Matthew 21:41
They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν
They say
G3004
λέγουσιν
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 21
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
Κακοὺς
wicked men
G2556
Κακοὺς
wicked men
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
3 of 21
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀπολέσει
destroy
G622
ἀπολέσει
destroy
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
5 of 21
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 21
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 #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
13 of 21
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἀποδώσουσιν
shall render
G591
ἀποδώσουσιν
shall render
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
14 of 21
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 21
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
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.Acts 28:28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Historical Context
Within 40 years of this parable, Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple (AD 70), ending the Jewish sacrificial system. The gospel went to the Gentiles as Jesus predicted (Acts 13:46). Israel's rejection wasn't racial but covenantal—unbelieving Jews were cut off, believing Gentiles grafted in (Rom 11:17-24). The new husbandmen are all who believe.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the transfer of stewardship warn against presuming on God's patience with ongoing fruitlessness?
- What fruit 'in their seasons'—consistent, timely spiritual production—does God expect from your life in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He will miserably destroy those wicked men—κακοὺς κακῶς ἀπολέσει αὐτούς (kakous kakōs apolesei autous)—'bad [men] badly he will destroy.' The wordplay intensifies: wicked men receive wicked destruction. The leaders pronounced their own judgment, not recognizing they described their coming fate (AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem).
And will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons—the kingdom transfers from ethnic Israel to the Church (Jew and Gentile united in Christ). God demands fruit; fruitless stewards lose their stewardship. The 'other husbandmen' are apostles and those who bear genuine spiritual fruit through faith in Christ.