Matthew 21:28

KJV

¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} what {G5101} think {G1380} ye {G5213}? A certain man {G444} had {G2192} two {G1417} sons {G5043}; and {G2532} he came {G4334} to the first {G4413}, and said {G2036}, Son {G5043}, go {G5217} work {G2038} to day {G4594} in {G1722} my {G3450} vineyard {G290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But give me your opinion: a man had two sons. He went to the first and said, `Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

Berean Standard Bible

But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

American Standard Version

But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:28 introduces the Parable of the Two Sons, a profound narrative delivered by Jesus during a period of intense confrontation with the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem. This verse sets the scene by presenting a father who instructs his first son to labor in his vineyard, immediately establishing the central theme of a divine call to action and setting the stage for a crucial examination of obedience versus mere verbal assent. The parable, beginning here, serves as a direct challenge to the hypocrisy of those who outwardly profess faith but fail to live in accordance with God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed within a series of parables and direct confrontations between Jesus and the chief priests and elders in the Temple courts, following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this, the religious leaders had challenged Jesus' authority, asking, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee thee this authority?" [Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Questioning Jesus' Authority"). Jesus responds not with a direct answer, but with a counter-question about John the Baptist's authority, and then launches into this parable, followed by the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers") and the Parable of the Wedding Feast [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"). These parables collectively serve to expose the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of the religious elite, highlighting their rejection of God's messengers and their failure to produce the fruit of righteousness, while simultaneously affirming Jesus' own divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the father held immense authority within the household, and a son's obedience was a fundamental expectation, deeply rooted in the fifth commandment to honor one's parents [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother"). The "vineyard" was a common and potent agricultural symbol in Israel, frequently used by Old Testament prophets to represent Israel itself or God's people, as seen prominently in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard") and [Psalm 80:8-19](/psalm/80-8-19 "Psalm 80:8-19 - God's Vineyard, Israel"). The setting in Jerusalem during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, known as Passion Week, adds urgency and gravitas to His words, as He directly challenges the very leaders who would soon orchestrate His crucifixion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the parable and beyond. The primary theme is the **nature of true obedience** versus mere verbal profession, setting up the contrast between the two sons. It also subtly addresses **divine authority**, as the father's command mirrors God's authoritative call to His people to participate in His kingdom work. Furthermore, the "vineyard" metaphor introduces the theme of **stewardship and fruitfulness**, implying that God expects active labor and spiritual produce from those He has called. Jesus uses this narrative to underscore that genuine faith is demonstrated not by outward declarations but by inward repentance and tangible actions that align with God's will, a concept echoed in His later teachings on bearing good fruit [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **think (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This word implies not just a mental process but also an opinion, a judgment, or what seems good or right to someone. By asking "what think ye?", Jesus is not merely inquiring about their opinion but challenging their moral and spiritual judgment, forcing them to weigh the implications of the parable and their own actions against God's will. It's a direct appeal to their conscience and discernment.
* **work (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** Derived from the root for "work" or "deed" (_ergon_), this verb signifies active labor, diligent effort, and engagement in a task or occupation. It emphasizes the necessity of practical, physical exertion rather than passive agreement or verbal commitment. In the context of the vineyard, it denotes the toil and effort required for cultivation, harvesting, and maintaining productivity, underscoring God's expectation for active participation and fruitfulness from His people.
* **vineyard (Greek, _ampelṓn'_):** As discussed in the context, the vineyard is a powerful and well-understood metaphor in Jewish thought. It represents God's people, Israel, or more broadly, the sphere of God's kingdom and His divine purposes. The father's instruction to "work in my vineyard" is therefore a call to participate in God's redemptive plan, to live righteously, and to bear spiritual fruit that honors Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But what think ye?"**: Jesus opens the parable with a direct, probing question to His audience, particularly the religious leaders. This rhetorical question immediately engages their minds and challenges them to consider the moral and spiritual implications of the story He is about to tell, forcing them to render a judgment that will ultimately expose their own hypocrisy.
* **"A certain man had two sons;"**: This clause introduces the central characters of the parable: a father representing God, and two sons who will embody different responses to the father's (God's) will. The simplicity of the introduction allows the focus to remain on the actions and attitudes of the sons.
* **"and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard."**: This is the pivotal command. The father's approach to the "first" son signifies a direct, personal instruction. The command to "go work" is an imperative for immediate action and diligent labor, while "to day" emphasizes the urgency and present opportunity for obedience. The "vineyard" represents the sphere of God's work and kingdom, where the father expects active participation and fruitfulness from his son.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:28, as the opening of the parable, masterfully employs several literary devices. The overarching device is the **Parable** itself, a concise, illustrative story that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus' initial question, "**But what think ye?**", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit information but to provoke thought and self-reflection in His listeners, particularly the chief priests and elders. The "vineyard" serves as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing God's people, His kingdom, or the sphere of His divine will and work. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition, making it immediately recognizable and resonant to Jesus' Jewish audience. The verse also sets up an implicit **Juxtaposition** that will be fully realized as the parable unfolds, contrasting the verbal response with the actual deed, and foreshadowing the differing outcomes for the two sons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse establishes the core theological tension of the entire parable: the critical distinction between outward profession and genuine, obedient action. It underscores God's active call to humanity to participate in His kingdom, symbolized by the "vineyard." The father's command is not a suggestion but an an expectation for immediate and diligent labor, reflecting God's desire for His people to bear fruit that demonstrates true faith and repentance. The parable, therefore, challenges the notion that mere verbal assent or religious affiliation is sufficient, emphasizing that authentic relationship with God is characterized by a heart transformed, leading to a life of active obedience and service. This truth resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on faith being demonstrated through works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as an inevitable outflow of a living faith.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Luke 6:46 - Why Do You Call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and Not Do What I Tell You?")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:28 serves as a potent reminder that authentic faith is not merely a matter of intellectual agreement or verbal declaration, but rather a dynamic commitment demonstrated through action. The father's invitation to "go work to day in my vineyard" is a timeless call to every believer to actively engage in God's purposes in the world. This "work" can manifest in countless ways: serving the marginalized, sharing the Gospel, cultivating personal holiness, stewarding resources, or living justly in our communities. The challenge for us today, as it was for Jesus' original audience, is to examine whether our actions align with our words. Do we readily assent to God's commands in principle, yet procrastinate or outright refuse to obey them in practice? Or do we, like the second son in the parable, initially resist but then repent and act? This verse compels us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a life of genuine, active discipleship, where our daily choices reflect a heart truly submitted to the will of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "vineyards" is God calling me to work today, and how am I responding?**
* **Do my actions consistently align with my verbal professions of faith?**
* **What specific areas of my life might indicate a gap between what I say and what I do for the Lord?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "vineyard" in this parable?**

Answer: In biblical literature, particularly in the Old Testament, the "vineyard" is a recurring and powerful metaphor for Israel, God's chosen people. It symbolizes the nation that God planted, cultivated, and expected to bear good fruit—that is, righteousness and obedience to His covenant. For example, [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard") vividly portrays Israel as a vineyard that failed to produce the expected fruit, leading to God's judgment. In Jesus' parable, the vineyard broadly represents the sphere of God's kingdom work, His divine purposes, and the responsibilities He entrusts to His people. The call to "work in my vineyard" is thus a call to participate actively in God's redemptive plan, to live righteously, and to bear spiritual fruit that honors Him. It signifies the duties and privileges of being part of God's covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 21:28 directly presents a human father and his sons, the parable finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. Jesus is the perfect Son who perfectly obeyed the Father's will, always doing what pleased Him [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father"). Unlike the sons in the parable, there was no initial refusal or reluctant obedience in Christ; His entire life was a seamless demonstration of submission to the Father's call to "work in the vineyard" of redemption. He is the True Vine [John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine"), through whom all genuine fruitfulness in God's kingdom must flow. Furthermore, it is through Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"), that humanity is reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to truly respond to the Father's call to work in His vineyard. We, as believers, are now branches grafted into Him, enabled to bear fruit for God's glory, not by our own strength or mere verbal assent, but by abiding in Christ and walking in the obedience He exemplified.

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

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Matthew 20:1

¶ For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

1 Corinthians 10:15

¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Mark 13:34

[For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Matthew 21:33

¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Matthew 17:25

He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Luke 15:11

¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons: