Luke 20:15

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed [him]. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

So {G2532} they cast {G1544} him {G846} out of {G1854} the vineyard {G290}, and killed {G615} him. What {G5101} therefore {G3767} shall {G4160} the lord {G2962} of the vineyard {G290} do {G4160} unto them {G846}?

And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“Now what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

And they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

Luke 20:15 (KJV) is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (or Tenants), delivered in the temple courts to the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This parable serves as a stark warning and prophetic indictment against the religious leaders of Israel.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus describes a vineyard owner who leases his vineyard to tenants. He repeatedly sends servants to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat, wound, and kill them. Finally, the owner sends his "beloved son," believing they will respect him (Luke 20:13). Verse 15 reveals the tenants' ultimate act of rebellion: "So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed [him]." This act is followed by Jesus' rhetorical question to His audience, "What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?" This question forces the listeners to pronounce judgment upon themselves, unknowingly or knowingly.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of God's Messengers: The parable illustrates Israel's long history of rejecting God's prophets, who were sent to call the nation to repentance and faithfulness. The tenants' mistreatment of the servants mirrors this pattern.
  • The Son's Ultimate Sacrifice: The killing of the owner's beloved son is a clear foreshadowing of Jesus' own impending crucifixion. It emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a prophet, but the very Son of God, whom the religious leaders would ultimately reject and put to death. This act of being "cast out of the vineyard" also points to Jesus being crucified outside the city gates.
  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: Jesus' rhetorical question in the latter part of the verse highlights the inevitable and severe consequences for those who reject God's ultimate messenger. It underscores the principle that those entrusted with spiritual responsibility will be held accountable for their actions and stewardship. This parable serves as a prophetic warning of the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem and its leadership (Luke 21:20).

Linguistic Insights

The term "vineyard" (Greek: ampelōn) is a powerful symbol in the Old Testament, frequently representing the nation of Israel (e.g., Isaiah 5:7). The tenants, therefore, represent the religious leaders and the people of Israel who were entrusted with God's blessings and responsibilities. The phrase "killed him" (Greek: apokteinousin) is in the present tense in Greek, conveying a sense of certainty and immediacy, prophetically underlining the reality of Jesus' coming death.

Practical Application

Luke 20:15 calls us to consider our own response to God's authority and His Son. Are we like the wicked tenants, rejecting God's truth and His messengers, or are we faithful stewards of the blessings and responsibilities He has given us? The verse reminds us that true faith involves not only hearing God's word but also bearing fruit in response and acknowledging the supreme authority and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the beloved Son. Our acceptance or rejection of Him has eternal consequences.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:12

    Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

  • Matthew 21:37

    But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

  • Matthew 21:40

    When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

  • Mark 12:6

    Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

  • Mark 12:9

    What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

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