Matthew 21:33
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
Original Language Analysis
παραβολὴν
parable
G3850
παραβολὴν
parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
2 of 28
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
ἐφύτευσεν
planted
G5452
ἐφύτευσεν
planted
Strong's:
G5452
Word #:
9 of 28
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φραγμὸν
hedged
G5418
φραγμὸν
hedged
Strong's:
G5418
Word #:
12 of 28
a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 28
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 28
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 #:
18 of 28
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 28
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 #:
21 of 28
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 28
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 #:
25 of 28
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
Jeremiah 2:21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?John 15:1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.Hosea 4:1Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.