Mark 12:2
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 18
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλον
a servant
G1401
δοῦλον
a servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
8 of 18
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λάβῃ
he might receive
G2983
λάβῃ
he might receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
13 of 18
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The sending of servants at harvest time reflects the legal and economic realities of tenant farming in the ancient Near East. More importantly, it symbolizes the succession of Old Testament prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others—who called Israel to repentance and covenant loyalty, often suffering persecution for their faithfulness (Hebrews 11:32-38).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's patient sending of multiple messengers demonstrate both His longsuffering and His just requirement of fruit?
- What 'fruit' does God rightfully expect from your life as a steward of gospel privileges?
- How do you respond when God's word confronts your unfaithfulness—with repentance or resistance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
At the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant—The kairos (καιρός, appointed time) represents God's rightful expectation of covenant fruit. A servant (δοῦλος, doulos) represents the prophets sent to Israel demanding covenant faithfulness. That he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit—not taking what wasn't theirs, but collecting what was owed from God's vineyard.
God's sending servants 'at the season' reveals His patience and legitimate expectation. The harvest season is accountability time—when stewards must render what belongs to the Master. Israel's history is marked by prophets demanding the 'fruit' of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8), only to face rejection.