Matthew 21:29

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

He answered {G1161}{G611} and said {G2036}, I will {G2309} not {G3756}: but {G1161} afterward {G5305} he repented {G3338}, and went {G565}.

He answered, `I don't want to'; but later he changed his mind and went.

‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.

And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.

Commentary

Matthew 21:29 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Parable of the Two Sons, delivered in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry. This particular verse describes the first son's initial refusal to work in his father's vineyard, followed by a change of heart and subsequent obedience.

Context of Matthew 21:29

This parable is found immediately after Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple. It is part of a series of teachings and confrontations Jesus had with the chief priests and elders who questioned His authority (Matthew 21:23). The vineyard, a common biblical metaphor for Israel (as seen in Isaiah 5:7), represents God's work or kingdom. The father represents God, and the two sons represent different groups of people in relation to God's will.

Key Themes and Messages

  • True Obedience vs. Professed Obedience: The parable highlights that mere words or initial declarations of intent are insufficient. What truly matters is the eventual action and genuine obedience to God's will. The first son, despite his initial insolence, ultimately did what his father asked.
  • The Power of Repentance: The phrase "afterward he repented" is crucial. It shows that a change of mind, leading to a change of action, is valued by God. This speaks to the possibility of turning from disobedience to obedience, even after an initial refusal. This concept of turning is central to the Gospel message, emphasizing bearing fruits worthy of repentance.
  • God Looks at the Heart and Deeds: This verse, and the parable as a whole, underscores that God values the inner disposition that leads to action over outward profession or initial words. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching on the importance of genuine righteousness over hypocrisy (e.g., Matthew 23:27).

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "repented" in this verse is metamelomai (μεταμέλομαι). While it can mean regret or remorse, in this context, it clearly leads to a decisive change in behavior. It signifies a change of mind that prompts a different course of action, which is distinct from the deeper theological concept of metanoia (μετάνοια), which refers to a comprehensive turning from sin to God. Here, metamelomai simply means he changed his mind and acted accordingly.

Practical Application

Matthew 21:29 challenges believers to examine their own lives. Are we quick to say "yes" to God's commands or calls to service, but then fail to act? Or, conversely, do we sometimes resist God's will initially, only to realize our error and genuinely turn to obedience? This verse offers hope that it's never too late to change our minds and follow through with what God asks, demonstrating that true faith is always accompanied by action, as highlighted in James 2:17, "faith without works is dead." It encourages a lifestyle of active obedience, even if it requires a change of heart from our initial inclination.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 18:28

    Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

  • Ezekiel 18:32

    For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.

  • Luke 15:17

    And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

  • Luke 15:18

    I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

  • 2 Chronicles 33:10

    And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:19

    His prayer also, and [how God] was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
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