Mark 12:9
What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
Original Language Analysis
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ποιήσει
do
G4160
ποιήσει
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the lord
G2962
κύριος
the lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεύσεται
he will come
G2064
ἐλεύσεται
he will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπολέσει
destroy
G622
ἀπολέσει
destroy
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
10 of 17
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δώσει
will give
G1325
δώσει
will give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Historical Context
Forty years after this parable, the 'lord of the vineyard' indeed came in judgment—Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70, scattering the Jewish leadership and ending the sacrificial system. Simultaneously, the gospel spread to Gentiles, fulfilling the 'giving to others.' Mark's audience (around AD 65-70) would see this prophecy beginning fulfillment. The parable became history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's destruction of wicked tenants vindicate His justice after centuries of patient sending of servants?
- What does the vineyard's transfer to 'others' teach about the church's responsibility as new covenant stewards?
- How does this warning guard you against presuming on God's patience while persisting in spiritual unfaithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do?—Jesus forces His accusers to pronounce their own judgment. He will come and destroy the husbandmen—ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, to destroy utterly, kill). God's patience has limits; persistent rejection culminates in judgment. And will give the vineyard unto others—the kingdom will be transferred from unfaithful Israel's leaders to a new people (cf. Matthew 21:43, 'a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof').
This is Jesus' clearest prediction of AD 70's temple destruction and the transfer of kingdom administration to the church—Jew and Gentile united in Christ. The 'others' are the new covenant community, the 'holy nation' of 1 Peter 2:9. The religious leaders understood perfectly, which is why 'they sought to lay hold on him' (verse 12). Judgment on covenant-breaking Israel vindicates God's justice while the vineyard's transfer demonstrates His faithfulness to save a remnant.