Matthew 21:30
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθὼν
he came
G4334
προσελθὼν
he came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 15
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δευτέρῳ
to the second
G1208
δευτέρῳ
to the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
4 of 15
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
9 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
κύριε
go sir
G2962
κύριε
go sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.Matthew 23:3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Historical Context
The Pharisees excelled at religious performance—tithing mint and cumin while neglecting justice and mercy (Matt 23:23). They said 'yes' to God publicly but refused prophetic calls to genuine repentance. Their religious credentials gave false security while actual obedience was absent.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'yes' have you spoken to God that remains unactioned in your daily life?
- How does comfortable church attendance without costly discipleship mirror the second son's empty promise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I go, sir: and went not—The second son's false compliance (ἐγώ, κύριε, egō, kyrie, 'I will, sir') represents the chief priests and elders. Respectful words (κύριε, 'lord/sir') masked disobedience. And went not—no action followed the promise.
This cuts at performative religion: prayers without obedience, confession without transformation, 'Lord, Lord' without doing the Father's will (Matt 7:21-23). The religious leaders spoke correctly about God, maintained proper forms, yet rejected His messengers (John, Jesus). Polite religiosity that refuses actual surrender is more dangerous than open rebellion that turns to repentance.