Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
MATTHEW 21:31KJVWhat does Matthew 21:31 mean?
Matthew 21:31 shows Jesus telling religious leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering God’s kingdom ahead of them, because these outcasts responded to God’s call while the leaders did not. Jesus uses a parable to highlight that actually doing God’s will matters more than claiming to do it.
Jesus is speaking to the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem, using a story about two sons to challenge their assumptions about obedience. The leaders admit that the first son, who at first refused but later obeyed, did the father’s will. Jesus then draws a sharp contrast: those considered sinful (tax collectors and prostitutes) are responding to God’s message, while the religious leaders, despite their status, are not.
The Greek behind Matthew 21:31
- "πρώτος" (prōtos, "first"): This word refers to the first son in the parable, emphasizing the one who actually did what the father wanted, even though he initially refused. The order matters because it highlights a reversal of expectations.
- "τελῶναι" (telōnai, "publicans" or "tax collectors") and "πόρναι" (pornai, "harlots" or "prostitutes"): These terms point to people seen as morally and socially outcast. Jesus’ use of these specific groups makes his point especially striking to his audience.
- "προάγουσιν" (proagousin, "go before"): This word means to go ahead or precede. Jesus is not saying the leaders are excluded, but that those they look down on are entering God’s kingdom first, turning social expectations upside down.
Why Matthew 21:31 matters
- Matthew 21:31 clears up the idea that outward religious appearance or status guarantees favor with God; instead, genuine response and obedience are what count.
- The verse highlights a major theme in Jesus’ teaching: God welcomes those who repent and respond, no matter their past, while warning those who are self-assured in their religious standing.
- This moment connects to the wider passage, where Jesus repeatedly challenges the religious leaders’ understanding of righteousness and their rejection of his message.