Matthew 21:31 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:28-32

But what think ye? - A way of speaking designed to direct them particularly to what he was saying, that they might be self-convicted.Two sons - By those two sons our Lord intends to represent the conduct of the Jews, and that of the publicans and sinners.In my vineyard - See the notes at Matthew 21:33. To work in the vineyard here represents the work which God requires man to do.I will not - This had been the language of the publicans and wicked men. They refused at first, and did not “profess”... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:28-32 . But what think ye As if he had said, You have evaded a direct answer to my question concerning the baptism of John, and have acknowledged your ignorance whence it was; but what think you of your own conduct in these circumstances? and of all the high professions you make of an extraordinary reverence for God, and zeal in his service? I will plainly tell you my judgment of it, which is very naturally connected with the present subject. This our Lord does in two parables,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:23-32

122. Authority of Jesus questioned (Matthew 21:23-32; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)When Jesus returned to the temple, the Jewish religious leaders came to trap him with a question. They hoped to find something in his answer that would enable them to bring a charge, civil or religious, against him. They asked him by what authority he acted the way he did, particularly in overthrowing the established practices of the Jewish temple (Matthew 21:23).Instead of answering directly, Jesus adjusted the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain = Which of the two. the will = the desire. Greek. thelema (the Noun of App-102 ). publicans = tax-gatherers. go into . . . before = go before you into. the kingdom of God. See App-114 . The fourth of five occurrences in Matthew. See note on Matthew 6:33 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 21:31

Which of the two did the will of the father? They say, 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.Christ's application of the parable to the Pharisees and to the class of sinners they most despised is in some ways rather shocking. It must have appeared positively outrageous to the hardened hypocrites who first heard it. It does not appear, of course, that Christ condoned or endorsed gross sin in any manner. He... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 21:31-32

Matthew 21:31-32. They say unto him, The first— It seems that the Pharisees did not perceive that by this answer they condemned themselves, till Jesus made a direct application of the parable in that sharp, but just reproof, Verily, I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For, Matthew 21:32, though you pretend that you do not know whence the baptism of John was, John came unto you in the way of righteousness; he clearly proved his mission from... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:31

31. Whether of them twain did the will of his Father? They say unto him, The first—Now comes the application. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go—or, "are going"; even now entering, while ye hold back. into the kingdom of God before you—The publicans and the harlots were the first son, who, when told to work in the Lord's vineyard, said, I will not; but afterwards repented and went. Their early life was a flat and flagrant refusal to do what they... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:18-46

C. Israel’s rejection of her King 21:18-22:46This section of Matthew’s Gospel presents Israel’s formal rejection of her Messiah. Jesus had made a formal presentation of Himself to the nation’s populace and leadership in the messianic capital with His triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-17). Jesus’ earlier rejection had taken place in rural Galilee (ch. 12). Now Matthew recorded Israel’s response. [Note: For more light on the connections that unite this pericope with the previous one, see Mark... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:28-32

The parable of the two sons 21:28-32This first parable condemned the conduct of these leaders. It showed that they condemned themselves by judging Jesus as they did. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:29-31

The ancient Greek texts of these verses contain variations that have resulted in different translations. The NASB has the older son saying yes but doing nothing. The younger son says no but repents and goes. The younger son does the father’s will. The NIV has the older son saying no but then repenting and going. The younger son says yes but does not go. The older son does the father’s will. Probably the interpretation of the parable influenced early copyists. The better reading appears to be... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:28-32

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 21:28-32

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 21:23-32

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 21:31

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 21:31

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 21:31-32

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 21:31

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:18-46

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:28-32

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 21:29-31

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