Matthew 21:31

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τίς
G5101
Whether
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#2
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#3
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δύο
G1417
them twain
"two"
#5
ἐποίησεν
G4160
did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#6
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
θέλημα
G2307
the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πατρός;
G3962
of his father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#10
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto him
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
#12
Ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πρῶτος.
G4413
The first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#14
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto him
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
#16
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
Ἰησοῦς,
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#18
Ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#19
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#20
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#21
ὅτι
G3754
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#22
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
τελῶναι
G5057
the publicans
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
#24
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
αἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
πόρναι
G4204
the harlots
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
#27
προάγουσιν
G4254
before
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
#28
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#29
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#30
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#32
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Matthew. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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