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

MATTHEW 21:30KJV
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Matthew 21:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:30 mean?

Matthew 21:30 describes a father asking his second son to work in the vineyard, and the son agrees politely but does not actually go. The verse highlights someone who says the right thing but fails to follow through with action.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The story contrasts two sons: one who refuses but later obeys, and one who agrees but does not act. The focus is on the difference between words and deeds, especially in response to God’s call.

Why Matthew 21:30 matters

  • Matthew 21:30 challenges the idea that saying the right things is enough, showing that true obedience is proven by actions, not just words.
  • The verse helps clarify Jesus’ message to the religious leaders, who often appeared obedient outwardly but did not do what God wanted.
  • This verse fits into the larger parable, which warns against empty promises and highlights the importance of actually doing God’s will.

Where else these words appear

“likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“went” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.