What Does Matthew 21:29 Mean in the King James?
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The change of mind does not stay inside the son: it becomes a change of direction when he goes.
THE MEANING
Your first refusal is not necessarily the final word about your movement; your mind can change afterward, and that change can show up in your next step. The son’s going holds inner reconsideration and outward movement together.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The belief that a first refusal permanently defines you; here the son’s later change carries him into a different action.
THE ROOT
μεταμεληθείς
metamelētheis
GROWS FROM
μέλω (melō), in μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai)
To be a concern or matter to someone; in this compound, the sense is to regret or reconsider afterward.
“repented” in this verse is metamelētheis. The Greek verb carries the shade of regret or a changed mind, with a root connected to what matters or occupies one’s care. The verse pairs that inward shift with “and went,” so the change has a direction.
ALSO GROWS
melei: It matters; it concerns.
μέλει
This form makes visible the root’s sense of something occupying one’s concern; here, the son’s response changes after his first refusal.
ameleō: Neglect; disregard.
ἀμελέω
This related verb names the opposite edge of the same root family: treating something as a matter of concern or dismissing it. The son’s later response no longer follows his earlier dismissal.
THE PATTERN
A changed inward response becomes visible in a changed direction or action.
Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.THE THREAD
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.The same Greek verb appears a few lines later, where some see others believe and still do not change their minds afterward. It sharpens the hinge in this verse: the first answer is not the last word; what happens afterward reveals whether the response has shifted.
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