Matthew 21:28

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.

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}.

"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.'

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.’

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.

Matthew 21:28 initiates the powerful Parable of the Two Sons, a short but profound story told by Jesus. This verse sets the scene, introducing a father and his first son, to whom he issues a simple command: "Son, go work to day in my vineyard."

Context

This parable is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem, specifically the chief priests and elders. Just before this, they had challenged Jesus' authority, asking "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" (Matthew 21:23). Jesus responds not directly, but with a counter-question about John the Baptist's baptism, and then immediately follows with this parable and two others, all designed to expose their hypocrisy and unbelief.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Call to Work: The father's command, "go work to day in my vineyard," represents God's ongoing call to humanity to participate in His divine purposes and kingdom work. The "vineyard" (Greek: ampelōn) is a common biblical metaphor for Israel or, more broadly, God's people and His Kingdom (Isaiah 5:1-7).
  • Obedience vs. Lip Service: This verse, as the beginning of the parable, immediately sets up the central tension: the difference between verbal assent and actual obedience. It foreshadows the contrast between those who say "yes" but do not act, and those who initially refuse but later repent and obey.
  • Divine Authority: By telling this parable, Jesus subtly reasserts His authority and reveals the true nature of God's expectations for His people, particularly the religious leaders who claimed to follow God but resisted His messengers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "work to day in my vineyard" emphasizes both the immediate nature of the call ("to day") and the specific task ("work"). The Greek word for "work" (ergazomai) signifies active labor and diligent effort, not mere passive agreement or verbal commitment. This highlights that God desires active participation and fruitfulness from those He calls into His service.

Practical Application

Matthew 21:28 serves as a foundational call to action. It reminds believers that faith is not merely intellectual agreement or outward profession, but is demonstrated through active obedience to God's will. We are all called to "work in His vineyard," which can mean serving others, sharing the Gospel, or living a life that reflects God's character. The parable challenges us to examine whether our actions align with our words, underscoring that true repentance and faith are evidenced by a change of heart leading to a change in behavior, as seen in the conclusion of the parable (Matthew 21:31-32).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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