But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

MATTHEW 21:37KJV
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Matthew 21:37 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:37 mean?

Matthew 21:37 describes how, after sending others, the owner of the vineyard finally sends his own son, believing that the tenants will respect him. The verse shows a final, hopeful attempt by the owner to reach out, expecting that his son’s unique status will lead to a different response.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard owner represents God, the tenants are the leaders, and the son stands for Jesus himself. The story builds tension, showing the owner’s patience and hope, even after repeated rejection of his messengers.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:37

  • The word for "son" is υἱός (huios), which means a direct, special relationship—here, it highlights the son’s unique status compared to previous messengers.
  • The word for "reverence" is ἐντρέπομαι (entrepomai), often understood as "to respect" or "to feel shame before." This word suggests the expectation that the son’s presence should lead the tenants to a respectful or even humble response.

Why Matthew 21:37 matters

  • Matthew 21:37 clarifies that the sending of the son is not just another attempt but a significant, final gesture, showing the owner’s deep hope and the son’s unique importance.
  • The verse highlights the patience and persistence of the owner, which reflects God’s repeated outreach to His people throughout history.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic contrast in the parable between what is expected—respect for the son—and what actually happens next, sharpening the message Jesus is delivering to his audience.

Where else these words appear

“reverence” Greek G1788 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
  • Luke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

“all” Greek G5305 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 22:27 And last of all the woman died also.
  • Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.