Matthew 20:21

KJV

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto her {G846}, What {G5101} wilt thou {G2309}? She saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Grant {G2036} that {G2443} these {G3778} my {G3450} two {G1417} sons {G5207} may sit {G2523}, the one {G1520} on {G1537} thy {G4675} right hand {G1188}, and {G2532} the other {G1520} on {G1537} the left {G2176}, in {G1722} thy {G4675} kingdom {G932}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to her, "What do you want?" She replied, "Promise that when you become king, these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:21 records a pivotal moment where the mother of James and John, two of Jesus' disciples, approaches Jesus with an ambitious request: that her sons be granted the most esteemed positions of honor and authority—one at His right hand and the other at His left—in His coming kingdom. This interaction starkly reveals the disciples' persistent misunderstanding of the true nature of Jesus' spiritual kingdom, contrasting their worldly aspirations for power with Jesus' imminent path of suffering and servanthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This exchange immediately follows Jesus' third explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection in [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus' Third Passion Prediction"). Jesus has just detailed His impending betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. The disciples' (and their mother's) request for positions of honor, coming on the heels of such a solemn prophecy, dramatically highlights their spiritual blindness and their continued focus on an earthly, political kingdom. This scene also directly precedes Jesus' teaching on servant leadership in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership"), where He contrasts the gentile rulers' exercise of authority with the self-sacrificial service required of His followers, making the mother's request a perfect setup for this crucial lesson.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, sitting at the king's right or left hand signified the highest positions of power, trust, and proximity to the ruler. These were roles typically reserved for chief advisors, prime ministers, or closest family members. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, widely anticipated a Messiah who would be a political deliverer, restoring Israel's sovereignty and establishing an earthly kingdom. This expectation fueled the disciples' (and their mother's) ambition, as they likely envisioned Jesus establishing a new Davidic kingdom where His loyal followers would hold prominent governmental roles. The request, therefore, reflects a common cultural understanding of power and a prevailing eschatological hope, albeit one that misaligned with Jesus' spiritual kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in this passage is the **Misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God**. The mother and her sons clearly envision a worldly, political kingdom, failing to grasp Jesus' repeated teachings about a spiritual reign characterized by humility, suffering, and service. This theme is pervasive throughout the Gospels, as seen in Peter's attempt to dissuade Jesus from His path of suffering in [Matthew 16:22](/matthew/16-22 "Matthew 16:22 - Peter Rebukes Jesus"). Another key theme is **Human Ambition and Self-Interest**, even among those who follow Christ. The request underscores the natural human desire for status, power, and recognition, which can easily overshadow spiritual understanding and the call to self-denial. Finally, this episode subtly introduces the theme of the **Cost of Discipleship**, which Jesus elaborates on in the subsequent verses by linking true greatness to suffering and servanthood, implying that the path to honor in His kingdom is counter-intuitive to worldly expectations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb (G2036) is a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." It is used here for both Jesus' initial question ("What wilt thou?") and the mother's subsequent request ("Grant that..."). The use of this verb highlights the direct verbal exchange and the explicit nature of the request and response.
* **wilt thou (Greek, _thélō'_):** Derived from G2309, this word signifies "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse), i.e., choose or prefer; by implication, to wish, i.e., be inclined to." Jesus' question "What wilt thou?" directly probes the mother's desire and intention behind her approach, revealing the underlying ambition that drives her request.
* **right hand (Greek, _dexiós'_):** From G1188, this term refers to "the right side or hand (as that which usually takes)." In ancient contexts, the right hand was universally associated with honor, power, and authority. The request for positions at the "right hand" and "left" explicitly signifies a desire for the highest possible status and influence within Jesus' perceived earthly kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto her, 'What wilt thou?'"**: Jesus' direct question is not merely an inquiry but an invitation for the mother to articulate her underlying desire. It sets the stage for her ambitious request, allowing her motives to be openly expressed and subsequently addressed. This also demonstrates Jesus' awareness of her intentions, prompting her to voice them.
* **"She saith unto him, 'Grant that these my two sons may sit...'"**: The mother's response is a bold, almost demanding, petition. The verb "grant" (also from G2036, _épō_) reflects her expectation that Jesus has the authority to bestow such positions. Her focus is entirely on her sons' advancement, highlighting a common parental ambition that can sometimes overlook spiritual priorities.
* **"...the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom."**: This clause reveals the specific nature of her request. As discussed, "right hand" and "left" symbolize the most privileged and powerful positions in a royal court. The phrase "in thy kingdom" underscores her belief in Jesus' imminent establishment of an earthly realm, where such political appointments would be made, contrasting sharply with Jesus' true spiritual and redemptive mission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the mother's request for positions of power immediately follows Jesus' detailed prophecy of His suffering and death. The disciples' preoccupation with earthly glory stands in stark contrast to Jesus' divine mission of self-sacrifice, creating a poignant and dramatic tension. **Symbolism** is evident in the "right hand" and "left" positions, which universally symbolize honor, authority, and proximity to power. This imagery powerfully conveys the nature of the mother's ambitious request. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing** for Jesus' subsequent teaching on servant leadership in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership"), where He directly challenges the worldly notions of greatness that this request embodies, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of true greatness in His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:21 profoundly illustrates the persistent human tendency to misunderstand the nature of God's kingdom, often projecting worldly values of power and status onto spiritual realities. This episode underscores that true greatness in Christ's kingdom is antithetical to worldly ambition; it is found not in seeking positions of authority, but in humble service and self-sacrifice, mirroring the very path Jesus was about to undertake. The mother's request, while seemingly innocent from a worldly perspective, exposes a fundamental spiritual blindness that Jesus consistently sought to correct in His disciples, redirecting their focus from earthly thrones to the cross and the call to follow Him in suffering.

* [Mark 10:35-45](/mark/10-35-45 "Mark 10:35-45 - The Request of James and John")
* [Luke 22:24-27](/luke/22-24-27 "Luke 22:24-27 - Dispute Among the Disciples")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a potent mirror for all believers, challenging us to critically examine the motives behind our service and spiritual aspirations. Are we, like the mother of James and John, subtly or overtly seeking personal recognition, influence, or elevated status within the church or in our walk with God? Or are our hearts truly aligned with the humble, self-sacrificial example of Christ? True spiritual fruitfulness and impact are not measured by the prominence of our "seat" but by the depth of our commitment to serving others, especially the marginalized, and by our willingness to embrace the path of humility, even when it means foregoing worldly accolades. This verse calls us to re-evaluate our definition of "success" and "greatness" in light of the kingdom of God, understanding that authentic authority flows from a posture of servanthood, not from a pursuit of power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my deepest motivations for serving God or seeking spiritual growth? Do I harbor any hidden desires for recognition or influence?**
* **How does my understanding of "greatness" compare with Jesus' teaching on servant leadership?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing worldly ambition over humble service in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that genuinely seeks to serve others, rather than to be served or recognized?**

### FAQ

**Why did the mother, and not James and John directly, make this request?**

Answer: While Matthew's account attributes the request to the mother, Mark's parallel account ([Mark 10:35](/mark/10-35 "Mark 10:35 - James and John's Request")) indicates that James and John themselves approached Jesus. It is highly probable that the mother acted as an intermediary or advocate for her sons, perhaps believing her maternal appeal would be more effective. Her involvement highlights the family's shared ambition and the cultural context where a mother might advocate for her children's future. It also serves to soften the disciples' direct culpability in Matthew's narrative, though Jesus' subsequent response makes it clear that the sons were complicit in the desire.

**What is the significance of "right hand" and "left" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient cultures, sitting at the "right hand" or "left" of a king or ruler signified the highest positions of honor, authority, and trust. The right hand was typically the most esteemed position, indicating chief advisor or second-in-command, while the left also conveyed significant privilege. The mother's request was for unparalleled access and power within what she perceived to be Jesus' imminent earthly reign, reflecting a desire for the most prominent roles in His new administration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:21, with its depiction of worldly ambition, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness and His ultimate act of self-sacrifice. While the mother and her sons sought positions of honor, Jesus consistently taught that true authority and exaltation in His kingdom are achieved through humility and servanthood, a principle He perfectly embodied. The "right hand" of power, which the disciples coveted, is precisely where Christ ascended after His suffering and death, not through demanding it, but through obediently emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of servanthood, became the path to His exaltation to the "right hand of God" ([Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus at God's Right Hand")), where He now reigns as Lord. Thus, the disciples' misguided request foreshadows the very path of suffering Jesus would embrace, demonstrating that the way to glory in God's kingdom is always through the cross, mirroring the example of the [Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mark 10:36

And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

Mark 10:37

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

Esther 5:3

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Matthew 18:1

¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Acts 1:6

¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?