Matthew 7:21
Not 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγων
that saith
G3004
λέγων
that saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 24
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 #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
13 of 24
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιῶν
he that doeth
G4160
ποιῶν
he that doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
16 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
18 of 24
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father
G3962
πατρός
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
20 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Romans 2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.James 1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Luke 6:46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Hebrews 4:6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:John 6:40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.Revelation 3:5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.1 Peter 4:2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Historical Context
Jewish thought emphasized both faith and works (Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Micah 6:8). Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy that maintains external piety without internal transformation. 'Lord' (Κύριε) is vocative of supreme authority - confessing Jesus as Lord requires submissive obedience. Early church faced false teachers who claimed Christ while living immorally (Jude 4, 2 Peter 2:1-3). This warning sustained church discipline and calls to authentic discipleship. Entering the kingdom requires transformed life, not mere religious language.
Questions for Reflection
- How does doing God's will demonstrate genuine versus false faith profession?
- What is the relationship between confessing Jesus as Lord and obeying His teaching?
- In what ways might we maintain religious language while avoiding costly obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus warns against false profession: 'Not 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' (Greek: οὐ πᾶς ὁ λέγων μοι· κύριε κύριε, εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν, 'not everyone saying to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven'). Double 'Lord, Lord' (Κύριε κύριε) indicates emphatic religious profession. Yet verbal confession without obedience is worthless. 'Doing the Father's will' demonstrates genuine faith. This challenges easy-believism that separates profession from practice. James 2:19 makes similar point - even demons believe. Saving faith produces obedience.