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Matthew 21:28

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in the vineyard.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go, work to-day in my vineyard.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— But what think ye? A man had two children, and coming to the first he said, Child, go to-day, work in [my] vineyard.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— But how, to you, doth it seem? A man, had two sons: coming unto the first, he said, Son! go thy way, today, be working in the vineyard.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— 'And what think ye? A man had two children, and having come to the first, he said, Child, go, to-day be working in my vineyard.'
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— But what think you? A certain man had two sons: and coming to the first, he said: Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— But what thinke ye? A certaine man had two sonnes, and came to the elder, and saide, Sonne, goe and worke to day in my vineyarde.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— But what thinke you? A certaine man had two sonnes, and he came to the first, and said, Sonne, goe worke to day in my vineyard.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— What do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first one and said to him, My son, go and work today in the vineyard.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— BUT how doth [it] appear to you? a certain man had two sons; and he came to the elder, and said to him, My son, go to-day work in the vinery.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— But how appeareth it to you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said to him, My son, go, labor to-day in the vineyard.

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
But 1161
{1161} Prime
δέ
de
{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
what 5101
{5101} Prime
τίς
tis
{tis}
Probably emphatic of G5100; an interrogitive pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions).
think 1380
{1380} Prime
δοκέω
dokeo
{dok-eh'-o}
A prolonged form of a primary verb δόκω [[doko]], {dok'-o} (used only as an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of G1166); of the same meaning; to think; by implication to seem (truthfully or uncertainly).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
ye? 5213
{5213} Prime
ὑμῖν
humin
{hoo-min'}
Irregular dative case of G5210; to (with or by) you.
A [certain] man 444
{0444} Prime
ἄνθρωπος
anthropos
{anth'-ro-pos}
From G0435 and ὤψ [[ops]] (the countenance; from G3700); manfaced, that is, a human being.
had 2192
{2192} Prime
ἔχω
echo
{ekh'-o}
A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω [[scheo]], {skheh'-o}; used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition).
z5707
<5707> Grammar
Tense - Imperfect (See G5775)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 855
two 1417
{1417} Prime
δύο
duo
{doo'-o}
A primary numeral; 'two'.
sons; 5043
{5043} Prime
τέκνον
teknon
{tek'-non}
From the base of G5098; a child (as produced).
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
he came 4334
{4334} Prime
προσέρχομαι
proserchomai
{pros-er'-khom-ahee}
From G4314 and G2064 (including its alternate); to approach, that is, (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to.
z5631
<5631> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 889
to the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
first, 4413
{4413} Prime
πρῶτος
protos
{pro'-tos}
Contracted superlative of G4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance).
and said, 2036
{2036} Prime
ἔπω
epo
{ep'-o}
A primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483 and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writting).
z5627
<5627> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 2138 plus 1 in a variant reading in a footnote
Son, 5043
{5043} Prime
τέκνον
teknon
{tek'-non}
From the base of G5098; a child (as produced).
go 5217
{5217} Prime
ὑπάγω
hupago
{hoop-ag'-o}
From G5259 and G0071; to lead (oneself) under, that is, withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively.
z5720
<5720> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Imperative (See G5794)
Count - 592
work 2038
{2038} Prime
ἐργάζομαι
ergazomai
{er-gad'-zom-ahee}
Middle voice from G2041; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.
z5737
<5737> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Middle or Passive Deponent (See G5790)
Mood - Imperative (See G5794)
Count - 152
to day 4594
{4594} Prime
σήμερον
semeron
{say'-mer-on}
Neuter (as adverb) of a presumed compound of the article G3588 ('tau' changed to 'sigma') and G2250; on the (that is, this) day (or night current or just passed); genitively now (that is, at present, hitherto).
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
my 3450
{3450} Prime
μοῦ
mou
{moo}
The simpler from of G1700; of me.
vineyard. 290
{0290} Prime
ἀμπελών
ampelon
{am-pel-ohn'}
From G0288; a vineyard.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Matthew 21:28

_ _ Matthew 21:28-32. Parable of the two sons.

_ _ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard — for true religion is a practical thing, a “bringing forth fruit unto God.”

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew 21:28-32

_ _ As Christ instructed his disciples by parables, which made the instructions the more easy, so sometimes he convinced his adversaries by parables, which bring reproofs more close, and make men, or ever they are aware, to reprove themselves. Thus Nathan convinced David by a parable (2 Samuel 22:1), and the woman of Tekoa surprised him in like manner, 2 Samuel 14:2 : Reproving parables are appeals to the offenders themselves, and judge them out of their own mouths. This Christ designs here, as appears by the first words (Matthew 21:28), But what think you?

_ _ In these verses we have the parable of the two sons sent to work in the vineyard, the scope of which is to show that they who knew not John's baptism to be of God, were shamed even by the publicans and harlots, who knew it, and owned it. Here is,

_ _ I. The parable itself, which represents two sorts of persons; some that prove better than they promise, represented by the first of those sons; others that promise better than they prove represented by the second.

_ _ 1. They had both one and the same father, which signifies that God is a common Father to all mankind. There are favours which all alike receive from him, and obligations which all alike lie under to him; Have we not all one Father? Yes, and yet there is a vast difference between men's characters.

_ _ 2. They had both the same command given them; Son, go work today in my vineyard. Parents should not breed up their children in idleness; nothing is more pleasing, and yet nothing more pernicious, to youth than that. Lamentations 3:27. God sets his children to work, though they are all heirs. This command is given to every one of us. Note, (1.) The work of religion, which we are called to engage in, is vineyard work, creditable, profitable, and pleasant. By the sin of Adam we were turned out to work upon the common, and to eat the herb of the field; but by the grace of our Lord Jesus we are called to work again in the vineyard. (2.) The gospel call to work in the vineyard, requires present obedience; Son, go work today, while it is called today, because the night comes when no man can work. We were not sent into the world to be idle, nor had we daylight given us to play by; and therefore, if ever we mean to do any thing for God and our souls, why not now? Why not today? (3.) The exhortation to go work today in the vineyard, speaketh unto us as unto children (Hebrews 12:5); Son, go work. It is the command of a Father, which carries with it both authority and affection, a Father that pities his children, and considers their frame, and will not overtask them (Psalms 103:13, Psalms 103:14), a Father that is very tender of his Son that serves him, Malachi 3:17. If we work in our Father's vineyard, we work for ourselves.

_ _ 3. Their conduct was very different.

_ _ (1.) One of the sons did better than he said, proved better than he promised. His answer was bad, but his actions were good.

_ _ [1.] Here is the untoward answer that he gave to his father; he said, flat and plain I will not. See to what a degree of impudence the corrupt nature of man rises, to say, I will not, to the command of a Father; such a command of such a Father; they are impudent children, and stiff-hearted. Those that will not bend, surely they cannot blush; if they had any degree of modesty left them, they could not say, We will not. Jeremiah 2:25. Excuses are bad, but downright denials are worse; yet such peremptory refusals do the calls of the gospel often meet with. First, Some love their ease, and will not work; they would live in the world as leviathan in the waters, to play therein (Psalms 104:26); they do not love working. Secondly, Their hearts are so much upon their own fields, that they are not for working in God's vineyard. They love the business of the world better than the business of their religion. Thus some by the delights of sense, and others by the employments of the world, are kept from doing that great work which they were sent into the world about, and so stand all the day idle.

_ _ [2.] Here is the happy change of his mind, and of his way, upon second thought; Afterward he repented, and went. Note, There are many who in the beginning are wicked and wilful, and very unpromising, who afterward repent and mend, and come to something. Some that God hath chosen, are suffered for a great while to run to a great excess of riot; Such were some of you, 1 Corinthians 6:11. These are set forth for patterns of long-suffering, 1 Timothy 1:16. Afterward he repented. Repentance is metanoiaan after-wit: and metameleiaan after-care. Better late than never. Observe, When he repented he went; that was the fruit meet for repentance. The only evidence of our repentance for our former resistance, is, immediately to comply, and set to work; and then what is past, shall be pardoned, and all shall be well. See what a kind Father God is; he resents not the affront of our refusals, as justly he might. He that told his father to his face, that he would not do as he bid him, deserved to be turned out of doors, and disinherited; but our God waits to be gracious, and, not withstanding our former follies, if we repent and mend, will favourably accept of us; blessed be God, we are under a covenant that leaves room for such a repentance.

_ _ (2.) The other son said better than he did, promised better than he proved; his answer was good but his actions bad. To him the father said likewise, Matthew 21:30. The gospel call, though very different, is, in effect, the same to all, and is carried on with an even tenour. We have all the same commands, engagements, encouragements, though to some they are a savour of life unto life, to others of death unto death. Observe,

_ _ [1.] How fairly this other son promised; He said, I go, sir. He gives his father a title of respect, sir. Note, It becomes children to speak respectfully to their parents. It is one branch of that honour which the fifth commandment requires. He professes a ready obedience, I go; not, “I will go by and by,” but, “Ready, sir, you may depend upon it, I go just now.” This answer we should give from the heart heartily to all the calls and commands of the word of God. See Jeremiah 3:22; Psalms 27:8.

_ _ [2.] How he failed in the performance; He went not. Note, There are many that give good words, and make fair promises, in religion, and those from some good motions for the present, that rest there, and go no further, and so come to nothing. Saying and doing are two things; and many there are that say, and do not; it is particularly charged upon the Pharisees, Matthew 23:3. Many with their mouth show much love, but their heart goes another way. They had a good mind to be religious, but they met with something to be done, that was too hard, or something to be parted with, that was too dear, and so their purposes are to no purpose. Buds and blossoms are not fruit.

_ _ II. A general appeal upon the parable; Whether of them twain did the will of his father? Matthew 21:31. They both had their faults, one was rude and the other was false, such variety of exercises parents sometimes have in the different humours of their children, and they have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to know what is the best way of managing them. But the question is, Which was the better of the two, and the less faulty? And it was soon resolved; the first, because his actions were better than his words, and his latter end than his beginning. This they had learned from the common sense of mankind, who would much rather deal with one that will be better than his word, than with one that will be false to his word. And, in the intention of it, they had learned from the account God gives of the rule of his judgment (Ezekiel 18:21-24), that if the sinner turn from his wickedness, he shall be pardoned; and if the righteous man turn from his righteousness, he shall be rejected. The tenour of the whole scripture gives us to understand that those are accepted as doing their Father's will, who, wherein they have missed it, are sorry for it, and do better.

_ _ III. A particular application of it to the matter in hand, Matthew 21:31, Matthew 21:32. The primary scope of the parable is, to show how the publicans and harlots, who never talked of the Messiah and his kingdom, yet entertained the doctrine, and submitted to the discipline, of John the Baptist, his forerunner, when the priests and elders, who were big with expectations of the Messiah, and seemed very ready to go into his measures, slighted John the Baptist, and ran counter to the designs of his mission. But it has a further reach; the Gentiles were sometimes disobedient, had been long so, children of disobedience, like the elder son (Titus 3:3, Titus 3:4); yet, when the gospel was preached to them, they became obedient to the faith; whereas the Jews who said, I go, sir, promised fair (Exodus 24:7; Joshua 24:24); yet went not; they did but flatter God with their mouth. Psalms 78:36.

_ _ In Christ's application of this parable, observe.

_ _ 1. How he proves that John's baptism was from heaven, and not of men. “If you cannot tell,” saith Christ, “you might tell,”

_ _ (1.) By the scope of his ministry; John came unto you in the way of righteousness. Would you know whether John had his commission from heaven, remember the rule of trial, By their fruits ye shall know them; the fruits of their doctrines, the fruits of their doings. Observe but their way, and you may trace out both their rise and their tendency. Now it was evident that John came in the way of righteousness. In his ministry, he taught people to repent, and to work the works of righteousness. In his conversation, he was a great example of strictness, and seriousness, and contempt of the world, denying himself, and doing good to every body else. Christ therefore submitted to the baptism of John, because it became him to fulfil all righteousness. Now, if John thus came in the way of righteousness, could they be ignorant that his baptism was from heaven, or make any doubt of it?

_ _ (2.) By the success of his ministry; The publicans and the harlots believed him; he did abundance of good among the worst sort of people. St. Paul proves his apostleship by the seals of his ministry, 1 Corinthians 9:2. If God had not sent John the Baptist, he would not have crowned his labours with such wonderful success, nor have made him so instrumental as he was for the conversion f souls. If publicans and harlots believe his report, surely the arm of the Lord is with him. The people's profiting is the minister's best testimonial.

_ _ 2. How he reproves them for their contempt of John's baptism, which yet, for fear of the people, they were not willing to own. To shame them for it, he sets before them the faith, repentance, and obedience, of the publicans and harlots, which aggravated their unbelief and impenitence. As he shows, Matthew 11:21, that the less likely would have repented, so here that the less likely did repent.

_ _ (1.) The publicans and harlots were like the first son in the parable, from whom little of religion was expected. They promised little good, and those that knew them promised themselves little good from them. Their disposition was generally rude, and their conversation profligate and debauched; and yet many of them were wrought upon the by the ministry of John, who came in the spirit and power of Elias. See Luke 7:29. These fitly represented the Gentile world; for, as Dr. Whitby observes, the Jews generally ranked the publicans with the heathen; nay, and the heathen were represented by the Jews as harlots, and born of harlots, John 8:41.

_ _ (2.) The scribes and Pharisees, the chief priests and elders, and indeed the Jewish nation in general, were like the other son that gave good words; they made a specious profession of religion, and yet, when the kingdom of the Messiah was brought among them by the baptism of John, they slighted it, they turned their back upon it, nay they lifted up the heel against it. A hypocrite is more hardly convinced and converted than a gross sinner; the form of godliness, if that be rested in, becomes one of Satan's strongholds, by which he opposes the power of godliness. It was an aggravation of their unbelief, [1.] That John was such an excellent person, that he came, and came to them, in the way of righteousness. The better the means are, the greater will the account be, if not improved. [2.] That, when they saw the publicans and harlots go before them into the kingdom of heaven, they did not afterward repent and believe; were not thereby provoked to a holy emulation, Romans 11:14. Shall publicans and harlots go away with grace and glory; and shall not we put in for a share? Shall our inferiors be more holy and more happy than we? They had not the wit and grace that Esau had, who was moved to take other measures than he had done, by the example of his younger brother, Genesis 28:6. These proud priests, that set up for leaders, scorned to follow, though it were into the kingdom of heaven, especially to follow publicans; through the pride of their countenance, they would not seek after God, after Christ, Psalms 10:4.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

[[no comment]]

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

[[no comment]]

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
what:

Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

A certain:

Luke 15:11-32 And he said, A certain man had two sons: ... It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

sons:

Matthew 20:5-7 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. ... They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, [that] shall ye receive.
Mark 13:34 [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Mt 17:25; 20:5; 22:17. Mk 13:34. Lk 13:4; 15:11. 1Co 10:15; 15:58.

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