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Contemporary English Version

Matthew 21:31

Which one of the sons obeyed his father? "The older one," the chief priests and leaders answered. Then Jesus told them: You can be sure that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you ever will!

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Church;   Ecclesiasticism;   Hypocrisy;   Jesus, the Christ;   Jesus Continued;   Publicans;   Reproof;   Salvation;   Tax;   Vineyard;   Works;   Scofield Reference Index - Christ;   Thompson Chain Reference - Outcasts Received;   Publicans;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Parables;   Publicans;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Parable;   Publican;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Grapes;   Kingdom of god;   Parables;   Prostitution;   Tax collector;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Christ, Christology;   Forgiveness;   Prophet, Christ as;   Prostitution;   Will of God;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Hutchinsonians;   Messiah;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Harlot;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Antichrist;   Publican;   Rahab (1);   Holman Bible Dictionary - Family;   Fornication;   John;   Kingdom of God;   Marriage;   Matthew, the Gospel of;   Prostitution;   Vine;   Word;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Kingdom of God;   Text of the New Testament;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Anger (2);   Children of God;   Doctrines;   Error;   Fierceness;   Gospel (2);   Harlot;   Imagination;   Judgment;   Matthew (2);   Matthew, Gospel According to;   Nationality;   Perfection (of Jesus);   Popularity ;   Pride (2);   Publican ;   Questions and Answers;   Saying and Doing;   Winter ;   Worldliness (2);   The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary - Publican;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Chief parables and miracles in the bible;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Publican;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Jesus of Nazareth;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Crime;   Harlot;   Tax;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Publican;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
King James Version (1611)
Whether of them twaine did the will of his father? They say vnto him, The first. Iesus saith vnto them, Uerely I say vnto you, that the Publicanes and the harlots go into the kingdome of God before you.
King James Version
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.
English Standard Version
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
New American Standard Bible
"Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
New Century Version
Which of the two sons obeyed his father?" The priests and leaders answered, "The first son." Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do.
Amplified Bible
"Which of the two did the will of the father?" The chief priests and elders replied, "The first one." Jesus said to them, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
Legacy Standard Bible
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They *said, "The first." Jesus *said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
Berean Standard Bible
Which of the two did the will of his father?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
Complete Jewish Bible
Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they replied. "That's right!" Yeshua said to them. "I tell you that the tax-collectors and prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you!
Darby Translation
Which of the two did the will of the father? They say [to him], The first. Jesus says to them, Verily I say unto you that the tax-gatherers and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Easy-to-Read Version
"Which of the two sons obeyed his father?" The Jewish leaders answered, "The first son." Jesus said to them, "The truth is, you are worse than the tax collectors and the prostitutes. In fact, they will enter God's kingdom before you enter.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Whether of them twaine did the will of the father? They saide vnto him, The first. Iesus saide vnto them, Verely I say vnto you, that the Publicanes and the harlots goe before you into the kingdome of God.
George Lamsa Translation
Which of these two did the will of his father? They said to him, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that even the publicans and the harlots will precede you into the kingdom of God.
Good News Translation
Which one of the two did what his father wanted?" "The older one," they answered. So Jesus said to them, "I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you.
Lexham English Bible
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God!
Literal Translation
Which of the two did the will of the father? They said to Him, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, The tax collectors and the harlots go before you into the kingdom of God.
American Standard Version
Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, 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.
Bible in Basic English
Which of the two did his father's pleasure? They say, The first. Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, that tax-farmers and loose women are going into the kingdom of God before you.
Hebrew Names Version
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Yeshua said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the kingdom of God before you.
International Standard Version
Which of the two did the father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes will get into God's kingdom ahead of you.Luke 7:29,50;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
Which of these two did the will of his father ? They say to him, The elder. Jeshu saith to them, Amen I tell you, the tribute-takers and harlots go before you into the kingdom of Aloha.
Murdock Translation
Which of these two performed the pleasure of his father? They say to him, The first. Jesus said to them: Verily I say to you That publicans and harlots go before you into the kingdom of God.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Whether of them twayne did the wyl of the father? And they saide vnto him, the first. Iesus sayth vnto them: Ueryly I saye vnto you, that publicanes & harlottes go into the kingdome of God, before you.
English Revised Version
Whether of the twain did the will of his father? They say, 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.
World English Bible
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus says to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the kingdom of God before you.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Which of the two did the will of his father? They say to him, The first. Jesus saith to them, Verily I say to you, the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Weymouth's New Testament
Which of the two did as his father desired?" "The first," they said. "I solemnly tell you,' replied Jesus, "that the tax-gatherers and the notorious sinners are entering the Kingdom of God in front of you.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Who of the tweyne dide the fadris wille? Thei seien to hym, The firste. Jhesus seith to hem, Treuli Y seie to you, for pupplicans and hooris schulen go bifor you `in to the kyngdom of God.
Update Bible Version
Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, The first. Jesus says to them, Truly I say to you, that the publicans and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
Webster's Bible Translation
Which of the two did the will of [his] father? They say to him, The first. Jesus saith to them, Verily I say to you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
New English Translation
Which of the two did his father's will?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God!
New King James Version
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
New Living Translation
"Which of the two obeyed his father?" They replied, "The first." Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.
New Life Bible
Which one of the two sons did what his father wanted?" They said to Jesus, "The second son." Jesus said to them, "For sure, I tell you this: Tax-gatherers and women who sell the use of their bodies will get into the holy nation of heaven before you.
New Revised Standard
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Which of the two, did the will of the father? They say, The latter. Jesus saith unto them - Verily, I say unto you, the tax-collectors and the harlots, are going before you, into the kingdom of God;
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which of the two did the father’s will? They say to him: The first. Jesus saith to them: Amen I say to you that the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.
Revised Standard Version
Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Whether of the twayne dyd the will of the father? And they sayde vnto hym: the fyrst. Iesus sayde vnto the: verely I saye vnto you that the publicans and the harlotes shall come into ye kyngdome of God before you.
Young's Literal Translation
which of the two did the will of the father?' They say to him, `The first.' Jesus saith to them, `Verily I say to you, that the tax-gatherers and the harlots do go before you into the reign of God,
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Whether of them twayne dyd the wil of the father? They sayde vnto him: the first. Iesus sayde vnto the: Verely I saye vnto you: The publicans and harlottes shal come in to the kyngdome of God before you.
Mace New Testament (1729)
which of the two obey'd his father? they said, the first. Jesus reply'd, I declare to you, that the publicans and licentious people enter into the gospel kingdom before you.
THE MESSAGE
"Which of the two sons did what the father asked?" They said, "The first." Jesus said, "Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God's kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn't care enough to change and believe him.
Simplified Cowboy Version
"Which of the two boys did what their dad wanted them to?" "The first boy," they said.Jesus told 'em, "Listen to what I say, the bank robbers and the hookers are getting to the Boss's ranch in heaven before you are!

Contextual Overview

28 Jesus said: I will tell you a story about a man who had two sons. Then you can tell me what you think. The father went to the older son and said, "Go work in the vineyard today!" 29 His son told him that he would not do it, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The man then told his younger son to go work in the vineyard. The boy said he would, but he didn't go. 31 Which one of the sons obeyed his father? "The older one," the chief priests and leaders answered. Then Jesus told them: You can be sure that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you ever will! 32 When John the Baptist showed you how to do right, you would not believe him. But these evil people did believe. And even when you saw what they did, you still would not change your minds and believe.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

did: Matthew 7:21, Matthew 12:50, Ezekiel 33:11, Luke 15:10, Acts 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9

The first: 2 Samuel 12:5-7, Job 15:6, Luke 7:40-42, Luke 19:22, Romans 3:19

Verily: Matthew 5:18, Matthew 6:5, Matthew 18:3

the publicans: Matthew 9:9, Matthew 20:16, Luke 7:29, Luke 7:37-50, Luke 15:1, Luke 15:2, Luke 19:9, Luke 19:10, Romans 5:20, Romans 9:30-33, 1 Timothy 1:13-16

Reciprocal: Proverbs 26:12 - Seest Malachi 3:2 - who may abide Matthew 5:46 - publicans Matthew 10:7 - The Matthew 12:28 - then Matthew 18:17 - a publican Matthew 19:23 - enter Matthew 19:30 - General Matthew 21:29 - I will not Matthew 23:13 - for ye shut Mark 1:15 - repent Mark 2:15 - General Mark 10:31 - General Mark 11:31 - Why Mark 11:32 - for Luke 3:12 - General Luke 9:11 - the kingdom Luke 11:9 - I say Luke 18:10 - a Pharisee Acts 20:21 - repentance 1 Corinthians 6:16 - an harlot Hebrews 10:36 - after Hebrews 13:21 - to do James 2:25 - the harlot 1 Peter 4:2 - the will 1 John 2:17 - but

Cross-References

Genesis 21:14
Early the next morning Abraham gave Hagar an animal skin full of water and some bread. Then he put the boy on her shoulder and sent them away. They wandered around in the desert near Beersheba,
Genesis 26:23
Isaac went on to Beersheba,
Genesis 26:33
So Isaac named the well Shibah, and the town is still called Beersheba.
Judges 20:1
The Israelites called a meeting of the nation. And since they were God's people, the meeting was held at the place of worship in Mizpah. Men who could serve as soldiers came from everywhere in Israel—from Dan in the north, Beersheba in the south, and Gilead east of the Jordan River. Four hundred thousand of them came to Mizpah, and they each felt the same about what those men from the tribe of Benjamin had done. News about the meeting at Mizpah reached the tribe of Benjamin. As soon as the leaders of the tribes of Israel took their places, the Israelites said, "How could such a horrible thing happen?"
2 Samuel 17:11
My advice is to gather all the fighting men of Israel from the town of Dan in the north down to the town of Beersheba in the south. You will have more soldiers than there are grains of sand on the seashore. Absalom, you should lead them yourself,
1 Kings 4:25
Everyone living in Israel, from the town of Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, was safe as long as Solomon lived. Each family sat undisturbed beneath its own grape vines and fig trees.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Whether of them twain did the will of his father?.... This is the question put by Christ, upon the preceding parable to the chief priests, elders, and Scribes;

they say unto him, the first: an answer which natural reason, and common sense, directed them to; and therefore they give it out at once, directly, without staying upon it, and demurring about it; though they seemed not to be aware of the application of it to themselves, which follows:

Jesus saith unto them, verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots; that is, such who had been so;

:-.

go into the kingdom of God before you. They are signified by the first son, who repenting went, and did the will of his father: these repented under John's ministry, were called, and brought to repentance by the preaching of Christ, and his apostles: these justified God, their Father, by being baptized with John's baptism: these embraced the Messiah, believed in him, and were the first in his kingdom, and set an example to the chief among the Jews to follow: and it is easy to observe, that a poor profane sinner may, by the grace of God, be brought to repentance, that before was obstinate, rebellious, and disobedient, and be made willing to go and work in the Lord's vineyard here, and be at last glorified; when a self righteous person, notwithstanding all his fair promises and resolutions to do good, his professions of, and pretensions to religion, neither repents of his sins, nor believes in Christ; has no share in the kingdom of grace here, nor will he enter into the kingdom of glory.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

But what think ye? - A way of speaking designed to direct them particularly to what he was saying, that they might be self-convicted.

Two sons - By those two sons our Lord intends to represent the conduct of the Jews, and that of the publicans and sinners.

In my vineyard - See the notes at Matthew 21:33. To work in the vineyard here represents the work which God requires man to do.

I will not - This had been the language of the publicans and wicked men. They refused at first, and did not “profess” to be willing to go.

Repented - Changed his mind. Afterward, at the preaching of John and Christ, the publicans - the wicked - repented and obeyed.

The second ...said, I go sir; and went not - This represented the conduct of the scribes and Pharisees - “professing” to obey God, observing the external rites of religion, but opposed really to the kingdom of God, and about to put his Son to death.

Whether of them twain ... - Which of the two. “They say unto him, The first.” This answer was correct; but it is strange that they did not perceive that it condemned themselves.

Go into the kingdom of God - Become Christians, or more readily follow the Saviour. See the notes at Matthew 3:2.

Before you - Rather than you. They are more likely to do it than you. You are self-righteous, self-willed, and obstinate.

John came in the way of righteousness - Many of them have believed, but you have not. That is, in the right way, or teaching the way to be righteous; to wit, by repentance. Publicans and harlots heard him and became righteous, but they did not. They saw it, but, as in one thousand other cases, it did not produce the proper effect on them, and they would not repent.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 31. The publicans and the harlots — In all their former conduct they had said NO. Now they yield to the voice of truth when they hear it, and enter into the kingdom, embracing the salvation brought to them in the Gospel. The others, who had been always professing the most ready and willing obedience, and who pretended to be waiting for the kingdom of God, did not receive it when it came, but rather chose, while making the best professions, to continue members of the synagogue of Satan.


 
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