Mark 12:7

KJV

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} those {G1565} husbandmen {G1092} said {G2036} among {G4314} themselves {G1438}, This {G3754}{G3778} is {G2076} the heir {G2818}; come {G1205}, let us kill {G615} him {G846}, and {G2532} the inheritance {G2817} shall be {G2071} ours {G2257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the tenants said to each other, `This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!'

Berean Standard Bible

But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

American Standard Version

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:7 captures the chilling moment within Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen when the tenants, recognizing the vineyard owner's son as the rightful heir, conspire to murder him with the explicit intent of seizing the inheritance for themselves. This pivotal verse reveals the depth of human rebellion against divine authority, driven by covetousness, and serves as a profound prophetic foreshadowing of the Jewish leaders' rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, the true Son and Heir.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 12:7 is a central moment in Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, found in [Mark 12:1-12](/mark/12-1-12 "Mark 12:1-12 - The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen"). This parable is delivered by Jesus in the temple courts of Jerusalem, immediately following His triumphal entry into the city and His cleansing of the temple. It is specifically directed at the chief priests, scribes, and elders who had challenged His authority (see [Mark 11:27-33](/mark/11-27-33 "Mark 11:27-33 - Jesus' Authority Challenged")). The parable's narrative arc moves from the owner's initial patience and sending of servants (representing prophets) to the tenants' escalating violence, culminating in their murderous plot against the beloved son. This verse is the turning point, revealing the tenants' ultimate defiance and setting the stage for the son's death and the owner's subsequent judgment (revealed in [Mark 12:9](/mark/12-9 "Mark 12:9 - The Owner's Judgment")). The parable is also recorded in [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Tenants") and [Luke 20:9-19](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), highlighting its significance across the Synoptic Gospels.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects common agricultural practices in ancient Israel, where landowners often leased vineyards to tenants, expecting a share of the harvest as rent. Such arrangements were well-understood, and the owner's rights were legally protected. The "vineyard" itself was a well-established symbol for Israel (as seen in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). The "husbandmen" or "tenants" represent the religious leaders of Israel, who were entrusted with the stewardship of God's people and His covenant. Their recognition of the "heir" (Mark 12:7) implies a full understanding of his legitimate claim, making their actions a deliberate act of rebellion rather than ignorance. The concept of "inheritance" was deeply significant in Jewish culture, often tied to land, lineage, and covenant promises. The tenants' desire to seize the inheritance for themselves speaks to a profound spiritual covetousness and a desire to usurp divine authority, mirroring the self-serving ambition of the religious elite who sought to maintain their power and control over God's people, even at the cost of rejecting God's ultimate messenger.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 12:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Rejection of God's Authority**, particularly by those entrusted with its stewardship. The tenants' escalating violence against the servants and their ultimate plot against the son directly parallel Israel's historical rejection of God's prophets and the religious leaders' imminent rejection of Jesus, God's beloved Son. Secondly, the verse highlights the destructive nature of **Greed and Usurpation**. The motivation "that the inheritance shall be ours" exposes a deep-seated covetousness and an audacious attempt to seize what rightfully belongs to another, reflecting the spiritual blindness and self-serving ambition of those who opposed Jesus. This theme resonates with warnings against materialism and the love of money found throughout Scripture, such as in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money"). Finally, Mark 12:7 serves as a stark **Foreshadowing of the Crucifixion**. Jesus, through this parable, prophetically reveals His own impending death at the hands of the very leaders who were challenging Him. The tenants' plot to kill the heir directly parallels the Jewish leaders' conspiracy to kill Jesus, whom they perceived as a threat to their perceived "inheritance" or authority (as seen in [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **husbandmen (Greek, _geōrgós'_):** From *gē* (earth) and the base of *ergon* (work); literally, "earth-worker" or "farmer." This term emphasizes their role as cultivators and stewards of the vineyard, not its owners. Their identity as "husbandmen" underscores the irony and wickedness of their actions, as they turn against the very source of their livelihood and stewardship.
* **heir (Greek, _klēronómos'_):** From *klēros* (lot, portion) and the base of *nomos* (in its original sense of partitioning); a sharer by lot, inheritor, or possessor. This word highlights the son's rightful and legitimate claim to the vineyard. The tenants' recognition of him as "the heir" (G3778 *hoûtos* "this" + G2076 *estí* "is" + G2818 *klēronómos* "heir") means their plot was not out of ignorance but a deliberate, malicious act against a known, rightful claimant.
* **inheritance (Greek, _klēronomía'_):** From *klēronómos*; heirship, concretely a patrimony or possession. This refers to the property or estate that passes to an heir. The tenants' motivation, "the inheritance shall be ours," reveals their covetous desire to usurp what does not belong to them. It exposes their profound misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and their audacious attempt to seize control over what was never theirs to possess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But those husbandmen said among themselves":** This clause highlights the internal conspiracy and premeditated nature of the tenants' evil plan. It wasn't a spontaneous act of rage but a calculated decision made in concert. The "but" (G1161 *dé*) introduces a stark contrast to the owner's expectation of respect for his son.
* **"This is the heir; come, let us kill him":** This is the chilling core of the verse. The tenants' declaration, "This is the heir," confirms their full awareness of the son's true identity and rightful claim. They recognize his authority and legitimacy. Their immediate response, "come, let us kill him," reveals the depth of their depravity and their desperate attempt to eliminate the rightful claimant to seize the property. The imperative "come" (G1205 *deûte*) suggests a collective, urgent, and determined resolve.
* **"and the inheritance shall be ours.":** This final phrase explicitly states their motive: covetousness and usurpation. They believe that by eliminating the heir, they can legally or practically claim the vineyard as their own. This reveals their profound spiritual blindness and their audacious attempt to seize what rightfully belongs to another, demonstrating a complete disregard for justice, ownership, and divine authority. The future tense "shall be" (G2071 *ésomai*) expresses their confident, though misguided, expectation of success.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:7 is rich with literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The entire passage is a powerful **Allegory**, where the vineyard owner represents God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the prophets, the son is Jesus, and the husbandmen are the religious leaders. This verse, in particular, functions as a moment of profound **Irony**; the tenants, who are mere stewards, believe they can become owners by committing murder, a deeply misguided and ultimately futile endeavor against the true owner. There is also strong **Foreshadowing** at play, as Jesus, through the tenants' plot, directly predicts His own impending death at the hands of the Jewish authorities. The phrase "This is the heir" also carries significant **Symbolism**, as it not only identifies the son within the parable but also implicitly declares Jesus' own divine Sonship and rightful claim to God's kingdom, which the religious leaders are attempting to usurp.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:7 profoundly illustrates the biblical themes of human rebellion against divine authority and the consequences of rejecting God's messengers. The tenants' deliberate decision to murder the heir, despite knowing his identity, mirrors humanity's persistent tendency to usurp God's rightful place and seize control, driven by covetousness and a desire for self-sovereignty. This verse underscores God's patience and persistent outreach through His prophets, culminating in the sending of His Son, yet also highlights the tragic reality of human resistance to divine truth and grace. It sets the stage for the ultimate act of rejection—the crucifixion of Jesus—and foreshadows the divine judgment that awaits those who refuse to acknowledge and submit to the true Heir.

* [Psalm 2:2-3](/psalms/2-2-3 "Psalm 2:2-3 - Kings Conspire Against the Lord's Anointed")
* [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Jewish Leaders")
* [Romans 11:28-32](/romans/11-28-32 "Romans 11:28-32 - Israel's Rejection and God's Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:7 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. The husbandmen's desire to seize the inheritance for themselves, despite it not being theirs, is a stark warning against spiritual covetousness and the temptation to claim as our own what God has merely entrusted to our stewardship. Do we, like the tenants, recognize Jesus as the rightful Heir—the Son of God with all authority—yet subtly or overtly resist His reign in our lives, preferring to manage our "inheritance" (our time, talents, resources, and even our lives) according to our own will rather than His? This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly living as faithful stewards of God's kingdom or if we harbor a desire to usurp His authority, seeking to control our destiny and blessings apart from Him. It calls us to repentance, to relinquish any claim to self-sovereignty, and to humbly acknowledge Jesus as the supreme Lord and Heir, trusting that true inheritance comes not through seizing but through faithful submission and adoption into His family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "husbandmen," seeking to control or claim as my own what rightfully belongs to God?**
* **Do I fully recognize Jesus as the "heir" – the supreme authority and rightful owner of all things – in my daily decisions and aspirations?**
* **What "inheritance" (e.g., control, comfort, personal ambition) might I be tempted to prioritize over God's will and the rightful reign of Christ?**
* **How does my response to Jesus today reflect whether I am a faithful steward or one who resists His authority?**

### FAQ
**What is the "inheritance" the husbandmen refer to, and why do they want it?**

Answer: The "inheritance" (Greek, *klēronomía*) in the parable refers to the vineyard itself. In the allegorical sense, it represents God's kingdom, His covenant relationship with Israel, and the spiritual privileges and responsibilities entrusted to its leaders. The husbandmen want it because they are driven by extreme covetousness and a desire for absolute control and ownership. They believe that by eliminating the rightful heir, they can legally or practically claim the vineyard as their own, free from the owner's oversight. This reflects the spiritual blindness and self-serving ambition of the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus, seeking to maintain their power and control over God's people and the religious system, which they viewed as their own domain rather than God's.

**How do the husbandmen know the son is "the heir"?**

Answer: The text states, "This is the heir." This indicates that the husbandmen recognized the son's true identity and his legitimate claim to the vineyard. It's not a case of mistaken identity or ignorance. Their recognition makes their subsequent plot to kill him even more heinous, as it is a deliberate act of rebellion against known authority and rightful ownership. Allegorically, this highlights that the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus were not ignorant of His claims or miraculous works; they deliberately chose to reject Him despite the evidence, understanding that He represented a challenge to their established authority and interpretation of God's covenant, as seen in passages like [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:7, within the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the beloved Son and ultimate Heir of all things, and in His rejection and crucifixion by those who should have received Him. The "heir" in the parable is unequivocally Jesus Christ, God's unique and beloved Son, sent into the world as the final and supreme messenger (as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Just as the tenants conspired to kill the son to seize the inheritance, the religious leaders of Israel conspired against Jesus, seeing Him as a threat to their perceived authority and control over God's people and the temple system (a plot vividly described in [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Their cry, "Let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours," tragically foreshadowed the historical reality of Jesus' crucifixion, an act of ultimate rebellion against God's Son. However, the parable's conclusion (Mark 12:9) and the broader New Testament narrative reveal that this act of rejection did not lead to the tenants' desired outcome. Instead, the rejected Son was vindicated and exalted. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus, the rejected Heir, ultimately inherited all things, not just a vineyard, but a universal kingdom, fulfilling prophecies like [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). He became the cornerstone, and through Him, a new spiritual inheritance is offered to all who believe, not through usurpation, but through grace and adoption into His family ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, Mark 12:7, while detailing human depravity, ultimately magnifies Christ's supreme heirship and His triumph over rejection, establishing His eternal reign.

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 2:3

When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:13

¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Matthew 2:16

¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Acts 5:28

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Genesis 37:20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.