Matthew 21:35
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
6 of 16
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
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
ὃν
another
G3739
ὃν
another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἔδειραν
and beat
G1194
ἔδειραν
and beat
Strong's:
G1194
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash
ὃν
another
G3739
ὃν
another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.Acts 7:52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Historical Context
Jesus's audience knew their history of martyred prophets. Jewish tradition held that Isaiah was sawn in two (Heb 11:37). Jeremiah was stoned in Egypt by rebellious Jews. The Pharisees built tombs for the prophets (Matt 23:29) while preparing to kill the Prophet. Historical pattern predicted present action.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do religious people often violently oppose God's messengers who call them to genuine repentance?
- When faithful preaching makes you uncomfortable, do you examine your heart or attack the messenger?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another—Israel's treatment of the prophets catalogued. The verbs escalate: ἔδειραν (beat/flay), ἀπέκτειναν (killed), ἐλιθοβόλησαν (stoned). Each verb uses different servants, showing repeated persecution patterns across generations.
Hebrews 11:36-38 describes faithful prophets who suffered mocking, imprisonment, stoning, and murder. Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned (Jer 20:2, 37:15). Zechariah was stoned in the temple court (2 Chr 24:20-21). Stephen recounted this history before his own stoning (Acts 7:52). God's messengers of truth faced violent rejection by those claiming to serve God.