Matthew 7:21
What does Matthew 7:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:21 means
Jesus declares that simply professing Him as 'Lord' is insufficient for entry into the 'kingdom of heaven.' True entry requires actively 'doing the will of my Father who is in heaven.' This verse distinguishes between superficial religious talk and genuine, obedient faith. It emphasizes that authentic discipleship is not merely about verbal affirmation or emotional expressions, but about a life submitted to God's commands and purposes. It warns against a performative faith that lacks sincere obedience, pointing to a deeper form of allegiance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will go into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the pleasure of my Father in heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Not every one who is saying to me Lord, lord, shall come into the reign of the heavens; but he who is doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he that does the will of my Father who is in the heavens.
Context
This verse introduces a pivotal, direct warning against superficial faith, building upon the previous emphasis on 'fruit.' While the 'fruit' test revealed false prophets, this verse now addresses false disciples—those who outwardly profess Christ but lack genuine obedience. It moves from discerning others to examining one's own relationship with God, setting the stage for an even more startling revelation about those who claim to perform mighty works in His name.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:29
And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.
- John 10:29
My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
- Isaiah 48:1
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Jehovah, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness
- Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
- Hebrews 13:21
make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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