### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi, `{{G1554}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), meaning "to give." Literally, therefore, it signifies "to give out" or "to give forth." However, its semantic range in the New Testament is highly specialized, referring specifically to the act of "leasing," "renting out," or "letting out" property. This specialized meaning implies a temporary transfer of control or use of something, typically a property, to another party in exchange for an agreed-upon return, such as rent or a portion of the produce. It is distinct from a simple act of giving, as it retains an underlying relationship of ownership and an expectation of future recompense or accountability from the one to whom the property is leased.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi, `{{G1554}}`) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (or Vineyard) as told by Jesus. Its occurrences are:
* [[Matthew 21:33]]: "There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower, and *let it out* (ἐξέδετο) to tenants and went into another country."
* [[Mark 12:1]]: "A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower and *let it out* (ἐξέδοτο) to tenants and went into another country."
* [[Luke 20:9]]: "A man planted a vineyard and *let it out* (ἐξέδοτο) to tenants and went into another country for a long while."
In all three instances, the verb describes the action of the vineyard owner who "leases" or "lets out" his vineyard to tenants. This act of leasing is central to the parable's narrative, establishing the relationship between the owner and the tenants: the owner provides the means for production (the vineyard), and the tenants are entrusted with its care and cultivation, with an expectation of providing the owner with a share of the harvest. The consistent use of ekdídōmi underscores the concept of stewardship and the temporary, conditional nature of the tenants' control over the vineyard. The owner retains ultimate ownership and the right to expect a return.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary semantic relationship of ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi, `{{G1554}}`) is with its root verb, δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), meaning "to give." While δίδωμι is a general term for giving, ἐκδίδωμι specifies a particular kind of giving: a giving "out" or "forth" for a specific purpose, often involving an agreement or an expectation of return. The preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`) emphasizes this outward transfer.
Related concepts include:
* **Stewardship:** The act of ekdídōmi directly implies stewardship, where one party is entrusted with the management of another's property or resources.
* **Accountability:** The leasing arrangement inherently establishes accountability, as the tenants are expected to render the owner his due.
* **Covenant:** In a broader theological sense, God's dealings with humanity, particularly with Israel, can be viewed through the lens of a covenantal agreement, where responsibilities are entrusted and expectations are set.
* **Parable of the Vineyard:** This parable is the exclusive context for ekdídōmi, making the word inextricably linked to its rich allegorical meaning concerning Israel's (and its leaders') rejection of God's messengers and ultimately His Son.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi, `{{G1554}}`) is profound, deriving almost entirely from its singular use in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants.
1. **Divine Entrustment and Stewardship:** The act of the vineyard owner "letting out" his vineyard serves as a powerful metaphor for God's act of entrusting His creation, His kingdom, and His people (Israel, symbolized by the vineyard) to humanity, particularly to the religious leaders and the nation as a whole. It highlights God's initiative in providing the means for spiritual fruitfulness.
2. **Expectation of Fruit and Obedience:** Just as the vineyard owner expected a share of the produce, God expects spiritual fruit (righteousness, obedience, worship, justice) from those to whom He has given His vineyard. The "lease" is not a gift without obligation but a sacred trust with clear expectations.
3. **Human Accountability and Responsibility:** The parable underscores the solemn responsibility of those entrusted with God's vineyard. The tenants' failure to render the owner his due, and their subsequent violence against his servants and son, illustrate the profound accountability of humanity before God.
4. **The Rejection of Christ:** The climax of the parable, where the tenants murder the owner's son, allegorically points to the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by the very people to whom God had "let out" His vineyard. This act of ultimate rebellion leads to divine judgment upon the unfaithful tenants.
5. **God's Sovereignty and Justice:** Despite the tenants' rebellion, the owner retains ultimate authority and ownership. The parable concludes with the owner's just judgment and the transfer of the vineyard to others, illustrating God's unwavering sovereignty and His righteous judgment against those who reject His gracious entrustment.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi, `{{G1554}}`) literally means "to give out" but is specialized in the New Testament to mean "to lease" or "to let out." Its exclusive use in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in the Synoptic Gospels makes it a key term for understanding the parable's profound theological implications. The act of "letting out" the vineyard signifies God's divine entrustment of His kingdom and people to human stewardship, with a clear expectation of spiritual fruit and obedience. The subsequent narrative of the tenants' rebellion and their rejection of the owner's messengers, culminating in the murder of his son, allegorically depicts Israel's (and humanity's) accountability and the tragic consequences of rejecting God's divine authority and His ultimate messenger, Jesus Christ. Thus, ekdídōmi encapsulates themes of divine initiative, human responsibility, spiritual fruitfulness, and ultimate judgment.
TRV