Luke 20:14

KJV

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when the husbandmen {G1092} saw {G1492} him {G846}, they reasoned {G1260} among {G4314} themselves {G1438}, saying {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} the heir {G2818}: come {G1205}, let us kill {G615} him {G846}, that {G2443} the inheritance {G2817} may be {G1096} ours {G2257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir; let’s kill him, so that the inheritance will be ours!’

Berean Standard Bible

But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

American Standard Version

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned one with another, saying, This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:14 captures the pivotal moment in Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers when the tenants, recognizing the landowner's son as the rightful heir, conspire to murder him in a desperate attempt to seize the inheritance for themselves. This verse starkly reveals the depth of human rebellion against divine authority and serves as a chilling prophetic foreshadowing of the religious leaders' plot to crucify Jesus, believing His elimination would secure their own power and influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point 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 His authority is challenged by the chief priests, scribes, and elders in [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Questioned"). The parable itself is an allegorical indictment of Israel's religious leadership. Following the repeated rejection and mistreatment of the landowner's servants (representing prophets sent by God), the landowner sends his "beloved son." The tenants' malicious recognition and immediate plot to kill the son in this verse escalate the parable's tension and directly set the stage for the son's ultimate fate and the subsequent judgment upon the tenants, as described in [Luke 20:15-16](/luke/20-15-16 "Luke 20:15-16 - The Son's Murder and the Tenants' Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient agrarian societies, land ownership was paramount, and tenant farming was a common practice. Vineyards, in particular, were significant investments, often leased out. The owner's sending of servants, and then his son, reflects a legal process where representatives would collect the owner's share of the produce. The idea of tenants attempting to usurp ownership by eliminating the heir, though extreme, taps into the cultural understanding of inheritance laws and the desperate measures some might take for land. Furthermore, the audience—the Jewish religious leaders—would have been acutely aware of the Old Testament imagery of Israel as God's vineyard, as seen in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), making the parable's meaning clear to them.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 20:14 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **rejection of divine authority**, as the tenants consciously choose rebellion despite recognizing the heir's legitimate claim. This mirrors the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, despite the clear signs of His divine sonship and authority, as seen throughout [Luke 19](/luke/19 "Luke 19 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing") and [Luke 20](/luke/20 "Luke 20 - Jesus' Authority Challenged"). The verse also underscores the destructive power of **covetousness and usurpation**, revealing how the desire for earthly gain and control can lead to heinous acts, contrasting sharply with the spiritual inheritance offered through Christ. Finally, it serves as a profound **prophetic foreshadowing** of Jesus' impending crucifixion, where He, the true "heir" of all creation ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Jesus, Heir of All Things")), would be rejected and killed by those who sought to maintain their own perceived "inheritance" of religious power and tradition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **husbandmen (Greek, _geōrgós'_):** From _gē_ (earth) and the base of _érgon_ (work), meaning a land-worker or farmer. In the parable, these "husbandmen" are not merely laborers but tenants entrusted with the care of the vineyard. Their title underscores their responsibility and, by extension, their profound betrayal of trust. They represent the religious leaders of Israel who were entrusted with the stewardship of God's people.
* **reasoned (Greek, _dialogízomai'_):** From _dia_ (through) and _logízomai_ (to reckon), meaning to reckon thoroughly, to deliberate, or to discuss. This word implies a conscious, internal debate or consultation among themselves, not a spontaneous act. It highlights the deliberate and calculated nature of their malicious intent, emphasizing that their decision to kill the heir was a premeditated act of rebellion.
* **heir (Greek, _klēronómos'_):** From _klēros_ (lot) and the base of _nomos_ (apportioning), meaning a sharer by lot or inheritor. This term is crucial, as it signifies the son's legal and rightful claim to the vineyard. The tenants' recognition of him as "the heir" makes their subsequent plot all the more egregious; they are not mistaken about his identity but actively choose to defy his legitimate authority. This directly points to Jesus' unique status as the Son of God, the rightful inheritor of all things.
* **kill (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From _apo_ (from) and a root meaning "to slay," meaning to kill outright or to destroy. This verb conveys a definitive and violent act. Its use here underscores the tenants' murderous intent and the severity of their planned crime, which is directly allegorical to the religious leaders' plan to put Jesus to death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the husbandmen saw him":** This phrase marks a critical turning point. The arrival of the son, the ultimate representative of the owner, demands a decisive response. The tenants' "seeing" implies recognition and awareness of his identity and authority, setting the stage for their conscious decision.
* **"they reasoned among themselves, saying":** This indicates a deliberate, internal conspiracy. The tenants are not acting in a fit of rage but are calculating their move. The phrase "among themselves" suggests a shared, collective malice, reinforcing the idea of a unified plot against the heir.
* **"This is the heir: come, let us kill him":** This is the chilling core of their plan. Their recognition of the son as "the heir" is immediately followed by the murderous command. The imperative "come" signifies a call to action, a collective resolve to commit the heinous act. This clause directly foreshadows the Jewish leaders' decision to crucify Jesus, whom they recognized, at some level, as a significant figure, yet chose to eliminate.
* **"that the inheritance may be ours":** This reveals the ultimate motivation behind their wicked scheme: self-interest and covetousness. They believe that by removing the rightful heir, they can seize control of the vineyard and its produce, claiming what is not rightfully theirs. This exposes the corrupting power of greed and the desire for worldly power over spiritual truth and righteous stewardship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:14 is rich in **Allegory**, as the entire parable functions as an extended metaphor where elements (vineyard, owner, servants, son, tenants) represent real-world counterparts (Israel, God, prophets, Jesus, Jewish religious leaders). The verse specifically employs **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, chillingly predicting Jesus' rejection and crucifixion by the very leaders to whom He was speaking. There is profound **Irony** in the tenants' recognition of the son as "the heir" immediately preceding their plot to murder him; they acknowledge his rightful claim yet seek to usurp it through violence. This highlights their spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. Furthermore, the "inheritance" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just the physical vineyard but the spiritual stewardship of God's kingdom, which the tenants (religious leaders) sought to control for their own benefit rather than for God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:14 underscores humanity's persistent rebellion against God's sovereign authority and His gracious overtures. The tenants' deliberate rejection of the son, despite recognizing his status as heir, mirrors humanity's fallen tendency to usurp God's rightful place and pursue self-serving agendas. This act of rebellion, driven by covetousness, culminates in the ultimate sin of rejecting God's beloved Son. The parable's trajectory, initiated by this verse, illustrates the divine patience of God in sending messengers, followed by the climactic sending of His Son, and the inevitable judgment that falls upon those who reject His ultimate revelation. It also highlights the theme of stewardship and accountability, reminding us that all we possess is ultimately God's, and we are merely tenants.

* [Psalm 2:7-8](/psalms/2-7-8 "Psalm 2:7-8 - The King's Decree and Inheritance")
* [Matthew 21:38-39](/matthew/21-38-39 "Matthew 21:38-39 - The Tenants' Plot in Matthew")
* [Acts 4:10-11](/acts/4-10-11 "Acts 4:10-11 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus, the Rejected Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:14 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. Just as the tenants coveted an inheritance that was not theirs, we too can be tempted to assert control over our lives, resources, or even our spiritual walk, rather than submitting to God's rightful ownership. This verse challenges us to consider whether we truly recognize Jesus as the rightful Heir of all things and, if so, how that recognition translates into humble submission and faithful stewardship. It warns against the insidious nature of covetousness and the desire for self-sovereignty, which can lead to spiritual blindness and a rejection of God's loving authority. Our response to Jesus, the Son, determines our true inheritance. Do we welcome Him as Lord, or do we, like the tenants, seek to eliminate His claim in our lives to secure our own perceived autonomy?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "husbandmen," seeking to control or claim what rightfully belongs to God?**
* **How does my recognition of Jesus as "the heir" impact my daily decisions and my view of earthly possessions and power?**
* **What temptations to "kill" or suppress Christ's authority in my life (e.g., through disobedience, neglect, or self-reliance) do I need to confess and repent of?**
* **Am I faithfully stewarding the "vineyard" (my gifts, resources, relationships, time) that God has entrusted to me, or am I seeking to hoard its fruit for myself?**

### FAQ
**Who do the "husbandmen" in the parable represent, and why is their action so significant?**

Answer: The "husbandmen" (or tenants) in the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers primarily represent the religious leaders of Israel—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—who were challenging Jesus' authority at the time He told this parable ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). They were entrusted with the spiritual care and leadership of God's "vineyard," which is Israel ([Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - Israel as God's Vineyard")). Their action of conspiring to kill the son is profoundly significant because it allegorically depicts their conscious and deliberate rejection of Jesus, the Son of God, despite recognizing His unique status. It highlights their desire to maintain their own power and perceived "inheritance" (their religious and political authority) by eliminating God's rightful Heir, thus foreshadowing their role in Jesus' crucifixion.

**What is the "inheritance" that the husbandmen sought, and how does it contrast with the true inheritance offered through Christ?**

Answer: The "inheritance" that the husbandmen sought was control over the vineyard and its produce. In the allegorical context, this represents the religious leaders' desire to retain their own authority, prestige, and control over the spiritual "vineyard" of Israel, free from God's direct intervention through His Son. They wanted to seize the benefits of God's kingdom for themselves, rather than faithfully stewarding it for the Owner. This earthly, self-serving ambition stands in stark contrast to the true spiritual inheritance offered through Christ. Believers, through faith in Jesus, become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and a share in God's kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The tenants sought a temporal, usurped inheritance that led to judgment, while Christ offers an eternal, righteous inheritance that leads to life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:14 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God and the ultimate Heir of all things. The "beloved son" sent by the landowner is none other than Jesus Himself, the one through whom God created the world and by whom He sustains it ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The tenants' recognition of Him as "the heir" yet their subsequent plot to kill Him is a chilling prophecy of the Jewish leaders' rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, as documented throughout the Gospels. They believed that by eliminating Him, they could secure their own religious and political "inheritance," but in doing so, they unwittingly fulfilled God's redemptive plan. Jesus' death, far from being the end of His claim, was the means by which He secured a far greater inheritance: salvation and eternal life for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). He is the rejected cornerstone who became the capstone ([Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Rejected Cornerstone")), establishing a new spiritual "vineyard"—the Church—composed of those who truly bear fruit for God's glory ([John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus, the True Vine")). Thus, the very act intended to thwart the Heir's claim ultimately established His eternal reign and opened the way for all believers to become co-heirs with Him ([Galatians 4:7](/galatians/4-7 "Galatians 4:7 - Sons and Heirs through God")).

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

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Matthew 27:21

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Matthew 27:25

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Psalms 2:8

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

Luke 19:47

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,