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And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/21-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/40_Mat_21_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 21:32 - The Parable of the Two Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For John came to you in a righteous way and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. 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And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. <a href="/nlt/matthew/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins. <a href="/esv/matthew/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. <a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and you having seen, did not even repent afterward to believe him. <a href="/kjv/matthew/21.htm">King James Bible</a> For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/21.htm">New King James Version</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even have second thoughts afterward so as to believe him. <a href="/nasb/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax-gatherers and harlots did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him. <a href="/lsb/matthew/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even regret afterward so as to believe him. <a href="/amp/matthew/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For John came to you [walking] in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even change your mind afterward and believe him [accepting what he proclaimed to you]. <a href="/csb/matthew/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; but you, when you saw it, didn’t even change your minds then and believe him. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn&#8217t believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him, but you, when you saw it, didn&#8217t even change your minds then and believe him. <a href="/asv/matthew/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him. <a href="/cev/matthew/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When John the Baptist showed you how to do right, you would not believe him. But these evil people did believe. And even when you saw what they did, you still would not change your minds and believe. <a href="/erv/matthew/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him. <a href="/gwt/matthew/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John came to you and showed you the way that God wants you to live, but you didn't believe him. The tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. But even after you had seen that, you didn't change your minds and believe him. <a href="/gnt/matthew/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> For John the Baptist came to you showing you the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him. <a href="/isv/matthew/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> John came to you living a righteous life, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. But even when you saw that, you didn't change your minds at last and believe him." <a href="/net/matthew/21.htm">NET Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe. Although you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him. <a href="/nheb/matthew/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you did not even repent afterward, that you might believe him. <a href="/wbt/matthew/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For John came to you observing all sorts of ritual, and you put no faith in him: the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners did put faith in him, and you, though you saw this example set you, were not even afterwards sorry so as to believe him.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. <a href="/web/matthew/21.htm">World English Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn’t even repent afterward, that you might believe him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, and the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and you, having seen, did not regret at last—to believe him. <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and you having seen, did not even repent afterward to believe him. <a href="/ylt/matthew/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye did not believe him, and the tax-gatherers and the harlots did believe him, and ye, having seen, repented not at last -- to believe him. <a href="/slt/matthew/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For John came to you in the way of justice, and ye believed him not: and the publicans and harlots believed him; and ye, seeing, repented not afterwards, to believe him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For John came to you in the way of justice, and you did not believe him. But the publicans and the harlots believed him: but you, seeing it, did not even afterwards repent, that you might believe him. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For John came to you in the way of justice, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Yet even after seeing this, you did not repent, so as to believe him. <a href="/nabre/matthew/21.htm">New American Bible</a> When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For John came to you in a righteousness way, and you did not believe him; but the publicans and the harlots believed him; but you, even though you saw, did not repent, so that later you may believe him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “For Yohannan came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not trust him, but Tax Collectors and prostitutes trusted him, and even when you saw it, you were not moved with regret afterward to trust him.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And you, when you had seen it, after ward felt no regret, that you might believe him.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the publicans and harlots believed him, and you, seeing, did not afterward regret it, in order that you might believe him.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the tax-gatherers and harlots believed on him. But ye, when ye saw it, repented not afterwards, that ye should believe on him.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for John instructed you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the licentious believed him, and tho' you saw that, you did not yet repent, so as to believe him. <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For John came to you observing all sorts of ritual, and you put no faith in him: the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners did put faith in him, and you, though you saw this example set you, were not even afterwards sorry so as to believe him. <a href="/worrell/matthew/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and ye did not believe him; but the tax-collectors and the harlots believed him; but ye, having seen him, did not even repent afterward, that ye might believe him."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>for John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye did not believe him; but publicans and harlots believed him; and though ye saw <Fr>that,<FR> ye did not repent afterwards, to believe him.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/21-32.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=6226" 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> …31Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</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/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēs (N-GFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">a righteous</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: hodō (N-DFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">way</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: episteusate (V-AIA-2P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">you did not believe</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.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5057.htm" title="5057: telōnai (N-NMP) -- A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.">tax collectors</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4204.htm" title="4204: pornai (N-NFP) -- A prostitute; met: an idolatrous community. Feminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.">prostitutes</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: episteusan (V-AIA-3P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">did.</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/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Adv) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">even</a> <a href="/greek/5305.htm" title="5305: hysteron (Adv) -- Lastly, afterward, later. Neuter of husteros as adverb; more lately, i.e. Eventually.">after</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idontes (V-APA-NMP) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">you saw this,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3338.htm" title="3338: metemelēthēte (V-AIP-2P) -- From meta and the middle voice of melo; to care afterwards, i.e. Regret.">did not repent</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteusai (V-ANA) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">and believe</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.">him. </a> 33Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey.…<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/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29-30</a> All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. / But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. <a href="/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12-13</a> Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” / “Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered. <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1-2</a> Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. / So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-35</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-2</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4-5</a> John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">Luke 3:3</a> He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” <a href="/matthew/11-18.htm">Matthew 11:18-19</a> For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ / The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” <a href="/luke/7-33.htm">Luke 7:33-34</a> For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ / The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ <a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Ezekiel 18:31-32</a> Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/jeremiah/31-19.htm">Jeremiah 31:19</a> After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a> Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Zechariah 1:4</a> Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.came.<a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-8</a> In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, … <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a> And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.<a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a> Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.and ye believed.<a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?<a href="/matthew/11-18.htm">Matthew 11:18</a> For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.<a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29,30</a> And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John… the publicans.<a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37</a> And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,repented.<a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11,12</a> But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me… <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11,12</a> But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear… <a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37-40</a> And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/21-29.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/matthew/21-29.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/matthew/1-19.htm">Example</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Harlots</a> <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-11.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Prostitutes</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-19.htm">Regret</a> <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/matthew/21-29.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Ritual</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Show</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/21-37.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/matthew/24-23.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/mark/16-11.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Example</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/luke/15-30.htm">Harlots</a> <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/luke/15-30.htm">Prostitutes</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Regret</a> <a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-18.htm">Ritual</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Show</a> <a href="/matthew/26-45.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/acts/10-12.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/matthew/21-36.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/22-30.htm">Women</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>For John came to you in the way of righteousness John the Baptist is a pivotal figure in the New Testament, serving as the forerunner to Jesus Christ. His "way of righteousness" refers to his call for repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. John’s lifestyle and message were consistent with the prophetic tradition, emphasizing moral integrity and spiritual renewal. His ministry fulfilled the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" John's baptism of repentance was a symbolic act pointing to the need for inner transformation.and you did not believe him The religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, rejected John's message despite his clear alignment with Old Testament prophecies. Their disbelief was not due to a lack of evidence but rather a hardened heart and unwillingness to acknowledge their need for repentance. This rejection is a recurring theme in the Gospels, where the religious elite often fail to recognize God's messengers.but the tax collectors and prostitutes did Tax collectors and prostitutes were considered social outcasts and sinners in Jewish society. Their acceptance of John's message highlights the theme of God's grace and the reversal of human expectations. These individuals, aware of their sinfulness, were more open to repentance and transformation. This echoes Jesus' teaching that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" (<a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a>), emphasizing that God's kingdom is accessible to all who repent, regardless of their past.And even after you saw this The religious leaders witnessed the transformation in the lives of those who accepted John's message. This visible change should have served as a powerful testimony to the truth of John's ministry and the authenticity of his call to repentance. The leaders' continued disbelief, despite this evidence, underscores their spiritual blindness and resistance to God's work.you did not repent and believe him Repentance and belief are central themes in the New Testament, representing a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. The religious leaders' failure to repent and believe John is indicative of their broader rejection of Jesus, whom John heralded. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual pride and the importance of humility in recognizing and responding to God's truth. The call to repentance is a consistent message throughout Scripture, urging individuals to align their lives with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet who came "in the way of righteousness," calling people to repentance and preparing the way for Jesus Christ. His ministry was marked by a call to moral and spiritual renewal. 2. <a href="/topical/t/tax_collectors_and_prostitutes.htm">Tax Collectors and Prostitutes</a> Representing the marginalized and sinful in society, these individuals responded to John's message with repentance and faith, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/r/religious_leaders.htm">Religious Leaders</a> The Pharisees and chief priests, who were the primary audience of Jesus' rebuke in this passage. Despite their religious status, they failed to recognize and accept the message of repentance and faith. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events took place, serving as a central location for Jesus' ministry and the religious hub of Judaism. 5. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_belief.htm">Repentance and Belief</a> Central themes in this passage, highlighting the necessity of turning away from sin and placing faith in the message of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> True repentance involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a transformation in behavior. It is not enough to hear the message; one must respond to it. <a href="/topical/t/the_inclusivity_of_the_gospel.htm">The Inclusivity of the Gospel</a> The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of social status or past sins. Jesus' message is transformative and available to all who believe. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_spiritual_pride.htm">The Danger of Spiritual Pride</a> The religious leaders' failure to repent serves as a warning against spiritual pride and self-righteousness. Humility is essential in recognizing our need for God's grace. <a href="/topical/f/faith_evidenced_by_action.htm">Faith Evidenced by Action</a> Genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. The response of the tax collectors and prostitutes shows that true belief results in a changed life. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_belief.htm">The Urgency of Belief</a> The passage emphasizes the importance of responding to the Gospel message promptly. Delayed repentance can lead to a hardened heart.<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/what_was_the_tax_collectors'_role_in_the_bible.htm">What role did tax collectors have in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_luke_7_29-30_undermine_john's_role.htm">Luke 7:29–30 – Does the mention of people rejecting John’s baptism but being open to Jesus contradict or undermine John’s prophetic role elsewhere in Scripture? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_matthew_left_tax_job_for_jesus.htm">Matthew 9:9: Is there any historical evidence that a tax collector named Matthew abruptly abandoned his profession to follow Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_jesus'_coin-in-fish_claim.htm">In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus tells Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax. Is there any evidence or logical explanation for this unusual claim?</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>(32) In the way of righteousness.--The term seems used in a half-technical sense, as expressing the aspect of righteousness which the Pharisees themselves recognised (<a href="/matthew/6-1.htm" title="Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 6:1</a>), and which included, as its three great elements, the almsgiving, fasting, and prayer, that were so conspicuous both in the life and in the teaching of the Baptist.The publicans and the harlots believed him.--The former class appear among the hearers of John in <a href="/luke/3-12.htm" title="Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do?">Luke 3:12</a>. The latter are not mentioned there, but it was natural they also should feel the impulse of the strong popular movement.Repented not afterwards.--Better, did not even repent afterwards. The words are repeated from the parable (<a href="/matthew/21-29.htm" title="He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.">Matthew 21:29</a>), and sharpen its application. In relation to the preaching of the Baptist, the scribes and Pharisees were like the first of the two sons in his defiant refusal; they were not like him in his subsequent repentance.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 32. - For John came unto you. This gives the reason for Christ's assertion at the end of the last verse. John came with a special call to the rulers of the people, and they made some show of interest, by sending a deputation to demand his credentials, and by coming to his baptism; but that was all. They did not alter their lives or change their faulty opinions at his preaching, though they "were willing for a season to rejoice in his light" (<a href="/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35</a>). In the way of righteousness. In that path of strict obedience to law, and of ascetic holiness, which you profess to regard so highly. If they had followed the path which John indicated, they would have attained to righteousness and salvation. John preached Christ who is "the Way" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). (For "way," meaning doctrine, religious tenet and practice, see <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16</a>; <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2</a>; <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Acts 19:9, 23</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21</a>.) Ye believed him not, to any practical purpose, even as it is said elsewhere (<a href="/luke/7-30.htm">Luke 7:30</a>), "The Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, not having been baptized of him." Those who did receive his baptism were the exception; the great majority stood aloof. Believed him. Though these sinners may have first rejected him, yet his preaching softened their hearts; they repented, confessed their sins, and were baptized (see for examples, <a href="/luke/3-10.htm">Luke 3:10</a>, etc.; Luke 7:29). This was another call to the Pharisees to go and do likewise. When ye had seen it; i.e. the fruits of true repentance in these sinners, which conversion was indeed a loud appeal to the rulers to consider their own ways, and to bow to God's hand. Repented not (see ver. 29). They profited not by this miracle of grace. That ye might believe him. The end and result of repentance would be to believe in John's mission, and to attend to his teaching. Christ offers the above explanation of the parable (vers. 31, 32) in view of the purpose for which he uttered it. It has been, and may be, taken in different senses, and in wider application. "What is set forth in individual cases is but a sample of what takes place in whole classes of persons, and even nations" (I. Williams). Many expositors consider the two sons to represent Gentiles and Jews; the former making no profession of serving God, and yet in time being converted and turning to him; the latter making much outward show of obedience, yet in reality denying him and rejecting salvation. It is obvious that such explanation is allowable, and coincides with the letter of the parable; but it does not satisfy the context, and fails in not answering to Christ's intention in uttering this similitude. Others see herein a picture of what happens in Christian lands, and is the experience of every Christian minister - how the irreligious and apparently irreclaimable are by God's grace brought, to repentance unto life; how the seemingly pious often make much show, but fall away, or bring no fruit unto perfection. And as the parable involves a general principle, so it may be applied universally to those who make great professions of religion, and are for a time full of good resolutions, but in practice fall very short; and to those who have been the slaves of lust, covetousness, or some other wickedness, but have been recovered from the snares of the devil, and have learned to lead a godly, righteous, and sober life. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/21-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. John Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. came ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. 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. a righteous δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosynēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. way ὁδῷ (hodō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you did not believe ἐπιστεύσατε (episteusate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. tax collectors τελῶναι (telōnai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. prostitutes πόρναι (pornai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4204.htm">Strong's 4204: </a> A prostitute; met: an idolatrous community. Feminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater. [did]. ἐπίστευσαν (episteusan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. And δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [even] οὐδὲ (oude) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. after ὕστερον (hysteron) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5305.htm">Strong's 5305: </a> Lastly, afterward, later. Neuter of husteros as adverb; more lately, i.e. Eventually. you saw this, ἰδόντες (idontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. did not repent μετεμελήθητε (metemelēthēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3338.htm">Strong's 3338: </a> From meta and the middle voice of melo; to care afterwards, i.e. Regret. [and] believe πιστεῦσαι (pisteusai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. him. αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 21:32 For John came to you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/21-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 21:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/21-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 21:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:33" /></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>