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.

MATTHEW 21:28KJV
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Matthew 21:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:28 mean?

Matthew 21:28 introduces a story Jesus tells about a man with two sons, asking one son to go work in his vineyard that day. The verse sets up a comparison between the two sons’ responses, inviting the listeners to consider what true obedience looks like.

Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem after they questioned his authority. By starting with “But what think ye?” Jesus draws them into the story, making them active participants. The vineyard is a common symbol for God’s people in the Bible, and the father’s request to work “to day” highlights the urgency and personal nature of the call.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:28

  • τί (ti, “what”): This word is used to directly engage the listeners, prompting them to think and respond, not just passively hear a lesson.
  • ἀμπελῶνι (ampelōni, “vineyard”): The vineyard often represents Israel or God’s people in Jewish tradition, so this setting would have carried extra meaning for Jesus’ audience.
  • σήμερον (sēmeron, “today”): The instruction to work “today” emphasizes immediacy and the importance of responding without delay.

Why Matthew 21:28 matters

  • This verse begins a parable that challenges outward appearances of obedience versus actual action, a key theme in Jesus’ teachings to the religious leaders.
  • The story’s setup helps the audience reflect on their own responses to God’s call, not just those of others.
  • Understanding the cultural weight of the vineyard imagery and the urgency of “today” helps clarify the seriousness and relevance of Jesus’ message to his listeners.

Where else these words appear

“vineyard” Greek G290 · used in 21 verses

  • 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.
  • Matthew 21:39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

“work” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

“think” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.