Matthew 21:36
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
Again
G3825
πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 11
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 11
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 11
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
πλείονας
more
G4119
πλείονας
more
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
5 of 11
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρώτων
than the first
G4413
πρώτων
than the first
Strong's:
G4413
Word #:
7 of 11
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησαν
they did
G4160
ἐποίησαν
they did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
The pre-exilic prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), exilic voices (Daniel), and post-exilic messengers (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi) all called Israel to covenant faithfulness. Nearly all faced opposition, persecution, or death. Even after returning from Babylonian exile—God's judgment on fruitlessness—Israel continued rejecting prophetic ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's persistent sending of messengers despite repeated rejection reveal His heart toward rebellious people?
- What pattern of resisting the same conviction through different circumstances might indicate dangerous heart-hardening in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise—God's patience persists through escalating rejection. ἄλλους δούλους πλείονας τῶν πρώτων (allous doulous pleionas tōn prōtōn)—'other servants, more than the first.' Each wave of prophets faced identical treatment: violent rejection.
Divine patience should provoke repentance (Rom 2:4), yet Israel's pattern hardened into habit. God's repeated sending of prophets demonstrates both His mercy (giving more opportunities) and their guilt (multiplying rebellions). The same message, different messengers, identical rejection—proving the problem lies not in the prophets but in the people's hearts.