Matthew 21:31
What does Matthew 21:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:31 means
Jesus asked His listeners which son did the father's will, to which they correctly answered, "The first." Then Jesus delivered a stinging direct application: "publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." He declared that those traditionally scorned, who heard John's message and repented, would enter God's Kingdom ahead of the religious leaders who merely professed righteousness but rejected God's messengers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whether 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which of the two did his father's pleasure? They say, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that tax-farmers and loose women are going into the kingdom of God before you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which of the two did the will of the father?' They say to him, `The first.' Jesus saith to them, `Verily I say to you, that the tax-gatherers and the harlots do go before you into the reign of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which of the two did the father's will? They say to him: The first. Jesus saith to them: Amen I say to you that the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Which of the two did the will of the father? They say [to him], The first. Jesus says to them, Verily I say unto you that the tax-gatherers and the harlots go into the kingdom ofGod before you.
Context
This verse provides the culmination of the parable of the two sons, beginning with Jesus' question to His audience and their correct answer. It then immediately applies the parable's lesson directly to the chief priests and elders, making a stark comparison with the publicans and harlots. This application sets the stage for Jesus' explanation in the next verse, clarifying the leaders' failure to believe John.
v.30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
v.31This passage
v.32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 12:5
And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As Jehovah liveth, the man that hath done this is worthy to die:
- Matthew 18:3
and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Luke 19:9
And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
- Romans 5:20
And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- Matthew 6:5
And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
- Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
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