What does Matthew 21:Matthew 21:28 say?

"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."

What does Matthew 21:Matthew 21:29 say?

"He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went."

What does Matthew 21:Matthew 21:30 say?

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

What does Matthew 21:Matthew 21:31 say?

"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 21:28-32 · Matthew · Updated April 30, 2026

Parable of the Two Sons

A father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard; one refuses but later goes, the other agrees but does not go.

Summary

In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus presents the Parable of the Two Sons, a narrative that challenges the religious leaders of his time. The parable begins with a father who approaches his first son, asking him to work in the vineyard (21:28). Initially, the son refuses, saying, 'I will not,' but later he repents and goes (21:29). This act of repentance and subsequent action is pivotal in understanding the parable's message. The father then approaches the second son, who readily agrees to go, saying, 'I go, sir,' yet he does not follow through with his promise (21:30). Jesus uses this scenario to illustrate a profound truth about obedience and repentance. In verse 31, Jesus poses a question to his listeners, asking which son did the will of the father. The answer is clear: the first son, who, despite his initial refusal, ultimately obeys. Jesus then draws a parallel between the sons and the religious leaders, stating that 'the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you' (21:31). This statement underscores the theme of repentance and the openness of God's kingdom to those who turn to Him, regardless of their past. In verse 32, Jesus reinforces this by referencing John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting the failure of the religious leaders to believe and repent, unlike the tax collectors and prostitutes who did. The parable thus serves as a critique of superficial religiosity and an affirmation of genuine repentance and action.

Chiastic structure

ⓘ

Matthew 21:28

“"Son, go work to day in my vineyard."”

Matthew 21:29

“"I will not: but afterward he repented, and went."”

Matthew 21:30

“"I go, sir: and went not."”

Matthew 21:31

“"Whether of them twain did the will of his father?"”

A and A' both involve the father's command to work in the vineyard.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The Parable of the Two Sons offers rich theological insights into the nature of repentance and obedience. From a Catholic perspective, the parable emphasizes the necessity of repentance and conversion as ongoing processes in the believer's life. The first son's change of heart and subsequent action reflect the Catholic understanding of Grace as enabling true repentance and transformation. Reformed Protestant interpretation focuses on the contrast between mere verbal profession and genuine faith that results in obedience. The second son's failure to act, despite his promise, serves as a warning against empty professions of faith without corresponding deeds. This aligns with the Reformed emphasis on the transformative power of Faith that naturally leads to Good Works. The Eastern Orthodox tradition highlights the parable's illustration of the transformative power of repentance and the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. The first son's eventual obedience, despite initial refusal, underscores the Orthodox emphasis on the process of theosis, where believers are continually transformed into the likeness of Christ through repentance and divine grace. The parable thus challenges all believers to examine the authenticity of their faith and the reality of their repentance.

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