Bible Strands
Matthew 21:43
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the chief priests and Pharisees immediately after the parable of the wicked tenants. He pronounces a judicial transfer of authority following their rejection of his message.
The words — The text uses ἀρθὴσεται (arthēsetai), meaning "it will be taken away," paired with ἀφ’ (aph’), meaning "from." Jesus states the kingdom will be removed from the current listeners and given to a fruit-bearing people.
The thread — This transfer motif appears in the tenants' own judgment in Matthew 21:41 and echoes the inclusion of Gentiles in Matthew 8:11 and 1 Peter 2:9. The vineyard imagery consistently marks a shift from unfaithful stewards to a new covenant community.
Why it lands — The verse demands self-examination regarding spiritual fruitfulness and accountability. It requires readers to recognize that divine privilege demands active obedience, not merely inherited status.
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
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Cross-references
- Matthew 21:41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.”
- Matthew 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
- 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
- John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
- Isaiah 26:2 Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.
- Luke 17:20 When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs.
- John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
- Exodus 19:6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
- Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground.
- Matthew 12:28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.