Luke 20:13

KJV

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence [him] when they see him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said {G2036} the lord {G2962} of the vineyard {G290}, What {G5101} shall I do {G4160}? I will send {G3992} my {G3450} beloved {G27} son {G5207}: it may be {G2481} they will reverence {G1788} him when they see {G1492} him {G5126}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What am I to do? I will send my son, whom I love; maybe they will respect him.’

Berean Standard Bible

‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’

American Standard Version

And the lord of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:13 captures the pivotal moment in Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers where the vineyard owner, having endured repeated abuse and murder of his servants, decides on a final, desperate act of grace: sending his own "beloved son." This verse underscores the owner's profound patience and hope that the son's unique status would finally command the respect and reverence that his previous messengers failed to elicit, setting the stage for the tragic climax of the parable and foreshadowing God's ultimate redemptive plan through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), which Jesus tells immediately after the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge His authority in the Temple ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Questioning Jesus' Authority")). The parable functions as a direct allegory, with the vineyard representing Israel, the owner representing God, the tenants representing the religious leaders of Israel, and the servants representing the prophets sent by God throughout history. Luke 20:13 marks the climax of the owner's forbearance, a final, climactic attempt to reclaim his due, revealing the depth of his patience before the inevitable judgment. The immediate response of the religious leaders, who understood the parable was aimed at them ([Luke 20:19](/luke/20-19 "Luke 20:19 - The Leaders Understand the Parable")), highlights the confrontational nature of Jesus' teaching at this critical juncture in His ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws on familiar agricultural practices in ancient Judea. Landowners often leased their vineyards to tenants, expecting a share of the produce as rent. Such arrangements could be long-term, and the owner might reside far away, sending servants to collect his share. The escalating violence against the servants in the parable reflects the historical pattern of Israel's rejection and persecution of God's prophets, as documented throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Jezebel Kills the Prophets"), [Jeremiah 26:20-23](/jeremiah/26-20-23 "Jeremiah 26:20-23 - The Death of Uriah")). The act of sending a "beloved son" would have been seen as an act of profound trust and last resort, indicating the owner's ultimate claim and the expectation that such a figure would command respect due to his familial relationship and heir status.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Patience and Justice**, illustrating God's enduring long-suffering with His people, even in the face of persistent rebellion, before His righteous judgment is enacted. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Unique Status and Authority of the Son**. The phrase "my beloved son" echoes the divine declarations at Jesus' baptism ([Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - Jesus' Baptism")) and Transfiguration ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Transfiguration")), unmistakably identifying the son in the parable with Jesus Himself. This underscores His unparalleled relationship with God and His supreme authority as God's ultimate messenger and heir. Finally, the parable, through this verse, illuminates the **Climax of God's Redemptive Plan**, where the sending of the Son represents the culmination of God's efforts to reconcile humanity to Himself, a final, costly act of love that would tragically be met with rejection by those who should have received Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." In this context, it refers to the owner of the vineyard, who possesses ultimate authority and ownership over his property and its produce. The term implicitly points to God as the ultimate sovereign over Israel and humanity.
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** From G27, meaning "beloved." This adjective describes the son as one who is deeply cherished and uniquely loved by the owner. Its use here is highly significant, mirroring the divine declaration of Jesus as God's "beloved Son" at His baptism and transfiguration, emphasizing His unique and intimate relationship with the Father.
* **reverence (Greek, _entrépō'_):** From G1788, meaning "to invert, i.e. (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound." The owner hopes the tenants will "respect" or be "ashamed" into showing proper deference to his son. This implies a recognition of the son's superior status and a turning from their rebellious ways, an expectation tragically unfulfilled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do?":** This opening phrase reveals the owner's dilemma and desperation. Having sent many servants who were abused and killed, he is at a loss for what further action to take. It signifies a moment of profound decision and a final, ultimate strategy.
* **"I will send my beloved son:":** This is the owner's decisive and ultimate plan. The choice to send his own son, described as "beloved," highlights the depth of his love and the immense value he places on this final messenger. It represents the ultimate sacrifice and risk he is willing to take to achieve his desired outcome.
* **"it may be they will reverence [him] when they see him.":** This clause expresses the owner's hopeful, yet uncertain, expectation. He believes that the unique status and authority of his son will command respect where his servants failed. The phrase "it may be" (Greek: _ísōs_) suggests a degree of uncertainty or a last-ditch hope, underscoring the gravity and risk of this final mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:13, as part of the larger parable, employs several powerful literary devices. The entire narrative is an **Allegory**, where the characters and actions directly symbolize spiritual realities. The "lord of the vineyard" is a clear **Personification** of God, acting with divine patience and ultimate authority. The sending of the "beloved son" functions as profound **Foreshadowing**, directly pointing to Jesus' own mission, His unique relationship with God the Father, and His impending rejection and crucifixion at the hands of those He came to save. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the owner's hope: he expects reverence, but the tenants' response is the exact opposite—murder—which tragically mirrors the historical and future rejection of God's Son by the religious leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:13 stands as a profound theological statement within Jesus' teaching, encapsulating the heart of God's redemptive history. It illustrates God's persistent and escalating efforts to call humanity to Himself, moving from the prophets (servants) to the ultimate revelation in His Son. This verse highlights the unparalleled value God places on His Son and the costly nature of His love, willing to send His most precious possession into a situation of certain danger for the sake of His people. The owner's hope for "reverence" tragically mirrors God's desire for humanity to acknowledge and submit to Christ, a desire often met with rebellion, yet it underscores the divine initiative in salvation.

* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [Matthew 21:37-39](/matthew/21-37-39 "Matthew 21:37-39 - The Son's Rejection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:13 calls us to a deep contemplation of God's relentless pursuit of humanity and our own response to His ultimate act of love. The "lord of the vineyard" represents God, who, despite repeated rejection and violence against His messengers, extends His grace to the uttermost by sending His "beloved Son." This challenges us to examine our hearts: do we, like the wicked tenants, reject God's final and greatest messenger, Jesus Christ, seeking to seize control of our own lives and "inheritance" apart from Him? Or do we, recognizing His unique status as the "beloved Son," respond with the reverence, obedience, and faith He deserves? Our eternal destiny hinges on this response. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God has done everything necessary for our reconciliation, culminating in the sending of Christ. Our task is to humble ourselves, acknowledge His authority, and embrace the salvation freely offered through Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "lord of the vineyard's" decision to send his "beloved son" illustrate God's patience and love for humanity?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, exhibit the same "rejection" of God's messengers or His Son as the wicked tenants did?**
* **What does it mean to "reverence" Jesus as the "beloved Son," and how can we practically live out that reverence in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "beloved son" in this parable, and why is this title significant?**

Answer: The "beloved son" in the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers is Jesus Christ Himself. This title is profoundly significant because it echoes the divine declarations from heaven at Jesus' baptism ([Luke 3:22](/luke/3-22 "Luke 3:22 - Jesus' Baptism")) and Transfiguration ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Transfiguration")), where God the Father explicitly identifies Jesus as "My beloved Son." It signifies Jesus' unique, intimate, and unparalleled relationship with God, His divine nature, and His supreme authority as the Father's ultimate representative and heir. The use of this title makes it clear that Jesus is speaking about Himself and His impending fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true "beloved Son" of God. The parable, spoken by Jesus, is a powerful self-disclosure, revealing His identity as the ultimate messenger sent by God, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Just as the vineyard owner sent his son as a final, desperate act of hope, so God the Father, in His infinite love and patience, sent His only begotten Son into a world that had repeatedly rejected His prophets ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")). The owner's hope that the tenants would "reverence" his son tragically foreshadows the historical reality of Jesus' rejection and crucifixion by the very people He came to save ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, in His death and resurrection, Jesus, the "beloved Son," did not merely become another rejected messenger; He became the cornerstone rejected by the builders, who ultimately became the head of the corner ([Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). Thus, Luke 20:13 points directly to the heart of the Gospel: God's costly love in sending His Son, whose rejection led not to defeat, but to the ultimate triumph over sin and death, offering salvation to all who would believe and truly reverence Him ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jeremiah 36:3

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Jeremiah 36:7

It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

Hosea 6:4

¶ O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness [is] as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

Isaiah 5:4

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?