Bible Strands
Matthew 21:37
Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus tells a parable to the religious leaders, recounting the vineyard owner’s decision to send his son after repeatedly sending servants who were abused.
The words — ὕστερον (husteron) means "afterward" or "finally," marking the chronological climax of the owner’s repeated actions, while υἱὸν (huion) literally identifies the final envoy as a "son."
The thread — The pattern of rejected messengers aligns with the warning in Zephaniah 3:7, while the father’s reliance on his son’s authority anticipates the divine gift in John 3:16 and the Father’s relationship to the Son in John 3:35.
Why it lands — The verse demands that the listener recognize the owner’s final, definitive action and decide whether to submit to the son’s authority or repeat the tenants’ rebellion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
Cross-references
- Zephaniah 3:7 I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds.
- John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.
- Isaiah 5:4 What more could have been done for My vineyard than I have done for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit?
- Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
- Mark 12:6 Finally, having one beloved son, he sent him to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
- Luke 20:13 ‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’
- John 1:34 I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
- Hebrews 1:1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
- Jeremiah 36:3 Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.”