Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:28

What does Matthew 21:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:28 means

Jesus then presented the parable of the two sons, beginning with a rhetorical question designed to engage His listeners and expose their hearts. He described a father instructing his first son to work in the vineyard. This parable immediately begins to illustrate the difference between outward compliance and genuine obedience, setting the stage for a powerful spiritual lesson about actions versus words.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But how does it seem to you? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go and do work today in the vine-garden.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And what think ye? A man had two children, and having come to the first, he said, Child, go, to-day be working in my vineyard.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But what think you? A certain man had two sons: and coming to the first, he said: Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But what think ye? A man had two children, and coming to the first he said, Child, go to-day, work in [my] vineyard.

Context

This verse introduces the first of two parables Jesus tells, directly following the stalemated confrontation with the chief priests and elders. This parable serves as a direct challenge to their spiritual condition, immediately setting up the contrasting responses of the two sons in the subsequent verses. It transitions from direct debate to illustrative teaching, designed to convict His opponents.

v.27And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

v.28This passage

v.29And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 20:1

    For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

  • Matthew 17:25

    He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?

  • Luke 15:11

    And he said, A certain man had two sons:

  • Matthew 22:17

    Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

  • Mark 13:34

    It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.

  • Luke 13:4

    Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?

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