New Testament
Matthew 21:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But when the farmers saw the son coming, they said to each other, 'This is the heir! Let's kill him and take his inheritance for ourselves.'
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But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
What Matthew 21:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the farmers, who represent the religious leaders of Israel, see the son of the landowner approaching. They recognize him as the heir and plot to kill him to take control of the vineyard for themselves. This act symbolizes their rejection of God's authority and His messengers, culminating in the rejection of Jesus, the Son of God. The farmers' greed and desire for power lead them to commit a grave sin, illustrating the lengths to which people will go to protect their interests. This parable serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's gifts and the importance of recognizing and honoring His Son. It highlights the tension between divine authority and human rebellion, showing how the leaders' actions reflect a broader spiritual blindness and disobedience to God's will.
How to apply Matthew 21:38 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any rejection of God's authority. Are we trying to seize control over our lives and ignore His guidance? We should strive to honor God and His Son, recognizing the importance of His teachings and the consequences of turning away from them.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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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 21:38 mean?
Matthew 21:38 describes how the farmers, representing Israel's religious leaders, plot to kill the son of the landowner, symbolizing their rejection of Jesus and God's authority. This act illustrates their greed and desire for power, leading to serious consequences for their actions.
What is the significance of the son in Matthew 21:38?
In Matthew 21:38, the son represents Jesus, the heir of God's kingdom. His impending death at the hands of the farmers symbolizes the rejection of God's messengers and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make for humanity.
What does the phrase 'let us seize on his inheritance' mean in Matthew 21:38?
The phrase 'let us seize on his inheritance' in Matthew 21:38 reflects the farmers' desire to take control of the vineyard, symbolizing their attempt to usurp God's authority and blessings for themselves.
What themes are present in Matthew 21:38?
Matthew 21:38 highlights themes such as rejection of authority, greed, consequences of sin, and spiritual blindness. It illustrates the conflict between divine will and human rebellion.
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