refers to a desire, a decision, or a purpose. In this context, it is God's will or command that the father (representing God) desires to be fulfilled. This highlights that obedience, not mere profession, is paramount.
• of his father (αὐτοῦ τοῦ πατρός - autou tou patros): In the parable, the human father; by direct implication in Jesus' application, God the Father, whose desires and commands must be truly fulfilled.
• They said (λέγουσιν αὐτῷ - legousin autō): Refers to the chief priests and elders. Their own correct answer sets them up for Jesus' indictment.
• The first (Ὁ πρῶτος - ho prōtos): The son who initially refused to work but later changed his mind and obeyed. He represents those who, despite prior moral failures, truly repented and submitted to God's will.
• Jesus said to them (λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς - legei autois ho Iēsous): A direct pronouncement from Jesus to the religious leaders, carrying the full weight of His divine authority.
• Truly (Ἀμὴν - Amēn): A Hebrew word transliterated into Greek, meaning "so be it," "verily," "certainly." Used by Jesus, it marks a solemn, emphatic statement of absolute truth and gravity. It signifies the truthfulness and importance of the ensuing declaration.
• I tell you (λέγω ὑμῖν - legō hymin): Emphasizes Jesus' authority and His direct address to the Jewish leaders, indicating an authoritative declaration.
• tax collectors (τελῶναι - telōnai): Jewish individuals employed by the Roman Empire to collect taxes. They were universally hated, perceived as traitors and extortionists. They symbolize the morally and socially despised in society.
• and prostitutes (καὶ αἱ πόρναι - kai hai pornai): Women engaged in immoral conduct, considered social outcasts and defiled. They represent the deeply marginalized and those living in overt sin according to Jewish law.
• go into (προάγουσιν εἰς - proagousin eis):
  • go before / enter ahead of (προάγουσιν - proagousin): Present indicative of `proagō`, meaning "to lead forward," "to go before," or "to go in advance." It denotes precedence or priority in entering. It's not that they enter instead of the religious leaders, but prior to them in God's eyes.
  • into (εἰς - eis): Indicates movement towards and entry into a state or place.
• the kingdom of God (τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ - tēn basileian tou Theou): God's sovereign reign and the realm of His saving activity, often used interchangeably with "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew. Entry implies salvation, eternal life, and participation in God's redemptive plan.
• before you (ὑμῶν - hymōn): A pronoun referring to the chief priests and elders. This directly and explicitly states their position: last, despite their outward religious piety and self-righteousness. This phrase creates the shock value of the statement, overturning the established social and religious hierarchy.

• "Which of the two did the will of his father?": This serves as a socratic method. Jesus forces the religious leaders to deduce the correct answer, establishing the principle that 'doing' God's will is what truly matters, rather than merely speaking 'yes'. By asking this, Jesus compels them to affirm the very principle by which they will then be judged.
• "Truly, I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you": This declaration is the powerful culmination. The phrase "Truly, I tell you" introduces a shocking, authoritative, and direct reversal of societal expectations. The inclusion of "tax collectors and prostitutes" juxtaposed with "you" (the religious elite) highlights the scandalous grace offered to repentant outcasts and the condemnation awaiting the outwardly pious but disobedient. The phrase "go into the kingdom of God before you" emphasizes a spiritual precedence and warning: God prioritizes heartfelt obedience over outward religious display or self-proclaimed righteousness.

Matthew 21 31 Bonus section

This verse ties directly into Jesus' consistent teaching throughout Matthew that righteousness involves doing God's will (Matt 7:21), and it prepares the way for subsequent parables that continue to warn the religious leaders of their impending judgment and loss of the Kingdom (e.g., Parable of the Tenants, Matt 21:33-46). The statement also reflects the broader theme of the "first being last and the last being first," a reversal of conventional expectations consistently taught by Jesus in His Kingdom ethic (Matt 19:30, 20:16). The "belief" of the tax collectors and prostitutes mentioned in verse 32 signifies a practical belief that led to action, as evidenced by their repentance and baptism by John, unlike the unbelief of the religious leaders who rejected God's messengers.

Matthew 21 31 Commentary

Matthew 21:31 unveils Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of true righteousness. The Parable of the Two Sons serves as a powerful critique of religious hypocrisy. The son who initially refuses but later obeys represents individuals, like tax collectors and prostitutes, who might be outwardly sinful but demonstrate a capacity for repentance and obedience when confronted with God's truth. The other son, who professes obedience but fails to act, symbolizes the chief priests and elders who maintained an outward façade of piety and adhered to religious traditions, yet resisted God's direct messengers—John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.

The crux of the verse lies in Jesus' declaration that the tax collectors and prostitutes "go into the kingdom of God before" the religious leaders. This isn't about excusing sin, but rather celebrating repentance. These despised individuals responded to John the Baptist's call for repentance, humbling themselves and acting on his message, demonstrating true belief. In contrast, the religious elite, secure in their self-righteousness, rejected John and Jesus, thereby rejecting God's ultimate will for their lives. The statement challenges the conventional wisdom of the time, revealing that access to God's Kingdom is not through lineage, religious titles, or mere verbal assent, but through a heart that yields to God's will and translates that into action. It emphasizes that humble repentance and genuine obedience, no matter the person's past, open the door to salvation, while prideful defiance and empty profession seal one out.

For practical usage, this verse calls for self-examination: Are we hearers of the Word only, or are we doers? Are we humble enough to acknowledge our need for repentance, or does our pride blind us to our own disobedience, just like the religious leaders? The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector (Lk 19:1-10) and the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet (Lk 7:36-50) beautifully exemplify those who were once despised yet demonstrated genuine repentance and faith, receiving forgiveness and favor from God.