Mark 12:4
And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀπέστειλαν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 13
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 13
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,
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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
δοῦλον·
servant
G1401
δοῦλον·
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
7 of 13
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκεφαλαίωσαν
and wounded him in the head
G2775
ἐκεφαλαίωσαν
and wounded him in the head
Strong's:
G2775
Word #:
10 of 13
(specially) to strike on the head
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Stoning was Israel's prescribed method for executing covenant breakers (Deuteronomy 17:5). The irony is profound: those charged with guarding God's covenant use covenant penalties against God's prophets. Historical examples include Zechariah son of Jehoiada, stoned in the temple court by order of King Joash (2 Chronicles 24:21), and later tradition records the stoning of Jeremiah in Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's continued sending of messengers despite repeated rejection reveal both His patience and the tenants' increasing culpability?
- In what ways does religious authority become most dangerous when it violently defends itself against prophetic truth?
- What progression of resistance do you see in your own life when confronted with unwelcome biblical truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones—The owner's patience continues despite escalating violence. Lithoboleō (λιθοβολέω, to stone) was the covenant penalty for blasphemy and rebellion (Leviticus 24:16), ironically now inflicted on God's own messengers. Wounded him in the head (κεφαλαιόω, kephalaioō)—a grievous, potentially fatal injury. Shamefully handled (ἀτιμάζω, atimazō)—dishonored, treated with contempt.
The progression intensifies: beating becomes stoning, injury becomes head wounds, mere rejection becomes public shaming. Yet the owner keeps sending servants, revealing God's incredible patience with covenant-breaking Israel. Each rejected prophet hardens the tenants further, making their guilt inexcusable.