Matthew 21:30

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I [go], sir: and went not.

And {G2532} he came {G4334} to the second {G1208}, and said {G2036} likewise {G5615}. And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036}, I {G1473} go, sir {G2962}: and {G2532} went {G565} not {G3756}.

The father went to his other son and said the same thing. This one answered, `I will, sir'; but he didn't go.

Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go.

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Context

Matthew 21:30 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Parable of the Two Sons. This parable was delivered by Jesus in the temple courts to the chief priests and elders, immediately following their challenge to His authority. The first son in the parable initially refused his father's command to work in the vineyard but later repented and went. This verse introduces the second son, who readily agreed but failed to act, setting up a direct contrast and a profound lesson on true obedience versus mere profession.

Key Themes

  • The Deception of Lip Service: The second son's polite "I go, sir" represents those who outwardly profess obedience or faith but whose actions do not follow through. This highlights the danger of religious hypocrisy and empty promises.
  • Actions Speak Louder Than Words: The core message of the parable is that true righteousness is demonstrated by one's deeds, not just by verbal affirmations or outward appearances. The father values actual work in the vineyard over a polite but unfulfilled promise.
  • Genuine Obedience vs. False Profession: This verse underscores that God values a repentant heart and active submission to His will more than a superficial display of piety. It critiques those who appear righteous but lack genuine obedience of heart and action.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "I [go], sir" translates the Greek phrase hypagō, kyrie (ὑπάγω, κύριε), which conveys a respectful and immediate affirmation. The crucial contrast, however, lies in the following phrase, "and went not." This stark juxtaposition between the polite verbal assent and the complete lack of corresponding action is central to the verse's meaning. It emphasizes the emptiness of mere words without genuine intent or follow-through.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 21:30 serves as a powerful reminder that our words and professions of faith must align with our actions. It challenges us to examine our own lives: do we merely say "yes" to God's call, or do we follow through with active obedience and service? This verse calls for genuine discipleship, where our lives bear fruit consistent with repentance and faith, rather than just outward declarations. It encourages introspection about the sincerity of our commitment to God's will and the importance of living out our beliefs daily.

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.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Matthew 23:3

    All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

  • Romans 2:17

    ¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

  • Romans 2:25

    For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

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