Matthew 21:36
What does Matthew 21:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:36 means
Despite the brutal treatment of the first group, the householder, in his continued patience, sent yet more servants, a larger number than before. However, the tenants responded with the same cruel and defiant behavior. This repeated sending and rejection vividly portrays God's enduring grace and persistent attempts to reach His people through various prophets, and Israel's continued hardened resistance and unbelief.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them in like manner.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them in like manner.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Again, he sent other servants more in number than the first: and they did the same to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they did to them in the same manner.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Again he sent other servants, more than the former; and they did to them in like manner.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Again he sent other bondmen more than the first, and they did to them in like manner.
Context
This verse describes the householder's persistent sending of a second, larger group of servants, directly following the first group's violent treatment. The tenants' continued ill-treatment sets a clear pattern of rebellion and directly precedes the ultimate sending of the householder's son. This emphasizes the tenants' escalating wickedness and the householder's extraordinary patience.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 22:4
Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 21.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Rejection
Rejection is a painful human experience, but the Bible offers comfort, guidance, and a divine perspective on feeling excluded or unaccepted.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.