Definition: Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's judgment and a future Kingdom. It’s talking about how God will eventually deal with those who don’t follow Him perfectly. Let’s unpack it part by part: “Matthew 21:31” : This refers to a specific event in the story of Jesus' ministry – he was teaching about the future Kingdom of God. It’s a key moment where he’s talking about how God will judge those who don’t live according to His standards. “Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father?” : This is where it gets a bit tricky, but let's translate it: "Whether both of them did the will of his Father?" "His Father" refers to God. So, it’s asking if everyone who doesn’t follow God will eventually end up in Heaven. “They say unto him, The first.” : This is Jesus telling his disciples (the followers of Jesus) what he's about to do. He’s saying that he will be judging them. “Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” : This is the most important part! Jesus is comparing those who don't follow Him to: Publicans: People who are not concerned with rules or laws. They’re focused on their own desires and whims. Harlots: People who are dishonest, immoral, and live a life of vice. So, what does it all mean? Jesus is saying that those who don't truly love and follow God will eventually be judged and sent to Heaven before we do. It’s a warning about the importance of living a righteous life according to God’s law. It's not just about breaking rules, but about aligning your entire life with God's will – loving Him, obeying His teachings, and living a life of righteousness. In short: This verse paints a picture of a future judgment where those who don't truly follow God will be sent to Heaven before we do. It’s a call to live a life that honors God above all else. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., its meaning, historical context?)