Luke 20:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:11 mean?

Luke 20:11 describes how the owner of a vineyard sent another servant to the tenants, but they beat this servant as well, treated him shamefully, and sent him away with nothing. The verse shows that the tenants repeatedly rejected and mistreated those sent by the owner.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, he is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard owner represents God, the tenants are the leaders of Israel, and the servants are God’s prophets. The verse highlights the ongoing pattern of rejection and abuse that God’s messengers faced from those who were supposed to care for his people.

The Greek behind Luke 20:11

• The word for "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means a slave or servant. This term emphasizes the servant’s humble status and the authority of the one who sent him.
• The phrase "entreated him shamefully" comes from the Greek word ἀτιμάζω (atimazō), meaning to dishonor or treat with contempt. This shows that the mistreatment was not just physical but also deeply disrespectful.
• The word for "empty" is κενός (kenos), meaning empty-handed or without anything. This stresses that the servant was sent away without accomplishing his mission or receiving any fruit from the tenants.

Why Luke 20:11 matters

• Luke 20:11 makes clear that the mistreatment of God’s messengers was not a one-time event but a repeated pattern, underscoring the stubbornness of the tenants.
• The verse helps the reader see the seriousness of the tenants’ actions: they not only refused to give what was owed but also escalated their rejection with violence and shameful treatment.
• This part of the parable sets up the tension that will build in the following verses, preparing the listener for the owner’s final response and the deeper meaning Jesus is revealing about Israel’s history with its prophets.