Matthew 21:34
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
8 of 18
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
10 of 18
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
αὐτοῦ
of it
G846
αὐτοῦ
of it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
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
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
12 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 #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαβεῖν
that they might receive
G2983
λαβεῖν
that they might receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
15 of 18
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Isaiah 5:1-7 established vineyard as metaphor for Israel: 'the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel.' God planted, protected, and cultivated them through the Law and Prophets, expecting the fruit of righteousness. Instead, Israel produced bloodshed and injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit' is God looking for in the vineyard of your life—what return on His investment in you?
- How does stewardship (managing what belongs to God) differ from ownership (acting as if blessings are yours to use as you please)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it—The parable shifts from two sons to wicked tenants. The vineyard owner (God) expects fruit (ὁ καιρὸς τῶν καρπῶν, ho kairos tōn karpōn—the season of fruits). His servants (τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ, tous doulous autou) are the prophets sent to Israel.
God's covenant with Israel wasn't arbitrary favoritism but purposeful stewardship—they were to produce righteousness, justice, and knowledge of God for the nations (Isa 5:1-7). The vineyard imagery evokes Isaiah's song of the vineyard, ending in judgment on fruitless Israel. God's patience extends seasons, but eventually demands accountability.