Matthew Chapter 21 verse 29 Holy Bible
And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went.
read chapter 21 in ASV
And he said in answer, I will not: but later, changing his decision, he went.
read chapter 21 in BBE
And he answering said, I will not; but afterwards repenting himself he went.
read chapter 21 in DARBY
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
read chapter 21 in KJV
read chapter 21 in WBT
He answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went.
read chapter 21 in WEB
And he answering said, `I will not,' but at last, having repented, he went.
read chapter 21 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 29. - I will not. The answer is rude, curt, and disrespectful, such a one as would naturally issue from the lips of a person who was selfishly wrapped in his own pleasures, and cared nothing for the Law of God, the claims of relationship, the decencies of society. Repented, and went; i.e. into the vineyard to work. The worst sinners, when converted, often make great saints. There is more hope of their repentance than of the self-righteous or hypocrites, who profess the form of religion without the reality, and in their own view need no repentance.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(29) I will not.--The bold defiance of the answer answers to the rough recklessness of the classes (publicans and harlots) who were represented by the "first" of the two sons. Their whole life, up to the time of their conversion, had been an open refusal to keep God's laws, and so to work in His vineyard.He repented.--The Greek word is not the same as that of Matthew 3:2, and expresses rather the regretful change of purpose than entire transformation of character. It is the first stage of repentance, and may, as in this instance, pass on into the higher, or, as in the case of Judas (Matthew 27:3, where the same word is used), end only in remorse and despair.
