Matthew 21:40
When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
When
G3752
ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 12
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔλθῃ
cometh
G2064
ἔλθῃ
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the lord
G2962
κύριος
the lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσει
will he do
G4160
ποιήσει
will he do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?Mark 12:9What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
Historical Context
Parables functioned as prophetic traps. Nathan used this technique with David (2 Sam 12:1-7)—telling a story that made David pronounce judgment on himself. Jesus's hearers understood the vineyard represented Israel (Isa 5:7), yet still answered truthfully, condemning themselves.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the certainty of the owner's return ('when', not 'if') teach about Christ's second coming and accountability?
- How might God be using your own judgment of others' sin to expose identical patterns in your heart (Rom 2:1)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?—Jesus makes His hearers pronounce judgment on themselves. ὅταν οὖν ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος (hotan oun elthē ho kyrios tou ampelōnos)—'when therefore the lord of the vineyard comes'—assumes certain return and reckoning.
The question forces application: τί ποιήσει τοῖς γεωργοῖς ἐκείνοις (ti poiēsei tois geōrgois ekeinois)—'what will he do to those farmers?' By making them answer, Jesus implicates them in their own condemnation. They cannot claim ignorance or injustice—their own mouths will testify that judgment is deserved. This rhetorical technique exposes conscience while teaching truth.