Matthew 21:45
What does Matthew 21:45 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:45 means
The chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard Jesus' parables, finally understood that He was speaking about them. The parables of the two sons and the wicked tenants, culminating in the prophecy of the rejected stone and the transfer of the Kingdom, had pierced their self-deception. This realization intensified their rage and opposition, as Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and prophesied their downfall.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when his stories came to the ears of the chief priests and the Pharisees, they saw that he was talking of them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the chief priests and the Pharisees having heard his similes, knew that of them he speaketh,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard his parables, knew that he spoke about them.
Context
This verse marks the critical moment when the chief priests and Pharisees fully grasp that Jesus' parables were directed at them, immediately following the stark warnings about the rejected Stone. This realization leads directly to their desire to apprehend Him, highlighting the escalating conflict. This understanding confirms the effectiveness of Jesus' teaching in exposing their hearts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 20:19
And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
- Matthew 12:12
How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.
- Luke 11:45
And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in saying this thou reproachest us also.
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