Luke 20:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:12 mean?

Luke 20:12 describes how the owner of a vineyard, after two failed attempts, sends a third servant to the tenants, but they also wound this third servant and throw him out. The verse shows a repeated pattern of rejection and mistreatment by the tenants toward those sent by the owner.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard owner represents God, and the tenants are the people entrusted with His care—often understood as Israel’s leaders. The sending of multiple servants, each mistreated, highlights the persistent rejection of God’s messengers.

The Greek behind Luke 20:12

• "Again" (προσέθετο, prosētheto): This word carries the sense of doing something repeatedly or in addition. It emphasizes the owner's persistence in sending messengers, not giving up after the first or second rejection.
• "Wounded" (τραυματίσαντες, traumatisantes): This Greek word means to injure or harm physically. The use of this word shows that the tenants’ response is not just rejection but active violence.
• "Out" (ἐξέβαλον, exebalon): This word means to cast out or throw out. It suggests a forceful removal, not a polite dismissal, highlighting the hostility of the tenants.

Why Luke 20:12 matters

• Luke 20:12 clarifies that the rejection of God’s messengers was not a one-time event but a repeated pattern, showing the patience and persistence of God.
• The verse sets up the seriousness of the tenants’ actions, preparing the listener for the consequences that follow in the parable.
• By describing the violence and rejection, Luke 20:12 connects the story to the experiences of many prophets in Israel’s history, making the parable’s point more pointed for Jesus’ audience.