Mark 12:1
And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παραβολαῖς
parables
G3850
παραβολαῖς
parables
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
5 of 24
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
λέγεῖν,
to speak
G3004
λέγεῖν,
to speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐφύτευσεν
planted
G5452
ἐφύτευσεν
planted
Strong's:
G5452
Word #:
8 of 24
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φραγμὸν
an hedge about
G5418
φραγμὸν
an hedge about
Strong's:
G5418
Word #:
12 of 24
a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπολήνιον
a place for the winefat
G5276
ὑπολήνιον
a place for the winefat
Strong's:
G5276
Word #:
15 of 24
vessel or receptacle under the press, i.e., lower wine-vat
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾠκοδόμησεν
built
G3618
ᾠκοδόμησεν
built
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
17 of 24
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Mark 13:34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.Mark 4:2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,Matthew 25:14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Historical Context
Written around AD 65-70, Mark records Jesus teaching this parable during Passion Week (after the Triumphal Entry) in direct confrontation with chief priests, scribes, and elders (11:27-33). Vineyard imagery was deeply rooted in Israel's self-understanding through Isaiah 5, while tenant farming was common in first-century Palestine under absentee landlords. The religious leaders would immediately recognize the Isaiah 5 allusion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the vineyard owner's lavish preparation expose the depth of Israel's ingratitude and rebellion against covenant grace?
- In what ways are you tempted to treat God's kingdom work as your own possession rather than a stewardship entrusted to you?
- How does this parable challenge those who assume religious privilege guarantees spiritual fruitfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it—Jesus deliberately echoes Isaiah 5:1-7, where the vineyard (κεράμπελος, kerampelos) symbolizes Israel. The elaborate preparation (hedge, winepress, tower) demonstrates God's covenant investment. Let it out to husbandmen (γεωργός, georgos)—tenant farmers who owed the owner a share of harvest. Went into a far country establishes God's patience, giving Israel space to bear fruit.
The parable's opening indicts Israel's religious leaders as unfaithful stewards of God's vineyard-kingdom. Every detail recalls Isaiah's love song turned judgment oracle, forcing hearers to recognize themselves as the wicked tenants. This is salvation history condensed: God plants, invests, and waits for fruit from those entrusted with His covenant people.