Matthew 21:30 Meaning and Explanation
“And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The second son politely agrees to go but never does.
What Does Matthew 21:30 Mean?
The father makes the same request of the second son, who answers respectfully, "I go, sir," yet never actually goes. His courteous words are not matched by any deed. The promise dies in the speaking.
This son represents those who profess willingness with their lips but fail to follow through with their lives. His polite "sir" and ready agreement count for nothing without the work itself. The parable presses a vital truth: God is not honored by words alone but by obedience carried out. A faith that says yes and then does nothing falls short of the doing the Father seeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:30
What does Matthew 21:30 mean?
The second son politely agrees to go but never does.