### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ampelṓn**, represented by `{{G290}}`, means a **vineyard**. It appears **23 times** in **21 verses** of the Bible. While it has a literal meaning, it is most often used as a key setting in parables to convey deeper spiritual truths about work, stewardship, and the kingdom of heaven.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G290}}` is the central location for several key parables. It is described as a place that a **householder** `{{G3617}}` **planted** `{{G5452}}`, preparing it with a **hedge** `{{G5418}}`, a **winepress** `{{G3025}}`, and a **tower** `{{G4444}}` before leasing it to **husbandmen** `{{G1092}}` [[Matthew 21:33]]. The expectation is that the **vineyard** will produce **fruit** `{{G2590}}` to be returned to the owner [[Luke 20:10]]. The **vineyard** also serves as the workplace in the parable where a **householder** hires **labourers** `{{G2040}}` [[Matthew 20:1]], and as the setting where a father asks his son to go and work [[Matthew 21:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the activities and roles associated with a **vineyard**:
* `{{G3617}}` **oikodespótēs** (the head of a family): This is the **master of the house** who owns the **vineyard**, hires workers, and expects a return on his investment ([[Matthew 20:1]], [[Matthew 21:33]]).
* `{{G1092}}` **geōrgós** (a land-worker, i.e. farmer): These are the **husbandmen** or tenants entrusted with the care of the **vineyard** and the responsibility to render its fruits to the owner [[Mark 12:1]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler): These are the **labourers** hired to work in the **vineyard**, central to the parable illustrating God's generosity [[Matthew 20:2]].
* `{{G5452}}` **phyteúō** (to set out in the earth, i.e. implant): This is the action of establishing the **vineyard**. The parables often begin with a man who **planted** a **vineyard** [[Luke 20:9]].
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit): This is the expected product from the **vineyard**. The failure to produce **fruit** or the refusal to hand it over becomes a central point of conflict ([[Matthew 21:41]], [[Luke 13:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G290}}` is primarily symbolic, illustrating key aspects of God's relationship with humanity.
* **The Kingdom of Heaven:** The **vineyard** is explicitly compared to the kingdom of heaven, a domain where God, the **householder**, calls people to work [[Matthew 20:1]].
* **Stewardship and Accountability:** The parables use the **vineyard** to test the faithfulness of those placed in charge. The wicked **husbandmen** are judged for their poor stewardship, resulting in the **vineyard** being given to others [[Luke 20:16]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The **vineyard** becomes a setting for judgment. The lord of the **vineyard** comes to destroy the wicked **husbandmen** [[Mark 12:9]], and it is from the **vineyard** that the owner's son is cast out and killed [[Matthew 21:39]].
* **Provision and Labor:** In a more literal sense, the **vineyard** represents a place of work and reward. Paul argues that one who **planteth** a **vineyard** has a right to eat of its **fruit** [[1 Corinthians 9:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G290}}` is much more than a simple agricultural term. It serves as a powerful parabolic framework for understanding the kingdom of God. Through the imagery of the **vineyard**, scripture explores profound themes of divine ownership, human responsibility, faithful labor, and the certainty of judgment and reward.
TRV