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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 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/40_Mat_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 20:20 - A Mother's Request" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him." /><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/20-20.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/20-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/20-19.htm" title="Matthew 20:19">◄</a> Matthew 20:20 <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm" title="Matthew 20:21">►</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> Then the mother of Zebedee&#8217s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. <a href="/nlt/matthew/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. <a href="/esv/matthew/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. <a href="/bsb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. <a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. <a href="/kjv/matthew/20.htm">King James Bible</a> Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. <a href="/nasb/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down, and making a request of Him. <a href="/lsb/matthew/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. <a href="/amp/matthew/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then [Salome] the mother of Zebedee’s children [James and John] came up to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down [in respect], asked a favor of Him. <a href="/csb/matthew/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached him with her sons. She knelt down to ask him for something. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the mother of Zebedee&#8217s sons approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. <a href="/asv/matthew/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him. <a href="/cev/matthew/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The mother of James and John came to Jesus with her two sons. She knelt down and started begging him to do something for her. <a href="/erv/matthew/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him. <a href="/gwt/matthew/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her two sons. She bowed down in front of him to ask him for a favor. <a href="/gnt/matthew/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the wife of Zebedee came to Jesus with her two sons, bowed before him, and asked him for a favor. <a href="/isv/matthew/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons. She bowed down in front of him to ask him for a favor. <a href="/msb/matthew/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the mother of Zebedee?s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. <a href="/net/matthew/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling down she asked him for a favor. <a href="/nheb/matthew/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. <a href="/wbt/matthew/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children, with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. <a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zabdi came to Him with her sons, and knelt before Him to make a request of Him. <a href="/web/matthew/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Then came near to Him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, prostrating and asking something from Him, <a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. <a href="/ylt/matthew/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Then came near to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, bowing and asking something from him, <a href="/slt/matthew/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, worshipping, and asking something of him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him, with her sons, adoring him, and petitioning something from him. <a href="/nabre/matthew/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him, together with her sons; and she worshipped him, and requested something of him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came near to him, she and her sons, and she worshiped him and she was asking him something.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, bowing down, and asking something of him. <a href="/godbey/matthew/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, worshiping and asking something from Him. <a href="/haweis/matthew/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then came to him the mother of Zebedee?s children, with her sons, paying him obeisance, and petitioning a favour of him. <a href="/mace/matthew/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Then the mother of Zebedee's children, with her two sons, came and threw herself at his feet, desiring a favour of him. <a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then the mother of the sons of Zabdi came to Him with her sons, and knelt before Him to make a request of Him. <a href="/worrell/matthew/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Then came to Him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshiping and asking something of Him. <a href="/worsley/matthew/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him, together with her two sons, falling down before Him, and presenting a petition to Him. <a href="/parallel/matthew/20-20.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=5794" 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> 19and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.” 20<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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/3384.htm" title="3384: mētēr (N-NFS) -- A mother. Apparently a primary word; a mother.">mother</a> <a href="/greek/2199.htm" title="2199: Zebedaiou (N-GMS) -- Zebedee, father of the apostles James and John. Of Hebrew origin; Zebedaeus, an Israelite.">of Zebedee’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- 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: huiōn (N-GMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">sons</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: prosēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</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.">to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- 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: huiōn (N-GMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">sons</a> <a href="/greek/4352.htm" title="4352: proskynousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage.">and knelt down</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aitousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">to make a request</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object."></a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</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.">Him.</a> 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.”…<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/10-35.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/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="/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="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</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="/matthew/4-21.htm">Matthew 4:21</a> Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Matthew 27:56</a> Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. <a href="/john/19-25.htm">John 19:25</a> Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. <a href="/acts/12-2.htm">Acts 12:2</a> He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. <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/1-16.htm">1 Kings 1:16-17</a> And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” / “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">1 Kings 1:11-13</a> Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ <a href="/1_kings/2-20.htm">1 Kings 2:20-21</a> “I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” / So Bathsheba said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife.” <a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">1 Samuel 2:20</a> And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD.” Then they would go home. <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">1 Samuel 1:25-28</a> And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. / “Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. / I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, ... <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">1 Samuel 1:9-11</a> So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. / In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.came.<a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35</a> And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.the mother.<a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">Matthew 4:21</a> And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.<a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Matthew 27:56</a> Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.<a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40</a> There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;Salome.<a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Matthew 2:11</a> And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.<a href="/matthew/8-2.htm">Matthew 8:2</a> And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.<a href="/matthew/14-33.htm">Matthew 14:33</a> Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Homage</a> <a href="/matthew/20-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/17-14.htm">Kneeling</a> <a href="/matthew/17-14.htm">Knelt</a> <a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Making</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Request</a> <a href="/matthew/14-16.htm">Something</a> <a href="/matthew/15-25.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-49.htm">Worshiping</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Worshipping</a> <a href="/matthew/10-2.htm">Zabdi</a> <a href="/matthew/10-2.htm">Zebedee</a> <a href="/matthew/10-2.htm">Zeb'edee</a> <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Zebedees</a> <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Zebedee's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/matthew/21-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/mark/6-19.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/matthew/28-17.htm">Homage</a> <a href="/matthew/20-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Kneeling</a> <a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Knelt</a> <a href="/matthew/21-13.htm">Making</a> <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Request</a> <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Something</a> <a href="/matthew/28-9.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Worshiping</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Worshipping</a> <a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Zabdi</a> <a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Zebedee</a> <a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Zeb'edee</a> <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Zebedees</a> <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Zebedee's</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>Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons This refers to Salome, the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John, two of Jesus' disciples. Salome is believed to be a follower of Jesus and is mentioned in other Gospel accounts (<a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40, 16</a>:1). The family is likely from a fishing background, as Zebedee was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. This request highlights the close-knit nature of Jesus' followers and their families.came to Jesus with her sons James and John, often referred to as the "Sons of Thunder" (<a href="/mark/3-17.htm">Mark 3:17</a>), accompany their mother. This indicates their involvement and agreement with the request being made. It also reflects the cultural norms of the time, where family units often acted together, and mothers played a significant role in advocating for their children.and knelt down Kneeling is a posture of respect and submission, often used in the presence of someone of higher status or authority. This act signifies Salome's recognition of Jesus' authority and her reverence for Him. It also sets the stage for the seriousness of her request.to make a request of Him The request that follows is for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom (<a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21</a>). This reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is not of this world (<a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a>). It also shows the human desire for status and recognition, even among Jesus' closest followers. This moment provides a teaching opportunity for Jesus to explain the true nature of leadership and greatness in His kingdom, which is characterized by servanthood and humility (<a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_mother_of_zebedee's_sons.htm">The Mother of Zebedee’s Sons</a> This woman is traditionally identified as Salome, the mother of James and John, two of Jesus' disciples. She approaches Jesus with a request for her sons. 2. <a href="/topical/j/james_and_john.htm">James and John</a> Known as the "sons of Zebedee," they are two of Jesus' closest disciples. They are often referred to as the "Sons of Thunder" (<a href="/mark/3-17.htm">Mark 3:17</a>). 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, and the teacher to whom the request is made. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_request.htm">The Request</a> The mother of James and John asks Jesus for a special favor for her sons, which is to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a> This event takes place during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He is preparing His disciples for His impending death and resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_greatness.htm">Understanding True Greatness</a> True greatness in the kingdom of God is not about positions of power but about servanthood and humility. Jesus teaches that the greatest among us must be a servant. <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 purposes. Our desires should reflect a heart of service rather than self-promotion. <a href="/topical/p/parental_influence.htm">Parental Influence</a> The request made by the mother of James and John highlights the influence parents can have on their children's spiritual aspirations. It is important for parents to guide their children towards godly ambitions. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Jesus involves sacrifice and a willingness to share in His sufferings. The request for positions of honor must be weighed against the call to take up one's cross. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_requests.htm">Prayer and Requests</a> When making requests to God, it is crucial to seek His will above our own desires. Our prayers should be rooted in a desire to glorify God rather than seeking personal gain.<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_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/why_can't_jesus_choose_who_sits_by_him.htm">Matthew 20:23 – If Jesus is fully divine, why does He imply He has no authority over who sits at His right and left? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_zebedee_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Zebedee in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/were_women_told_about_jesus'_body.htm">Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2).</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>(20) Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children.--The state of feeling described in the previous Note supplies the only explanation of a request so strange. The mother of James and John (we find on comparing <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm" title="Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.">Matthew 27:56</a> and <a href="/mark/15-40.htm" title="There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;">Mark 15:40</a>, that her name was Salome) was among those who "thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear" (<a href="/luke/19-11.htm" title="And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.">Luke 19:11</a>); and probably the words so recently spoken, which promised that the Twelve should sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (<a href="/matthew/19-28.htm" title="And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.">Matthew 19:28</a>) had fastened on her thoughts, as on those of her sons, to the exclusion of those which spoke of suffering and death. And so, little mindful of the teaching of the parable they had just heard, they too expected that they should receive more than others, and sought (not, it may be, without some jealousy of Peter) that they might be nearest to their Lord in that "regeneration" which seemed to them so near. The mother came to ask for her sons what they shrank from asking for themselves, and did so with the act of homage ("worshipping Him") which implied that she was speaking to a King.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 20-28. - Ambitious request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee. (<a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-45</a>.) Verse 20. - Then. The incident seems to have arisen from the promise of the twelve thrones in <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28</a>, and is significant as showing how utterly misunderstood was the true nature of the Messianic kingdom. The mother of Zebedee's children. The mother of James and John was named Salome (<a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Matthew 27:56</a> compared with <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40</a>; <a href="/mark/16-1.htm">Mark 16:1</a>); she had left her husband Zebedee (<a href="/mark/1-20.htm">Mark 1:20</a>) in Galilee (unless, as is more probable from the terms in which she is introduced, he was now dead), and followed Jesus in the band of holy women who attended on him and ministered to him of their substance. Some have thought that she was the sister of the Virgin Mary, so interpreting <a href="/john/19-25.htm">John 19:25</a>. St. Mark makes the two apostles present their own request; and doubtless they put their mother forward, coming with her to the presence of Jesus, and using her agency in this somewhat delicate matter. Our evangelist was present on the occasion, and his precision may be relied on in this detail. Worshipping him. Making the customary prostration before a superior. A certain thing (τι). She did not at first make any definite request, but endeavoured to get Jesus to promise to grant her what she asked. According to St. Mark, the sons say plainly, "We would that thou shouldest do for us whatever we shall desire." Thus Bathsheba addressed David. "I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay" (<a href="/1_kings/2-20.htm">1 Kings 2:20</a>). Salome is plainly intending to ask some great thing. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. mother μήτηρ (mētēr) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'. of Zebedee’s Ζεβεδαίου (Zebedaiou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2199.htm">Strong's 2199: </a> Zebedee, father of the apostles James and John. Of Hebrew origin; Zebedaeus, an Israelite. sons υἱῶν (huiōn) Noun - Genitive 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. came προσῆλθεν (prosēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to [Jesus] 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. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 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. sons υἱῶν (huiōn) Noun - Genitive 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. [and] knelt down προσκυνοῦσα (proskynousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4352.htm">Strong's 4352: </a> From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage. to make a request αἰτοῦσά (aitousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. of ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Him. αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:21" /></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>