Luke 20:9

¶ Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

Then {G1161} began he {G756} to speak {G3004} to {G4314} the people {G2992} this {G5026} parable {G3850}; A certain {G5100} man {G444} planted {G5452} a vineyard {G290}, and {G2532} let {G1554} it {G846} forth {G1554} to husbandmen {G1092}, and {G2532} went into a far country {G589} for a long {G2425} time {G5550}.

Next Yeshua told the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to tenant-farmers and went away for a long time.

Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time.

And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.

Commentary on Luke 20:9 (KJV)

Luke 20:9 introduces one of Jesus' most significant and allegorical parables, known as the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers or Husbandmen. This verse sets the scene by describing the owner's initial actions: planting a vineyard, leasing it to tenants, and then departing for an extended period.

Context

This parable immediately follows a confrontation where the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged Jesus' authority (Luke 20:1-8). Jesus responds not directly to their question, but with a story that subtly yet powerfully addresses their spiritual blindness and impending rejection of God's final messenger—Himself. The parable is delivered to "the people," but its pointed message is clearly aimed at the religious leaders who sought to trap Him. Parallel accounts of this parable can be found in Matthew 21:33-46 and Mark 12:1-12, highlighting its critical importance in Jesus' teaching.

Key Themes

  • God's Ownership and Provision: The "certain man" who plants the vineyard represents God, the ultimate owner and provider. The vineyard itself is a common Old Testament symbol for Israel, God's chosen people, or more broadly, His kingdom and divine purposes on earth. This imagery is notably used in Isaiah 5:1-7.
  • Stewardship and Accountability: The "husbandmen" (vinedressers) symbolize the religious leaders of Israel—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—who were entrusted with the care and spiritual oversight of God's people. Their role was to manage the vineyard and produce fruit for the owner, signifying their responsibility to guide the people in righteousness and obedience to God.
  • Divine Patience: The owner's decision to go "into a far country for a long time" illustrates God's enduring patience and long-suffering, allowing time for the husbandmen to fulfill their duties and for the vineyard to yield its produce.

Linguistic Insights

The term "parable" comes from the Greek word parabolē (παραβολή), meaning a comparison or juxtaposition. Jesus frequently used parables to reveal spiritual truths in an accessible yet profound manner, often requiring listeners to discern the deeper meaning. The "husbandmen" are referred to by the Greek term geōrgois (γεωργοῖς), literally meaning 'tillers of the ground' or 'farmers,' emphasizing their direct responsibility for the cultivation and produce of the vineyard.

Practical Application

While originally directed at the religious leaders of Jesus' day, this parable carries timeless lessons for all believers. It reminds us that we are all stewards of God's gifts, resources, and opportunities. Whether in leadership or in daily life, we are called to be faithful and produce spiritual fruit for God's glory. The owner's eventual return implies accountability for our stewardship, urging us to consider how we are managing what has been entrusted to us. This parable serves as a timeless reminder of our stewardship responsibilities before God.

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.

  • Matthew 21:33

    Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

  • Matthew 21:46

    But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

  • Mark 12:1

    ¶ And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

  • Mark 12:12

    And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

  • Isaiah 5:1

    ¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

  • Isaiah 5:7

    For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

  • Jeremiah 2:21

    Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

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