Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:29

What does Matthew 21:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:29 means

The first son defiantly refused his father's command, saying, "I will not." However, he later repented of his initial insolence and went to work in the vineyard. This son represents those who initially reject God's will but later humble themselves, believe, and obey. His change of heart highlights the importance of repentance and actual obedience over initial verbal submission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said in answer, I will not: but later, changing his decision, he went.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said, `I will not,' but at last, having repented, he went.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he answering, said: I will not. But afterwards, being moved with repentance, he went.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he answering said, I will not; but afterwards repenting himself he went.

Context

This verse describes the first son's initial refusal and subsequent obedience, directly following the father's command in the parable. It sets up a clear contrast with the second son's response, which immediately follows. This portrayal of repentance and eventual obedience serves as a crucial point of comparison for Jesus' ultimate application of the parable.

v.28But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

v.29This passage

v.30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 21:31

    Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, 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.

  • Jeremiah 44:16

    As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of Jehovah, we will not hearken unto thee.

  • Isaiah 1:16

    Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

  • Acts 26:20

    but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

  • Ephesians 2:1

    And youdid he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

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