Matthew 20:21
And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
unto her
G846
αὐτῷ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 28
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
θέλεις
wilt thou
G2309
θέλεις
wilt thou
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 28
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
λέγει
She saith
G3004
λέγει
She saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto her
G846
αὐτῷ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καθίσωσιν
may sit
G2523
καθίσωσιν
may sit
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
11 of 28
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοί
sons
G5207
υἱοί
sons
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 28
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
19 of 28
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
23 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
εὐωνύμων
the left
G2176
εὐωνύμων
the left
Strong's:
G2176
Word #:
24 of 28
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Esther 5:3Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Matthew 18:1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?Acts 1:6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?Mark 6:22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.Matthew 20:32And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?1 Kings 3:5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Historical Context
First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.