Matthew 7:21

KJV

¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} every one {G3956} that saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Lord {G2962}, Lord {G2962}, shall enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772}; but {G235} he that doeth {G4160} the will {G2307} of my {G3450} Father {G3962} which is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants.

Berean Standard Bible

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

American Standard Version

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:21 serves as a profound warning and clarification from Jesus, emphasizing that mere verbal profession of faith or outward religious affiliation is insufficient for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. True discipleship is evidenced not by what one says, but by consistent, active obedience to the revealed will of God the Father. This verse underscores the critical distinction between superficial acknowledgment and genuine, transformative submission to divine authority, highlighting that authentic faith is inherently active and demonstrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic declaration within the concluding section of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), specifically within the series of warnings in Matthew 7:13-27. It immediately follows Jesus's caution against false prophets, who are known by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20), and directly precedes the parable of the two builders, which contrasts those who hear Jesus's words and do them with those who hear but do not (Matthew 7:24-27). Thus, Matthew 7:21 acts as a central hinge, summarizing the sermon's call for practical righteousness and setting the stage for the final illustration of its importance. It underscores that the teachings presented throughout the sermon are not merely theoretical but demand active implementation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience largely consisted of Jews steeped in the Mosaic Law and the traditions of their elders. Within this context, religious identity was often tied to lineage, ritual observance, and verbal declarations of faith (e.g., the Shema). However, the prophets of the Old Testament frequently critiqued outward religiosity that lacked inner transformation and obedience (e.g., [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - The Lord Rejects Empty Worship")). Jesus's teaching here resonates with this prophetic tradition, challenging the prevailing assumptions that mere affiliation or vocal acknowledgment of God would guarantee salvation. The "kingdom of heaven" was a central concept in Jewish eschatology, referring to God's sovereign rule, which many anticipated would be established physically and politically. Jesus redefines entrance into this kingdom not by ethnic identity or ritual but by a radical, internal transformation leading to obedient action.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **True Discipleship vs. Hypocrisy**, sharply distinguishing between those who merely profess allegiance to Jesus ("Lord, Lord") and those who genuinely follow Him through active obedience. Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience as Evidence of Genuine Faith**, asserting that authentic faith is not a passive intellectual assent but a dynamic, living commitment that naturally produces the fruit of doing God's will. This aligns with Jesus's earlier teachings on righteousness exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees found in [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees"). Thirdly, the verse directly addresses the **Conditions for Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven**, making it clear that salvation is not a given for all who claim it, but is contingent upon a life of practical obedience to God. Finally, it subtly reinforces the **Divine Authority of Jesus**, as He, not merely a prophet, sets the terms for entry into the ultimate spiritual reality, the "kingdom of heaven."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, used twice for emphasis ("Lord, Lord"), signifies supreme authority and mastery. In this context, it represents a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus's sovereignty and position. However, Jesus's warning implies that such a declaration, even if earnest, can be superficial if not accompanied by genuine submission to His authority and the will of God.
* **doeth (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb means "to make or do" in a wide application, implying active performance, execution, or practice. It stands in direct contrast to merely "saying." Jesus uses this word to stress that true faith is not passive or merely intellectual; it is actively demonstrated through one's conduct and choices.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** This word denotes a determination, choice, purpose, or decree. When referring to "the will of my Father," it signifies God's active desire, commands, and moral expectations for human conduct. It encompasses both specific commandments and the broader character and purposes of God that believers are called to align with.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** This term refers to royalty, rule, or a realm. "Kingdom of heaven" (a common Matthean phrase, equivalent to "kingdom of God") signifies God's sovereign reign, both present and future, and the sphere of His redemptive activity. Entrance into this kingdom implies participation in God's saving work and eternal blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,"**: This opening clause immediately sets a challenging tone, indicating that a common assumption is about to be corrected. The repetition of "Lord, Lord" suggests an earnest, perhaps even zealous, verbal profession of allegiance to Jesus. It could also imply a perfunctory or merely habitual utterance, lacking true depth. Regardless, Jesus asserts that such verbal acknowledgment, no matter how fervent or frequent, is insufficient on its own for salvation.
* **"shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;"**: This phrase identifies the ultimate goal and blessing: participation in God's sovereign reign, which encompasses both present spiritual reality and future eternal life with Him. Jesus here states unequivocally that the path to this glorious destiny is not merely paved with words.
* **"but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."**: This is the crucial counter-statement, defining the true condition for entry. "Doeth" (from _poiéō_) emphasizes active, ongoing obedience and practical application of God's commands. "The will of my Father which is in heaven" refers to the divine purpose, moral expectations, and ethical demands that God has revealed, particularly through Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. This clause therefore establishes that genuine discipleship is characterized by active submission and practical conformity to God's revealed will, not just by verbal assent.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:21 powerfully employs **Antithesis** as its primary literary device, creating a sharp contrast between two distinct groups of people and their respective outcomes. The verse directly opposes "every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord" with "he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven," highlighting the fundamental difference between superficial profession and genuine obedience. This stark opposition underscores the critical nature of the choice and its eternal consequences. The repetition of "Lord, Lord" is an instance of **Epizeuxis**, serving to emphasize the earnestness or perhaps the futility of a purely verbal declaration. This repetition draws the listener's attention to the inadequacy of mere words without corresponding action. Furthermore, "kingdom of heaven" functions as a **Metonymy**, where the "heaven" (God's abode) stands for God's sovereign rule and the blessings associated with it, including salvation and eternal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of true faith and salvation within Christian theology. It powerfully refutes any notion of "cheap grace" or a purely intellectual, non-transformative faith. While salvation is indeed by grace through faith, Matthew 7:21 clarifies that genuine faith is never barren; it is a living, active, and obedient faith that naturally produces the fruit of good works and submission to God's will. The "will of my Father" is not a set of arbitrary rules but the very expression of God's character and His design for human flourishing, encompassing both ethical conduct and spiritual devotion. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but rather the indispensable evidence and outflow of a heart transformed by God's Spirit, demonstrating a genuine, saving relationship with the Father and the Son. It challenges believers to align their internal convictions with their external conduct, proving the reality of their profession.
* [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?")
* [James 2:14-26](/james/2-14-26 "James 2:14-26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "1 John 2:3-6 - Knowing God and Keeping His Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:21 serves as a profound and urgent call to self-examination for every individual who claims the name of Christ. It compels us to look beyond the comfort of our verbal declarations and religious affiliations to the tangible evidence of our lives. Is our profession of Jesus as "Lord" merely a phrase we utter, or is it the foundational truth that shapes our every decision, priority, and action? This verse challenges us to honestly assess whether we are actively seeking to discern and obey "the will of my Father which is in heaven," or if we are content with a faith that remains largely theoretical. True discipleship is a dynamic journey of aligning our will with God's, a process empowered by His Spirit, leading to a life that reflects His character. This obedience is not burdensome legalism, but a joyful response to His grace and love, confirming the reality of our relationship with Him and our participation in His eternal kingdom. It invites us to cultivate a faith that is integrated, where belief and behavior are inextricably linked, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it challenging to align your actions with your profession of faith in Christ?**
* **How do you actively seek to understand and discern "the will of my Father which is in heaven" for your life, beyond just hearing or reading His Word?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to move from merely saying "Lord, Lord" to genuinely doing His will in a tangible way?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean salvation is based on works, not grace?**

Answer: No, Matthew 7:21 does not teach salvation by works, but rather clarifies the nature of genuine, saving faith. The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). However, this verse, along with others like [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"), emphasizes that true faith is never barren; it is a living, active faith that inherently produces obedience as its fruit. The "doing the will of my Father" is the evidence and outflow of a heart transformed by God's grace and indwelt by His Spirit, not a meritorious act to earn salvation. It distinguishes between a superficial, verbal profession and a genuine, transformative relationship with God that results in a life of submission to His will.

**What exactly is "the will of my Father which is in heaven"?**

Answer: "The will of my Father which is in heaven" encompasses God's revealed moral law, His commands, and His purposes for humanity as expressed in Scripture and supremely through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In the immediate context of the Sermon on the Mount, it refers to the ethical demands of the Kingdom, which Jesus has just expounded upon (e.g., loving enemies, seeking righteousness, practicing humility, living with integrity, [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"), [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - True Righteousness")). More broadly, it includes God's redemptive plan for humanity, His desire for all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience")), and our call to live in alignment with His character and purposes, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:21, while a challenging warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who perfectly "doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." From His incarnation to His atoning death, Jesus consistently declared His singular purpose: "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His entire life was an embodiment of perfect obedience, culminating in His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ secured our entry into the "kingdom of heaven," a kingdom that is now accessible by grace through faith in Him. Therefore, for believers, doing the Father's will is not a burdensome legalism to earn salvation, but a joyful response and a participation in the very life and obedience of Christ, made possible by His Spirit dwelling within us. We are empowered to live out the faith we profess, mirroring His perfect submission and thereby demonstrating the reality of our new life in Him, as He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Romans 2:13

(For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

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.

Hebrews 4:6

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Matthew 25:11

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.