BibleWord.ai› Bible› Matthew› Chapter 20› Verse 21

Matthew 20:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 20:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.
Matthew 20:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death,
19and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.
20Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping [him], and asking a certain thing of him.
21And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.
22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.
23He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on [my] left hand, is not mine to give; but [it is for them] for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.
24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.
← Matthew 20:20Matthew 20:22 →
← Full Chapter 20 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto her, what wilt thou? etc.] Mark says, “he said unto them”; her two sons, James and John, “what would you that I should do for you?” Both is true; what is this singular favour? what business of moment and importance is it, you would have me do for you, you are so eager and pressing for, and so solicitous of? This he said, not as being ignorant of the matter; he knew the corruption of their hearts, the vanity of their minds, their carnal, worldly, and ambitious views; but to lead them on to say all they had to say upon this head; in which may be observed the goodness, humanity, and patience of Christ, in not upbraiding them with their pride and insolence, in bearing with their…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 10:35-45. Matthew 20:20 Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1. With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35 Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored. Worshipping him - Showing him respect; respectfully saluting him. In the original, kneeling. See the notes at Matthew 8:2. Matthew 20:21 Grant that these my two sons may sit ... - They were still looking for a temporal…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In thy kingdom - Still they expected a temporal kingdom. Matthew 20:22”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:21 The promise of sitting in positions of authority in God’s Kingdom had already been given (19:28); the brothers’ request seems to have been motivated out of selfish desire for prominence, with no regard for the suffering the Messiah would soon undergo (see Matt 23:6; Luke 14:7-11).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“What: Mat 20:32; Kg1 3:5; Est 5:3; Mar 6:22, Mar 10:36, Mar 10:51; Luk 18:41; Joh 15:7 Grant: Mat 18:1, Mat 19:28; Jer 45:5; Mar 10:37; Luk 22:24; Rom 12:10; Plm 1:2, Plm 1:3 the one: Kg1 2:19; Psa 45:9, Psa 110:1; Mar 16:19; Rom 8:34; Col 3:1 in thy: Luk 17:20, Luk 17:21, Luk 19:11; Act 1:6 Matthew 20:22”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Matthew 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification