Luke 20:12
And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσέθετο
again
G4369
προσέθετο
again
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
2 of 10
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
πέμψαι·
he sent
G3992
πέμψαι·
he sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
3 of 10
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τρίτον
a third
G5154
τρίτον
a third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
4 of 10
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The wounding and casting out intensifies the prophetic suffering motif. Uriah the prophet was killed by King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Zechariah was murdered in the temple courts (2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Matthew 23:35). The prophets were often driven out of Jerusalem, forced to prophesy from exile or hiding. This treatment culminated in John the Baptist's beheading (Luke 9:9) and would soon climax in Jesus' crucifixion "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12)—the ultimate "casting out" of God's messenger.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the threefold sending of servants establish the certainty of the tenants' guilt?
- What does the escalating violence reveal about the nature of rebellion against God?
- Why does rejection of God's word often lead to persecution of God's messengers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out—The third servant suffers even worse treatment: "wounded" (τραυματίσαντες, traumatisantes, injured, inflicting wounds) and "cast out" (ἐξέβαλον, exebalon, violently expelled). The escalation continues—from beating, to shameful treatment, to actual wounding. The casting out suggests expulsion from the vineyard itself, adding territorial claim to the rebellion. The tenants now act as if they own the property and can expel the owner's representatives.
The threefold sending of servants emphasizes God's extraordinary patience and the tenants' complete incorrigibility. In Jewish thought, threefold repetition established a matter firmly (Deuteronomy 19:15). Three servants, three rejections—the pattern is confirmed. The tenants are without excuse. Yet despite this escalating violence, the owner continues to reach out (v. 13), demonstrating mercy that exceeds all human reason. This parable exposes how religious leaders can become so invested in their positions that they violently reject anyone challenging their authority, even God's own messengers.