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<!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 20:21 "What do you want?" He inquired. She answered, "Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/20-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/40_Mat_20_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 20:21 - A Mother's Request" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What do you want? He inquired. She answered, Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left." /><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/20-21.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/20-21.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/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 21</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="/ad1.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/20-20.htm" title="Matthew 20:20">◄</a> Matthew 20:21 <a href="/matthew/20-22.htm" title="Matthew 20:22">►</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/20.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/20.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220What is it you want?&#8221 he asked. She said, &#8220Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” <a href="/esv/matthew/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” <a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to her, "What do you desire?" She says to Him, "Say that these two sons of mine might sit, one on Your right hand and one on Your left hand, in Your kingdom." <a href="/kjv/matthew/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He said to her, &#8220What do you wish?&#8221 She said to Him, &#8220Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” <a href="/amp/matthew/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit [in positions of honor and authority] one on Your right and one on Your left.” <a href="/csb/matthew/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “What do you want? ” he asked her. “Promise,” she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220What do you want?&#8221 He asked her.&#8221 Promise,&#8221 she said to Him, &#8220that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom. <a href="/cev/matthew/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus asked her what she wanted, and she said, "When you come into your kingdom, please let one of my sons sit at your right side and the other at your left." <a href="/erv/matthew/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom. <a href="/gwt/matthew/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "What do you want?" he asked her. She said to him, "Promise that one of my sons will sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." <a href="/gnt/matthew/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> "What do you want?" Jesus asked her. She answered, "Promise me that these two sons of mine will sit at your right and your left when you are King." <a href="/isv/matthew/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> He asked her, "What do you want?" She told him, "Promise that in your kingdom these two sons of mine will sit on your right and on your left." <a href="/msb/matthew/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?What do you want?? He inquired. She answered, ?Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.? <a href="/net/matthew/20.htm">NET Bible</a> He said to her, "What do you want?" She replied, "Permit these two sons of mine to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." <a href="/nheb/matthew/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom." <a href="/wbt/matthew/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to her, What wilt thou: She saith to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left in thy kingdom. <a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "What is it you desire?" He asked. "Command," she replied, "that these my two sons may sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your Kingdom." <a href="/web/matthew/20.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and He said to her, “What do you will?” She says to Him, “Say that they may sit—these two sons of mine—one on Your right hand and one on the left, in Your kingdom.” <a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to her, "What do you desire?" She says to Him, "Say that these two sons of mine might sit, one on Your right hand and one on Your left hand, in Your kingdom." <a href="/ylt/matthew/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he said to her, 'What wilt thou?' She saith to him, 'Say, that they may sit -- these my two sons -- one on thy right hand, and one on the left, in thy reign.' <a href="/slt/matthew/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said to her, What wilt thou? She says to him, Say that these my two sons might sit, the one on thy right hand, and one on thy left, in thy kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to him: Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these, my two sons, may sit, one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/20.htm">New American Bible</a> He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He said to her, What do you wish? She said to him, Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and one at your left, in your kingdom. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he said to her, “What do you desire?” And she said to him, “Say that these my two sons will sit, one at your right and one at your left, in your Kingdom.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He said to her: What do you wish? She said to him: Command that these two sons of mine may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom. <a href="/godbey/matthew/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He said to her, <FR>What do you wish?<Fr> She says to Him, Tell me that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right, and one on thy left, in thy kingdom. <a href="/haweis/matthew/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then he said to her, What is thy wish? She saith unto him, Tell me that these my two sons shall sit, the one at thy right hand, and the other at thy left, in thy kingdom. <a href="/mace/matthew/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and he said to her, what would you have? grant, said she, when you are upon the throne, that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left. <a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "What is it you desire?" He asked. "Command," she replied, "that these my two sons may sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your Kingdom." <a href="/worrell/matthew/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He said to her, <FR>"What do you wish?"<Fr> She says to Him, "Command, that these my two sons may sit, one on Thy right hand, and one on Thy left, in Thy Kingdom." <a href="/worsley/matthew/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And He said unto her, <FR>What dost thou desire?<Fr> She saith unto Him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on the left in thy kingdom. <a href="/parallel/matthew/20-21.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=5802" 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/20.htm">A Mother's Request</a> 20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. 21<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">do you want?” </a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He inquired.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">She answered,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipe (V-AMA-2S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">“Declare</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</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/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileia (N-DFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtoi (DPro-NMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">of these</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-NMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huioi (N-NMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">sons</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of mine</a> <a href="/greek/2523.htm" title="2523: kathisōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.">may sit</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">at</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/1188.htm" title="1188: dexiōn (Adj-GNP) -- On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.">right hand,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">the other</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">at</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/2176.htm" title="2176: euōnymōn (Adj-GNP) -- From eu and onoma; properly, well-named, i.e. The left; neuter as adverbial, at the left hand.">left.”</a> 22“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered.…<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="/mark/10-37.htm">Mark 10:37</a> They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28</a> Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-30</a> A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ... <a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-45</a> Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” / “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. / They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” ... <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1-4</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” / Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ... <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a> Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a> Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-11</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ... <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a> So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. <a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">1 Kings 3:5-9</a> One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” / Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day. / And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a> The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. <a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a> Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to her, What will you? She said to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom.What.<a href="/matthew/20-32.htm">Matthew 20:32</a> And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?<a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">1 Kings 3:5</a> In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.<a href="/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3</a> Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.Grant.<a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1</a> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?<a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28</a> And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.<a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Jeremiah 45:5</a> And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.the one.<a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a> Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.<a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Psalm 45:9</a> Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.<a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.in thy.<a href="/luke/17-20.htm">Luke 17:20,21</a> And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: … <a href="/luke/19-11.htm">Luke 19:11</a> And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.<a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Acts 1:6</a> When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/matthew/20-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/15-35.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/mark/1-30.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/20-32.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/27-43.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/matthew/21-24.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 20</div>1. <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Jesus, by the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man;</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/20-17.htm">foretells his passion;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">by answering the mother of Zebedee's children, teaches his disciples to be humble;</a> 29. <a href="/matthew/20-29.htm">and gives two blind men their sight.</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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“What do you want?” He inquired. This question is posed by Jesus to the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. It reflects Jesus' willingness to engage with those who approach Him, demonstrating His openness and readiness to listen. This interaction occurs as Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, where He will face crucifixion. The question also serves to reveal the intentions and desires of those who follow Him, highlighting the human tendency to seek personal gain even in spiritual matters.She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” The request made by the mother of James and John reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom. In Jewish culture, sitting at the right and left hand of a king was a position of honor and authority. This request indicates a desire for prominence and power, which contrasts with Jesus' teachings on servanthood and humility. The request also shows a lack of awareness of the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus' kingdom entails. This moment is paralleled in <a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-37</a>, where James and John themselves make the request, emphasizing the ambition and misunderstanding among the disciples. Jesus' response to this request, which follows in the subsequent verses, underscores the values of His kingdom, where greatness is defined by service and sacrifice, not by status or power.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is approached by the mother of James and John with a request concerning her sons' positions in His kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_mother_of_james_and_john.htm">The Mother of James and John</a> She is the one who makes the request to Jesus on behalf of her sons, seeking positions of honor for them in Jesus' kingdom. 3. <a href="/topical/j/james_and_john.htm">James and John</a> Also known as the sons of Zebedee, they are two of Jesus' twelve disciples. Their mother seeks special favor for them. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The other ten disciples are indirectly involved as they react to the request made by the mother of James and John. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a> The context of the request is the coming kingdom that Jesus often taught about, which is both a present reality and a future hope.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_greatness.htm">Understanding True Greatness</a> Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is not about positions of power but about serving others. This challenges worldly views of leadership and success. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_ambition.htm">The Role of Ambition</a> Ambition is not inherently wrong, but it must be aligned with God's will and characterized by humility and service. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_motives.htm">The Importance of Motives</a> The request made by the mother of James and John highlights the need to examine our motives when seeking positions or recognition. <a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> Jesus models and teaches that true leadership is about serving others, a principle that should guide our interactions in all areas of life. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_plan.htm">Trusting God's Plan</a> Instead of seeking specific positions or outcomes, we should trust in God's plan and timing for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 20</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/how_does_psalm_89_align_with_david's_end.htm">How does Psalm 89:36-37's promise of an everlasting Davidic monarchy align with the historical end of the Davidic line?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_matthew_mention_their_mother.htm">Matthew 20:20-21 - Why does Matthew mention the mother of James and John making this request, while Mark 10:35-37 portrays the brothers themselves asking?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_romans_6_14_say_on_sin's_rule.htm">How close are you to the Kingdom of God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) The one on thy right hand.--The favour which had already been bestowed might, in some degree, seem to warrant the petition. John was known emphatically as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (<a href="/john/13-23.htm" title="Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.">John 13:23</a>; <a href="/john/19-26.htm" title="When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son!">John 19:26</a>; <a href="/john/20-2.htm" title="Then she runs, and comes to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.">John 20:2</a>), and if we may infer a general practice from that of the Last Supper (<a href="/john/13-23.htm" title="Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.">John 13:23</a>), he sat near Him at their customary meals. James was one of the chosen three who had been witnesses of the Transfiguration (<a href="/matthew/17-1.htm" title="And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart,">Matthew 17:1</a>). Both had been marked out for special honour by the new name of the Sons of Thunder (<a href="/mark/3-17.htm" title="And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:">Mark 3:17</a>). The mother might well think that she was but asking for her sons a continuance of what they had hitherto enjoyed. The sternness of our Lord's words to Peter (<a href="/matthew/16-23.htm" title="But he turned, and said to Peter, Get you behind me, Satan: you are an offense to me: for you mind not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.">Matthew 16:23</a>) might almost justify the thought that his position had been forfeited. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - What wilt thou. Jesus will make no unconditional promise; he compels her to formulate her petition. Grant; εἰπέ: command. These my two sons. She points to them, as they stood or knelt behind her. May sit... in thy kingdom. The right and left hand would be the places occupied by those next to the sovereign in dignity and consideration. There is here no thought of St. Peter's pre-eminence (comp. <a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/18-18.htm">2 Chronicles 18:18</a>; <a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Psalm 45:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a>). The petition was urged at this moment, because it was felt that a great crisis was at hand. This visit to Jerusalem must have momentous results; here Jesus was about to set up his throne; now was the moment to secure the highest places in his court. He had announced his death; he had also announced his glory; they balanced one declaration against the other, and seized on that which was most consonant to their national prejudices and their own ambitious views. Probably they interpreted the unintelligible resurrection to mean the establishment of the kingdom of Messiah (<a href="/luke/19-11.htm">Luke 19:11</a>). If this was imminent, no time was to be lost in making their claims known. So thought the "sons of thunder," and acted with energy and haste. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/20-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative 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 want?” θέλεις (theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. He asked. 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. She answered, Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Declare Εἰπὲ (Eipe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. 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. Your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. kingdom βασιλείᾳ (basileia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. one εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. of these οὗτοι (houtoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. sons υἱοί (huioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of mine μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. will sit καθίσωσιν (kathisōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2523.htm">Strong's 2523: </a> Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle. at ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. Your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. right hand, δεξιῶν (dexiōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1188.htm">Strong's 1188: </a> On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [the other] εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. at ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. Your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. left.” εὐωνύμων (euōnymōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2176.htm">Strong's 2176: </a> From eu and onoma; properly, well-named, i.e. The left; neuter as adverbial, at the left hand. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 20:21 He said to her What do you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/20-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 20:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/20-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 20:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:22" /></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>