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Matthew 21

Matt. 21:31 KJV (With Strong’s)

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31
Whether
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
tis (Greek #5101)
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
KJV usage: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.
Pronounce: tis
Origin: probably emphatic of 5100
of
ek (Greek #1537)
or ἐξ (ex) a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote)
KJV usage: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Pronounce: ek
them twain
duo (Greek #1417)
"two"
KJV usage: both, twain, two.
Pronounce: doo'-o
Origin: a primary numeral
did
poieo (Greek #4160)
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
KJV usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Pronounce: poy-eh'-o
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
the will
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
thelema (Greek #2307)
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
KJV usage: desire, pleasure, will.
Pronounce: thel'-ay-mah
Origin: from the prolonged form of 2309
of his father
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
pater (Greek #3962)
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
KJV usage: father, parent.
Pronounce: pat-ayr'
Origin: apparently a primary word
? They say
lego (Greek #3004)
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 4483 is properly to break silence merely, and 2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
KJV usage: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Pronounce: leg'-o
Origin: a primary verb
unto him
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
, The first
protos (Greek #4413)
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
KJV usage: before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former.
Pronounce: pro'-tos
Origin: contracted superlative of 4253
. Jesus
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
Iesous (Greek #2424)
Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
KJV usage: Jesus.
Pronounce: ee-ay-sooce'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (03091)
saith
lego (Greek #3004)
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 4483 is properly to break silence merely, and 2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
KJV usage: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Pronounce: leg'-o
Origin: a primary verb
unto them
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
, Verily
amen (Greek #281)
properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
KJV usage: amen, verily.
Pronounce: am-ane'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (0543)
I say
lego (Greek #3004)
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 4483 is properly to break silence merely, and 2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
KJV usage: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Pronounce: leg'-o
Origin: a primary verb
unto you
humin (Greek #5213)
to (with or by) you
KJV usage: ye, you, your(-selves).
Pronounce: hoo-min'
Origin: irregular dative case of 5210
, That
hoti (Greek #3754)
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
KJV usage: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
Pronounce: hot'-ee
Origin: neuter of 3748 as conjunction
the publicans
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
telones (Greek #5057)
a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue
KJV usage: publican.
Pronounce: tel-o'-nace
Origin: from 5056 and 5608
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
the harlots
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
porne (Greek #4204)
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
KJV usage: harlot, whore.
Pronounce: por'-nay
Origin: feminine of 4205
go
proago (Greek #4254)
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
KJV usage: bring (forth, out), go before.
Pronounce: pro-ag'-o
Origin: from 4253 and 71
into
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
the kingdom
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
basileia (Greek #932)
properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: kingdom, + reign.
Pronounce: bas-il-i'-ah
Origin: from 935
of God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
before
proago (Greek #4254)
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
KJV usage: bring (forth, out), go before.
Pronounce: pro-ag'-o
Origin: from 4253 and 71
you
humas (Greek #5209)
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
KJV usage: ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
Pronounce: hoo-mas'
Origin: accusative case of 5210
.

More on:

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Father,
God,
Kingdom; Kingdom of God; Kingdom of Heaven,
Publicans,
The Lord Jesus,
Twain

Cross References

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did.
Matt. 7:21• 21Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he that does the will of my Father who is in the heavens. (Matt. 7:21)
;
Matt. 12:50• 50for whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in the heavens, he is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matt. 12:50)
;
Ezek. 33:11• 11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezek. 33:11)
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Luke 15:10• 10Thus, I say unto you, there is joy before the angels of God for one repenting sinner. (Luke 15:10)
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Acts 17:30• 30God therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, now enjoins men that they shall all everywhere repent, (Acts 17:30)
;
2 Peter 3:9• 9The Lord does not delay his promise, as some account of delay, but is longsuffering towards you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
The first.
2 Sam. 12:5‑7• 5Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As Jehovah liveth, the man that hath done this thing is worthy of death;
 6and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
 7And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man! Thus saith Jehovah the God of Israel: I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; (2 Sam. 12:5‑7)
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Job 15:6• 6Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I; and thy lips testify against thee. (Job 15:6)
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Luke 7:40‑42• 40And Jesus answering said to him, Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. And he says, Teacher, say it.
 41There were two debtors of a certain creditor: one owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty;
 42but as they had nothing to pay, he forgave both of them their debt: say, which of them therefore will love him most? (Luke 7:40‑42)
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Luke 19:22• 22He says to him, Out of thy mouth will I judge thee, wicked bondman: thou knewest that *I* am a harsh man, taking up what I have not laid down and reaping what I have not sowed. (Luke 19:22)
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Rom. 3:19• 19Now we know that whatever the things the law says, it speaks to those under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world be under judgment to God. (Rom. 3:19)
Verily.
Matt. 5:18• 18For verily I say unto you, Until the heaven and the earth pass away, one iota or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all come to pass. (Matt. 5:18)
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Matt. 6:5• 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets so that they should appear to men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matt. 6:5)
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Matt. 18:3• 3and said, Verily I say to you, Unless ye are converted and become as little children, ye will not at all enter into the kingdom of the heavens. (Matt. 18:3)
the publicans.
Matt. 9:9• 9And Jesus, passing on thence, saw a man sitting at the tax-office, called Matthew, and says to him, Follow me. And he rose up and followed him. (Matt. 9:9)
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Matt. 20:16• 16Thus shall the last be first, and the first last; for many are called ones, but few chosen ones. (Matt. 20:16)
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Luke 7:29,37‑50• 29(And all the people who heard it, and the tax-gatherers, justified God, having been baptised with the baptism of John;
 37and behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, and knew that he was sitting at meat in the house of the Pharisee, having taken an alabaster box of myrrh,
 38and standing at his feet behind him weeping, began to wash his feet with tears; and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the myrrh.
 39And the Pharisee who had invited him, seeing it, spoke with himself saying, This person if he were a prophet would have known who and what the woman is who touches him, for she is a sinner.
 40And Jesus answering said to him, Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. And he says, Teacher, say it.
 41There were two debtors of a certain creditor: one owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty;
 42but as they had nothing to pay, he forgave both of them their debt: say, which of them therefore will love him most?
 43And Simon answering said, I suppose he to whom he forgave the most. And he said to him, Thou hast rightly judged.
 44And turning to the woman he said to Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house; thou gavest me not water on my feet, but *she* has washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with her hair.
 45Thou gavest me not a kiss, but *she* from the time I came in has not ceased kissing my feet.
 46My head with oil thou didst not anoint, but *she* has anointed my feet with myrrh.
 47For which cause I say to thee, Her many sins are forgiven; for she loved much; but he to whom little is forgiven loves little.
 48And he said to her, Thy sins are forgiven.
 49And they that were with them at table began to say within themselves, Who is this who forgives also sins?
 50And he said to the woman, Thy faith has saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7:29,37‑50)
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Luke 15:1‑2• 1And all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near to him to hear him;
 2and the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them. (Luke 15:1‑2)
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Luke 19:9‑10• 9And Jesus said to him, To-day salvation is come to this house, inasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham;
 10for the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost. (Luke 19:9‑10)
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Rom. 5:20• 20But law came in, in order that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded grace has overabounded, (Rom. 5:20)
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Rom. 9:30‑33• 30What then shall we say? That they of the nations, who did not follow after righteousness, have attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is on the principle of faith.
 31But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to that law.
 32Wherefore? Because it was not on the principle of faith, but as of works. They have stumbled at the stumblingstone,
 33according as it is written, Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence: and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed. (Rom. 9:30‑33)
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1 Tim. 1:13‑16• 13who before was a blasphemer and persecutor, and an insolent overbearing man: but mercy was shewn me because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief.
 14But the grace of our Lord surpassingly over-abounded with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.
 15Faithful is the word, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom *I* am the first.
 16But for this reason mercy was shewn me, that in me, the first, Jesus Christ might display the whole long-suffering, for a delineation of those about to believe on him to life eternal. (1 Tim. 1:13‑16)

J. N. Darby Translation

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31
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.

W. Kelly Translation

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31
Which of the two did the will of the father? They say, The firsta. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say to you, that the tax gatherers and the harlots go before you into the kingdom of God.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Can there be a doubt which of the two did the will of his father? It was "the first;" and such is the testimony of most MSS., yet, sad to say in the Vatican MS. and its reflectors, the answers of the two sons stand in inverted order; so that in effect the sense is the same as that of the common text.