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Matthew 7:21 KJV
Matthew · chapter 7 · verse 21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Matthew 7:21 · King James Version
What Matthew 7:21 means
The people in this verse are not denying Christ; they are calling him Lord. That is what makes it sobering. Jesus sets saying against doing, and the verses after it describe men listing their works. The test he names is the will of the Father.
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Matthew 7:21 in context
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Commentary
Cross references
Key words (Strong's)
- kingdombasileiaroyal power, kingship, dominion, rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but…G932 →
- heavenouranosthe vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it, the universe, the world…G3772 →
- Fatherpatērgenerator or male ancestor, either the nearest ancestor father of the corporeal nature…G3962 →
- saithlegōto say, to speak, affirm over, maintain, to teach, to exhort, advise, to command, direct…G3004 →
- entereiserchomaito go out or come in to enter, of men or animals, as into a house or a city, of Satan…G1525 →
- doethpoieōto make, with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc., to be…G4160 →
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We have here the conclusion of this long and excellent sermon, the scope of which is to show the indispensable necessity of obedience to the commands of Christ;
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 21-29