New International Version When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. New Living Translation When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. English Standard Version When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. Berean Standard Bible When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. Berean Literal Bible And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He speaks about them. King James Bible And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. New King James Version Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. New American Standard Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. NASB 1995 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. NASB 1977 And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Legacy Standard Bible And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Amplified Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was talking about them. Berean Annotated Bible When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. Christian Standard Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew he was speaking about them. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they knew He was speaking about them. American Standard Version And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. Contemporary English Version When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard these stories, they knew Jesus was talking about them. English Revised Version And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his illustrations, they knew that he was talking about them. Good News Translation The chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables and knew that he was talking about them, International Standard Version When the high priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was talking about them. NET Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. New Heart English Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them. Webster's Bible Translation And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them. Weymouth New Testament After listening to His parables the High Priests and the Pharisees perceived that He was speaking about them; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. World English Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the chief priests and the Pharisees having heard His allegories, knew that He speaks of them, Berean Literal Bible And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He speaks about them. Young's Literal Translation And the chief priests and the Pharisees having heard his similes, knew that of them he speaketh, Smith's Literal Translation And the chief priests and Pharisees, having heard his parable, knew that he spake of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the leaders of the priests, and the Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. New American Bible When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. New Revised Standard Version When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen the high priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they understood that he was speaking against them. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when the Chief Priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he had spoken against them. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them. Godbey New Testament And the chief priests and Pharisees hearing His parables, knew that He speaks concerning them. Haweis New Testament And when the chief priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking concerning them. Mace New Testament When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. Weymouth New Testament After listening to His parables the High Priests and the Pharisees perceived that He was speaking about them; Worrell New Testament And the high-priests and Pharisees, having heard His parables, knew that He was speaking concerning them. Worsley New Testament And when the chief priests and pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that He spake of them: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Parable of the Wicked Tenants…44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” 45When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. 46Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.… Cross References When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, Mark 12:12 At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away. Luke 20:19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people. Matthew 13:34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. Luke 11:45 One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.” Matthew 23:13 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. Matthew 15:12 Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” Isaiah 5:1-7 I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. … Psalm 118:22-23 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Acts 4:11 This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 1 Peter 2:7-8 To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. Jeremiah 25:4-7 And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. / The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. / Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ … 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. John 7:45-48 Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” / “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. / “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. … John 11:47-53 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! … Acts 5:33 When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. Treasury of Scripture And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them. they. Matthew 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Luke 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. Luke 20:19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. Jump to Previous Chief Ears Heard High Jesus Listening Parables Perceived Pharisees Priests Similes Speaketh Speaking Stories Talking UnderstoodJump to Next Chief Ears Heard High Jesus Listening Parables Perceived Pharisees Priests Similes Speaketh Speaking Stories Talking UnderstoodMatthew 21 1. Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey12. drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple; 17. curses the fig tree; 23. puts to silence the priests and elders, 28. and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons, 33. and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them. When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, These leading religious authorities understood that Jesus’ parables, especially the Parable of the Tenants, exposed Israel’s unfaithful leadership. As temple officials and influential teachers of the Law, they had rejected God’s messengers and were now resisting His Son during Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem. Mrk 12:12 At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus… they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. They recognized the judgment in His words but did not repent. Their response revealed hardened opposition to Jesus and intensified the conflict that would soon lead to His arrest and crucifixion. Luk 11:45 One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Chief PriestsReligious leaders in charge of temple worship and sacrifices. They held significant authority in Jewish society and were often involved in political matters. 2. Pharisees A Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They were influential in religious and social life and often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law. 3. Jesus' Parables Short accounts with spiritual lessons. In this context, Jesus used parables to convey truths about the Kingdom of God and to challenge the religious leaders' understanding and behavior. 4. Temple The central place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem. It was the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and confrontations with religious leaders. 5. Jerusalem The city where these events took place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life. Teaching Points Understanding ParablesJesus' use of parables was intentional to reveal truths to those open to His message while concealing it from those who were hard-hearted. We must approach Scripture with humility and openness to understand its deeper meanings. Self-Reflection The chief priests and Pharisees recognized that Jesus' parables were about them, yet they did not repent. We should examine our own lives in light of Scripture and be willing to change when convicted. Spiritual Blindness Like the religious leaders, we can be blind to our own faults. Regular prayer and study of the Word can help us see clearly and align our lives with God's will. Authority of Jesus Jesus spoke with authority, challenging the established religious norms. We should recognize His authority in our lives and submit to His teachings. Response to Conviction When we feel convicted by Scripture, our response should be repentance and a desire to grow closer to God, rather than defensiveness or denial. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 21:45?2. How does Matthew 21:45 reveal the Pharisees' understanding of Jesus' parables? 3. What actions can we take when confronted with convicting truths like the Pharisees? 4. How does Matthew 21:45 connect to Old Testament prophecies about rejection? 5. In what ways can we ensure our hearts remain open to Jesus' teachings? 6. How can recognizing Jesus' authority in Matthew 21:45 impact our daily decisions? 7. How does Matthew 21:45 challenge the authority of religious leaders today? 8. Why did the chief priests and Pharisees feel threatened by Jesus' parables in Matthew 21:45? 9. What historical context is essential to understanding Matthew 21:45? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21? (45) They perceived that he spake of them.--The real or affected unconsciousness of the drift of our Lord's teaching was at last broken through. The last words had been too clear and pointed to leave any room for doubt, and they were roused to a passionate desire for revenge.Verse 45. - Pharisees. They have not been specially mentioned hitherto, but they formed the majority in the Sanhedrin, and are properly here named by the evangelist. He spake of them. They could not fail, especially after ver. 43, to see the drift of the parables; their own consciences must have made them feel that they themselves were herein signified, their motives and conduct fully discovered. But, as bad men always act, instead of repenting of the evil, they are only exasperated against him who detected them, and only desire the more to wreak their vengeance upon him. Matthew 21:45 shows religious leaders recognizing that Jesus’ parables target their unbelief and rebellion. Although they grasp the message, pride prevents repentance. The verse underscores these truths: Scripture speaks plainly, conviction comes through hearing, and refusal to submit to Christ only deepens accountability. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek WhenΚαὶ (Kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chief priests ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. heard ἀκούσαντες (akousantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. [Jesus’] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. parables, παραβολὰς (parabolas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage. they knew ἔγνωσαν (egnōsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. He was speaking λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. about περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. them. αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Additonal Resources Matthew 21:45 Blue Letter BibleMatthew 21:45 Bible Gateway Matthew 21:45 Bible.com Matthew 21:45 NIV |
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