CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 21:28 But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/21-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/40_Mat_21_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 21:28 - The Parable of the Two Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/21-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/21-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/21-27.htm" title="Matthew 21:27">◄</a> Matthew 21:28 <a href="/matthew/21-29.htm" title="Matthew 21:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/21.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, &#8216Son, go and work today in the vineyard.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ <a href="/esv/matthew/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But what do you think? A man had two sons, and having come to the first he said, 'Son, go work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/21.htm">New King James Version</a> “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “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.’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, &#8216Son, go work today in the vineyard.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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.’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “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.’ <a href="/amp/matthew/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ <a href="/csb/matthew/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go work in the vineyard today.’ <a href="/hcsb/matthew/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, My son, go, work in the vineyard today.&#8217 <a href="/asv/matthew/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus said: I will tell you a story about a man who had two sons. Then you can tell me what you think. The father went to the older son and said, "Go work in the vineyard today!" <a href="/erv/matthew/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in the vineyard. <a href="/gwt/matthew/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "What do you think about this? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go to work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/gnt/matthew/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the older one and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/isv/matthew/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/net/matthew/21.htm">NET Bible</a> "What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/nheb/matthew/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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.' <a href="/wbt/matthew/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But give me your judgement. There was a man who had two sons. He came to the elder of them, and said, "'My son, go and work in the vineyard to-day.'<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ <a href="/web/matthew/21.htm">World English Bible</a> But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And what do you think? A man had two children, and having come to the first, he said, Child, go, today be working in my vineyard. <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But what do you think? A man had two sons, and having come to the first he said, 'Son, go work in the vineyard today.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> '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.' <a href="/slt/matthew/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But what seems to you A man had two children; and having come to the first, he said, Child, retire today, work in my vineyard.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But how does it seem to you? A certain man had two sons. And approaching the first, he said: ‘Son, go out today to work in my vineyard.’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/21.htm">New American Bible</a> “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But how does it seem to you? A certain man had two sons and he called the first and said to him, 'My son, go work today in the vineyard.'”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But what think you? A man had two sons; and he went to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. <a href="/godbey/matthew/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>What seems to you? A man had two sons; and going to the first, he said, Child, go to-day, work in my vineyard.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But what think ye? A man had two sons; and coming to the first he said, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard. <a href="/mace/matthew/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> But what do you think of this? a man had two sons, and coming to the first, he said, son, go, work to-day in my vineyard. <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But give me your judgement. There was a man who had two sons. He came to the elder of them, and said, "'My son, go and work in the vineyard to-day.' <a href="/worrell/matthew/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"But what think ye? A man had two children; and to the first, he said, 'Child, go, work today in the vineyard.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But what think ye <Fr>of this<FR>? <Fr>There was<FR> a man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, Son, go, work to day in my vineyard:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/21-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6184" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">The Parable of the Two Sons</a> 27So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">do you</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">think?</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">There was a man</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichen (V-IIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">who had</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-ANP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">sons.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">He went</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtō (Adj-DNS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first one</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: Teknon (N-VNS) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">‘Son,</a> <a href="/greek/5217.htm" title="5217: hypage (V-PMA-2S) -- To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.">go</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">and work</a> <a href="/greek/4594.htm" title="4594: sēmeron (Adv) -- Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.">today</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/290.htm" title="290: ampelōni (N-DMS) -- A vineyard. From ampelos; a vineyard.">vineyard.’</a> 29‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a> Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ... <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-25</a> Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ... <a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Ezekiel 18:21-24</a> But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. / Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live? ... <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a> For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a> If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19-20</a> If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Jeremiah 7:23-24</a> but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. / Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a> But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hebrews 3:7-8</a> Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a> But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. <a href="/john/13-17.htm">John 13:17</a> If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.what.<a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Matthew 17:25</a> 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?<a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17</a> Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?<a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Luke 13:4</a> 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?A certain.<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a> And he said, A certain man had two sons: … Son.<a href="/matthew/20-5.htm">Matthew 20:5-7</a> Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise… <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Mark 13:34</a> 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.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/matthew/20-27.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Today</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/matthew/20-8.htm">Vineyard</a> <a href="/matthew/20-13.htm">Work</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Children</a> <a href="/luke/15-25.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Today</a> <a href="/mark/8-12.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">Vineyard</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Work</a> <a href="/mark/6-14.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 21</div>1. <a href="/matthew/21-1.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/21-17.htm">curses the fig tree;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">puts to silence the priests and elders,</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But what do you think? This phrase introduces a parable, a common teaching method used by Jesus. It invites the listener to engage and reflect on the story's meaning. Parables were a way to convey deep spiritual truths through simple, relatable stories. This question challenges the audience to consider their own actions and beliefs.There was a man who had two sons. The man represents God, and the two sons symbolize different responses to God's call. The number two often signifies contrast or choice in biblical narratives, highlighting the different paths individuals can take. This familial setting would resonate with Jesus' audience, familiar with the dynamics of family life.He went to the first one and said, The father's initiative in approaching the son underscores God's proactive role in reaching out to humanity. This reflects the biblical theme of God seeking a relationship with His people, as seen throughout the Old and New Testaments.‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ The vineyard is a common biblical metaphor for Israel (<a href="/isaiah/5.htm">Isaiah 5:1-7</a>) and God's kingdom. The call to work in the vineyard signifies a call to participate in God's work and mission. The urgency of "today" emphasizes the immediacy and importance of responding to God's call without delay. This reflects the biblical principle of obedience and action in faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_man.htm">The Man (Father)</a> Represents God, who calls His children to work in His vineyard, symbolizing His kingdom and the work He has prepared for them. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_two_sons.htm">The Two Sons</a> Symbolize two types of responses to God's call. The first son initially refuses but later obeys, while the second son agrees to go but does not follow through. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_vineyard.htm">The Vineyard</a> Represents the kingdom of God and the work that believers are called to do. It is a place of labor and fruitfulness, reflecting the mission field of the world. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_work.htm">The Call to Work</a> The father's request to his sons to work in the vineyard signifies God's call to His people to engage in His work and bear fruit. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_work.htm">The Day of Work</a> Implies urgency and the present opportunity to serve God, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's call without delay.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_over_lip_service.htm">Obedience Over Lip Service</a> True obedience to God is demonstrated through actions, not just words. The first son's change of heart shows the value of repentance and action. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_god's_call.htm">The Urgency of God's Call</a> The call to work "today" in the vineyard highlights the immediacy and importance of responding to God's call without procrastination. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_transformation.htm">Repentance and Transformation</a> The first son's change of mind illustrates the power of repentance and the possibility of transformation, encouraging believers to align their actions with God's will. <a href="/topical/g/god's_patience_and_grace.htm">God's Patience and Grace</a> The father's willingness to engage both sons reflects God's patience and grace, offering opportunities for repentance and obedience. <a href="/topical/f/fruitfulness_in_god's_kingdom.htm">Fruitfulness in God's Kingdom</a> Working in the vineyard symbolizes the call to be fruitful in God's kingdom, reminding believers of their role in advancing God's purposes on earth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21</a> <a href="/q/why_hasn't_jesus_returned_yet.htm">Why didn't Jesus return as He promised His disciples?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_belgic_confession's_beliefs.htm">What are the core beliefs of the Belgic Confession?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_atone_for_humanity's_sins.htm">Did Jesus atone for humanity's sins?</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_on_holy_tuesday.htm">What occurred on Holy Tuesday before Easter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) But what think ye?--The question serves to connect the parable with the foregoing incident, and so gives point to its special primary application. In many MSS. the answers of the two sons are inverted, and it is accordingly the "second," and not the first, who is said, in <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm" title="Whether of them two did the will of his father? They say to him, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.">Matthew 21:31</a>, to have done the will of his Father.Go work to day in my vineyard.--The parable rests on the same imagery as that of the Labourers, with some special variations. Both of those who are called to work are "sons," and not hired labourers--i.e., there is a recognition of both Pharisees and publicans, the outwardly religious and the conspicuously irreligious, as being alike, in a sense, children of God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 28-32. - The parable of the two sons. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) Verse 28. - But what think ye? A formula connecting what follows with what has preceded, and making the hearers themselves the judges. By this and the succeeding parables, Jesus shows his interlocutors their true guilty position and the punishment that awaited them. He himself explains the present parable in reference to his hearers, though, of course, it has, and is meant to have, a much wider application. A certain man (ἄνθρωπος, a man) had two sons. The man represents God; the two sons symbolize two classes of Jews - the Pharisees, with their followers and imitators; and the lawless and sinful, who made no pretence of religion. The former are those who profess to keep the Law strictly, to the very letter, though they care nothing for its spirit, and virtually divorce religion from morality The latter are careless and profane persons, whom the Lord calls "publicans and harlots" (ver. 31). The first. Westcott and Hort, relying on no very weighty authority, reverse the order of the sons' answers, altering ver. 31 in agreement with this arrangement. Christ's reply countenances the received text, setting the repentant before the professing son. It is a matter of small importance (see Tischendorf, in loc.). "The first son "here typifies the evil and immoral among the Jewish people. Go, work today. Two emphatic imperatives. Immediate obedience is required. "Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (<a href="/psalms/95-7.htm">Psalm 95:7, 8</a>). God called his sons to serve in his vineyard - the Church. He called them by the prophets, and more especially by John the Baptist, to turn from evil ways, and to do works meet for repentance (<a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8</a>). Christ gives two examples, showing how this call was received. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/21-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. what Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. [do] you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. think? δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. [There was] a man ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. who had εἶχεν (eichen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. sons. τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. He went προσελθὼν (proselthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. first πρώτῳ (prōtō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. [and] said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘Son, Τέκνον (Teknon) Noun - Vocative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. go ὕπαγε (hypage) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5217.htm">Strong's 5217: </a> To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively. [and] work ἐργάζου (ergazou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. today σήμερον (sēmeron) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4594.htm">Strong's 4594: </a> Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. vineyard.’ ἀμπελῶνι (ampelōni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_290.htm">Strong's 290: </a> A vineyard. From ampelos; a vineyard. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 21:28 But what do you think? A man (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/21-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 21:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/21-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 21:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>