Matthew 21:32
King James Version
6 Jun 2026
“For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”
ὁδός
Not a way among many ways. The way. In the ancient world, hodos meant a road that had been walked and proven. Jesus is not giving directions — He is saying: I am the road itself. Walk in Me and you will arrive.
πιστεύω
believed
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πιστεύω
To believe, to trust, to have faith. Pisteuo. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Believing is more than intellectual agreement. It is a transfer of trust to Jesus.
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δικαιοσύνη
of righteousness,
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δικαιοσύνη
Righteousness, justice, rightness. Dikaiosune. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Righteousness is not earned. It is received as a gift through faith.
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ἔρχομαι
Came
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ἔρχομαι
To come, to go, to arrive. Erchomai. Come Lord Jesus. The final prayer of Scripture is an invitation. The church lives in expectation of His return.
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εἴδω
having seen
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εἴδω
To know, to see, to perceive. Paul said I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
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Ἰωάννης
John
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Ἰωάννης
Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites
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τελώνης
the tax collectors
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τελώνης
a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue
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οὐδέ
not even
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οὐδέ
not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even
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πόρνη
prostitutes
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πόρνη
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
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μεταμέλλομαι
did repent
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μεταμέλλομαι
to care afterwards, i.e. regret
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ὕστερος
afterward
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ὕστερος
later
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