Keraia
Mark 12

Mark 12:2

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants · Mark 12:1–12
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Translations

Modern
At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard.
Traditional
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
Literal
And he sent a servant to the farmers in the season, so that he might receive from the farmers from the fruit of the vineyard.
Latin
Et misit ad agricolas in tempore servum ut ab agricolis acciperet de fructu vineæ.

Interlinear

Greek
English
At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard.

Notes

Mark 12:2–5

  • The grape harvest likely refers to the time when a new vineyard produces its first crop, about four years after planting. The owner would receive grapes or wine as payment for leasing the vineyard.

Mark 12:1–12

  • The events from 11:27–12:44 happen in the temple (see 11:27; 13:1). This story, or parable, is closely connected to the earlier question about the authority of Jesus (11:27–33). Mark introduces it with the words, "Then Jesus began to speak to them." The parable is the extended answer Jesus gives to the religious leaders.

  • Jesus wanted his audience to understand this parable in the context of Isaiah 5:1–7. This tells a similar story about planting a vineyard, building a lookout tower, putting up a fence, and digging a pit for a wine vat. Both stories also ask a similar question about what the owner will do next (Mark 12:9; compare Isaiah 5:4). In Isaiah, the vineyard clearly represents the people of Israel (Isaiah 5:7). In the same way, people hearing the parable would understand it as a story about Israel.

    Several parts of the parable have symbolic meaning:

    • The tenants represent Israel’s leaders.

    • The owner represents God.

    • The servants represent the Old Testament prophets.

    • The beloved son represents Jesus, the Son of God.

    • The murder of the son points to the crucifixion of Jesus.

    • The vineyard being given to others points to the judgment that would come upon Israel (Mark 11:15–17; 13:1–37).

    Mark's audience would understand this explanation more clearly than the original audience hearing the words of Jesus. Even so, the religious leaders understood enough to realize that Jesus was speaking against them, and they began looking for a way to kill him (12:12).

Theme notes and profiles

The Son of God

Events

Parallels

Matthew 21:33–46 Luke 20:9–18

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion Mark, Gospel of Servant Vines, Vineyard

Topics

Capital and Labor: Strife Between Church: Backslidden Church: Corruption In God: Longsuffering of Husbandman: An Agriculturist Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Evil Sharecroppers Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Jesus, the Christ: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (In Jerusalem) Lease of Real Estate Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Seasons: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Condemnation: General Scriptures Concerning Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Vineyard Unfaithfulness: General Scriptures Concerning