Mark 12:6

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

Having {G2192} yet {G2089} therefore {G3767} one {G1520} son {G5207}, his {G846} wellbeloved {G27}, he sent {G649} him {G846} also {G2532} last {G2078} unto {G4314} them {G846}, saying {G3004},{G3754} They will reverence {G1788} my {G3450} son {G5207}.

He had still one person left, a son whom he loved; in the end, he sent him to them, saying, `My son they will respect.'

Finally, having one beloved son, he sent him to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

He had yet one, a beloved son: he sent him last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

Commentary

Context of Mark 12:6

Mark 12:6 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, delivered in the temple courts shortly before His crucifixion. This parable, also found in Matthew 21:33-46 and Luke 20:9-19, is a direct challenge to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who were questioning His authority. Jesus uses the allegory of a vineyard owner, his rebellious tenants, and ultimately, his son, to illustrate God's relationship with Israel and the religious leadership.

In this specific verse, the owner, having sent many servants (representing Old Testament prophets) who were mistreated or killed, makes a final, desperate appeal: he sends his "wellbeloved son," believing this ultimate gesture will command reverence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Persistent Patience: The vineyard owner's repeated sending of servants, and finally his son, highlights God's enduring patience and grace in seeking a response from humanity, particularly from His chosen people, Israel.
  • The Unique Status of the Son: The designation "one son, his wellbeloved" clearly points to Jesus Christ. This emphasizes His unique divine identity and intimate relationship with God the Father. It echoes the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism, declaring Him "my beloved Son" (Mark 1:11).
  • Divine Expectation of Reverence: The owner's statement, "They will reverence my son," reveals God's expectation that His ultimate messenger, His own Son, would be recognized and honored. This expectation underscores the gravity of the tenants' subsequent rejection.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ's Rejection: The parable serves as a stark prophecy of Jesus' impending fate. Despite the owner's hope, the tenants' actions in the following verses (Mark 12:7-8) vividly depict the religious leaders' plan to reject and kill Jesus, the rightful heir.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his wellbeloved" translates the Greek word agapetos (ἀγαπητός). This term is significant in the New Testament, almost exclusively used to describe Jesus as God's "beloved" or "only begotten" Son. It conveys a deep, unique, and cherished relationship, emphasizing Jesus' singular position and divine favor. Its use here in the parable leaves no doubt that Jesus is speaking of Himself as the Son of God.

Practical Application

Mark 12:6 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Recognizing Christ's Authority: Just as the owner expected reverence for his son, God expects us to acknowledge and reverence His Son, Jesus Christ, as the supreme authority and revelation of God.
  • The Gravity of Rejection: The parable serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of rejecting God's ultimate message and messenger. To reject Jesus is to reject God Himself.
  • God's Enduring Love: Even in the face of persistent rebellion, God's love is demonstrated through His willingness to send His most precious possession—His Son—as a final attempt to reconcile with humanity. This highlights the immense value God places on restoring relationship with us, culminating in Christ's sacrifice.
  • Accountability: The story reminds us that we are stewards of God's blessings and that there will be a day of reckoning for how we have responded to His call and His Son.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 1:1

    ¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

  • 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;

  • John 1:34

    And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

  • Matthew 3:17

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

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

  • Isaiah 42:1

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 26:63

    But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
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