New Testament
Matthew 21:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Finally, he sent his own son, thinking, 'Surely they'll respect my son.'
Compare translations
But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
What Matthew 21:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the owner of a vineyard represents God, and the son symbolizes Jesus. The owner hopes that by sending his son, the tenants (representing the religious leaders and people of Israel) will finally show respect and honor. This reflects God's patience and desire for reconciliation with His people. The act of sending the son indicates a final attempt to reach out to those who have repeatedly rejected His messengers. The expectation that they would reverence the son highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' authority and divinity. However, the context of this parable foreshadows the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, illustrating the tragic outcome of ignoring God's call. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of failing to honor God's chosen representatives and the ultimate sacrifice made through Christ.
How to apply Matthew 21:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and honor the authority of Jesus in our lives. It serves as a reminder to listen to God's messages and respond positively to His guidance. We should reflect on how we treat those who represent God and ensure we do not dismiss their words.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 21:37
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 21:37
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:37 mean?
Matthew 21:37 illustrates God's final attempt to reach out to His people by sending His son, symbolizing Jesus. It highlights the expectation that people will honor and respect Jesus, reflecting God's desire for reconciliation despite previous rejections.
What is the significance of the son in Matthew 21:37?
In Matthew 21:37, the son represents Jesus, sent by God to convey His message and authority. The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' divinity and the tragic consequences of rejecting Him.
How does Matthew 21:37 relate to God's patience?
Matthew 21:37 reflects God's patience by showing His willingness to send His son after previous messengers were rejected. It underscores His desire for reconciliation and the hope that people will ultimately respond to His call.
What themes are present in Matthew 21:37?
Key themes in Matthew 21:37 include God's patience, the rejection of prophets, the authority of Jesus, divine sonship, and the consequences of disobedience. These themes highlight the seriousness of honoring God's chosen representatives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.