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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="/ad5.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/21-44.htm" title="Matthew 21:44">◄</a> Matthew 21:45 <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm" title="Matthew 21:46">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus&#8217 parables, they knew he was talking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He speaks about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was talking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew he was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they knew He was speaking about them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard these stories, they knew Jesus was talking about them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his illustrations, they knew that he was talking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables and knew that he was talking about them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the high priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was talking about them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />After listening to His parables the High Priests and the Pharisees perceived that He was speaking about them;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the chief priests and the Pharisees having heard His allegories, knew that He speaks of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He speaks about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the chief priests and the Pharisees having heard his similes, knew that of them he speaketh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the chief priests and Pharisees, having heard his parable, knew that he spake of them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the leaders of the priests, and the Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When the high priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they understood that he was speaking against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And when the Chief Priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he had spoken against them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And the chief priests and Pharisees hearing His parables, knew that He speaks concerning them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking concerning them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />After listening to His parables the High Priests and the Pharisees perceived that He was speaking about them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the high-priests and Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He was speaking concerning them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And when the chief priests and pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that He spake of them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/21-45.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6350" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">The Parable of the Wicked Tenants</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">44</span>He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” <span class="reftext">45</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">When</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/749.htm" title="749: archiereis (N-NMP) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">chief priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</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/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-NMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3850.htm" title="3850: parabolas (N-AFP) -- From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.">parables,</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnōsan (V-AIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">they knew</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</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. ">Jesus was speaking</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">46</span>Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-1.htm">Isaiah 5:1-7</a></span><br />I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22-23</a></span><br />The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-12.htm">Mark 12:12</a></span><br />At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Luke 20:19</a></span><br />When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a></span><br />This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">1 Peter 2:7-8</a></span><br />To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-25.htm">Jeremiah 7:25-26</a></span><br />From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-4.htm">Jeremiah 25:4-7</a></span><br />And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. / The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. / Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">2 Chronicles 36:15-16</a></span><br />Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-45.htm">John 7:45-48</a></span><br />Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” / “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. / “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Acts 5:33</a></span><br />When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51-52</a></span><br />You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32-33</a></span><br />Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-10</a></span><br />What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them.</p><p class="hdg">they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Matthew 12:12</a></b></br> How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-45.htm">Luke 11:45</a></b></br> Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Luke 20:19</a></b></br> And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/matthew/20-24.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/20-30.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-13.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/matthew/16-12.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/22-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/6-20.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Similes</a> <a href="/luke/5-21.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/matthew/26-10.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-1.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-17.htm">curses the fig tree;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">puts to silence the priests and elders,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables</b><br>The chief priests and Pharisees were influential religious leaders in Jewish society. The chief priests were part of the temple hierarchy, responsible for temple rituals and sacrifices, while the Pharisees were a sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. Jesus often used parables, which are simple stories with spiritual or moral lessons, to convey deeper truths. In the context of <a href="/matthew/21.htm">Matthew 21</a>, Jesus had just told the Parable of the Tenants, which was a direct critique of the religious leaders' failure to lead Israel faithfully. This setting is significant as it takes place in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life, during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry.<p><b>they knew that Jesus was speaking about them</b><br>The religious leaders' realization that Jesus was speaking about them indicates their understanding of the parables' implications. The parables were not just stories but were prophetic and confrontational, revealing the leaders' rejection of God's messengers and ultimately His Son. This awareness highlights their hardened hearts and unwillingness to repent despite recognizing the truth. The parables served as a mirror, reflecting their spiritual condition and the impending judgment. This moment foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, which would culminate in His crucifixion. The leaders' recognition of Jesus' message also fulfills the prophetic nature of His ministry, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where the people's inability to perceive and understand is foretold.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/chief_priests.htm">Chief Priests</a></b><br>Religious leaders in charge of temple worship and sacrifices. They held significant authority in Jewish society and were often involved in political matters.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They were influential in religious and social life and often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus'_parables.htm">Jesus' Parables</a></b><br>Short accounts with spiritual lessons. In this context, Jesus used parables to convey truths about the Kingdom of God and to challenge the religious leaders' understanding and behavior.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple.htm">Temple</a></b><br>The central place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem. It was the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and confrontations with religious leaders.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_parables.htm">Understanding Parables</a></b><br>Jesus' use of parables was intentional to reveal truths to those open to His message while concealing it from those who were hard-hearted. We must approach Scripture with humility and openness to understand its deeper meanings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection.htm">Self-Reflection</a></b><br>The chief priests and Pharisees recognized that Jesus' parables were about them, yet they did not repent. We should examine our own lives in light of Scripture and be willing to change when convicted.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a></b><br>Like the religious leaders, we can be blind to our own faults. Regular prayer and study of the Word can help us see clearly and align our lives with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a></b><br>Jesus spoke with authority, challenging the established religious norms. We should recognize His authority in our lives and submit to His teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/response_to_conviction.htm">Response to Conviction</a></b><br>When we feel convicted by Scripture, our response should be repentance and a desire to grow closer to God, rather than defensiveness or denial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/insights_from_day_36_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_on_holy_tuesday.htm">What occurred on Holy Tuesday before Easter?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_jesus'_third_year.htm">What events marked Jesus' third year of ministry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_matthew_21_4-5_a_true_prophecy.htm">How can Matthew 21:4-5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?</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>(45) <span class= "bld">They perceived that he spake of them.</span>--The real or affected unconsciousness of the drift of our Lord's teaching was at last broken through. The last words had been too clear and pointed to leave any room for doubt, and they were roused to a passionate desire for revenge.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 45.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pharisees</span>. They have not been specially mentioned hitherto, but they formed the majority in the Sanhedrin, and are properly here named by the evangelist. <span class="cmt_word">He spake of them</span>. They could not fail, especially after ver. 43, to see the drift of the parables; their own consciences must have made them feel that they themselves were herein signified, their motives and conduct fully discovered. But, as bad men always act, instead of repenting of the evil, they are only exasperated against him who detected them, and only desire the more to wreak their vengeance upon him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/21-45.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="grk">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chief priests</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρχιερεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(archiereis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> </span><span class="str2">High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pharisees</span><br /><span class="grk">Φαρισαῖοι</span> <span class="translit">(Pharisaioi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκούσαντες</span> <span class="translit">(akousantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus’]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">parables,</span><br /><span class="grk">παραβολὰς</span> <span class="translit">(parabolas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3850.htm">Strong's 3850: </a> </span><span class="str2">From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they knew</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔγνωσαν</span> <span class="translit">(egnōsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He was speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/21-45.htm">Matthew 21:45 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 21:45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/21-44.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 21:44"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:44" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/21-46.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 21:46"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:46" /></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>