Matthew 21:31
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Original Language Analysis
τίς
Whether
G5101
τίς
Whether
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 33
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 33
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 33
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
7 of 33
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός;
of his father
G3962
πατρός;
of his father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 33
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 33
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 33
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
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 33
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 33
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
17 of 33
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
19 of 33
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
21 of 33
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελῶναι
the publicans
G5057
τελῶναι
the publicans
Strong's:
G5057
Word #:
23 of 33
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προάγουσιν
before
G4254
προάγουσιν
before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
27 of 33
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
29 of 33
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
31 of 33
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 7:29And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Matthew 7:21Not 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.Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.Matthew 20:16So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
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
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.