The Parable of the Two Sons
A father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. One refuses but later obeys; the other agrees but never goes — teaching that obedience in action matters more than mere words.
A father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. One refuses but later obeys; the other agrees but never goes — teaching that obedience in action matters more than mere words.
"Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first." — Matthew 21:31 (KJV)
"Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first."Matthew 21:31 — Read in Context
Historical & Cultural Context
Vineyards were central to the economy and culture of Israel. A father asking his sons to work in the family vineyard was an everyday scenario. In Jewish culture, honoring one's father included obedient service. The parable's setting in the Temple during Passover week — with Jesus's authority being challenged by chief priests — gave it razor-sharp relevance.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
Jesus told this parable directly to the chief priests and elders who had challenged His authority in the Temple. The 'first son' who refused then obeyed represented tax collectors and sinners who initially rejected God but repented. The 'second son' who agreed but didn't go represented the religious leaders who professed obedience but bore no fruit.
Key Symbols and Their Meanings
The First Son
Sinners and outcasts who initially reject God's call but eventually repent and obey — like tax collectors and prostitutes.
The Second Son
Religious hypocrites who give lip service to God but never truly obey — outward conformity without inward transformation.
The Vineyard
God's kingdom work — the mission He calls all His children to participate in.
What Does The Parable of the Two Sons Mean?
Jesus told this parable to the chief priests and elders. A father asks his first son to work in the vineyard. The son says 'I will not' but later repents and goes. The father asks the second son the same. This son says 'I go, sir' but doesn't follow through. Jesus asked, 'Which did the will of his father?' The answer was obvious: the first. Jesus then applied it devastatingly: tax collectors and sinners (who initially rejected God but later repented) were entering the kingdom ahead of the religious leaders (who professed obedience but never truly obeyed).
Applying This Parable Today
This parable confronts the gap between profession and practice. It's easy to say 'yes' to God on Sunday and live as though we said 'no' on Monday. Better to honestly struggle with God's call and eventually obey than to give lip service without follow-through. It also offers hope to those who have said 'no' to God — repentance is always available, and a changed life speaks louder than all the religious words in the world.
Related Scripture References
James 1:22
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."Read in context
1 John 3:18
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."Read in context
Related Teachings
Beatitudes and Commandments connected to this parable:
Related Popular Verses
Key scriptures connected to this parable:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Two Sons?
The parable teaches that genuine obedience in action matters more than verbal agreement. Those who initially resist God but eventually repent and obey are more righteous than those who profess faith but fail to live it out.
Quiz yourself on the The Two Sons
Free KJV Bible quizzes covering Jesus' parables and teachings.
- Easy · 10 Qs
Parable of the Two Sons Quiz
I go, sir — and went not. A study in obedience and repentance.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Parables of Jesus Quiz
Stories that teach the kingdom of God.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Parable of the Good Samaritan Quiz
Jesus' answer to 'Who is my neighbour?' from Luke 10.
Start quiz
Related Scripture & Topics
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Parable of the Two Sons?
Theology & Doctrine
Parable of the Two Sons Quiz
I go, sir — and went not. A study in obedience and repentance.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:13 • Forgiveness & Grace
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24 • Stewardship & Responsibility
Parable of the Two Debtors Quiz
He who is forgiven much, loves much.
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:3-4 • Kingdom of God