Luke 20:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:13 mean?

Luke 20:13 describes the owner of a vineyard deciding to send his beloved son to the tenants, hoping they will respect him when they see him. The verse shows the owner's hope that, even after his servants were mistreated, the tenants might honor his son.

In this parable, Jesus is telling a story to a crowd that includes religious leaders. The "lord of the vineyard" represents God, and the "beloved son" refers to someone uniquely precious to the owner. The situation is tense: the tenants have already rejected and harmed the owner's previous messengers. The verse highlights the owner's willingness to take one more step, sending his own son in the hope of a different response.

The Greek behind Luke 20:13

• κύριος (kyrios): This word means "lord" or "master." Here, it emphasizes the authority and ownership of the vineyard's lord, pointing to someone with both responsibility and rights over the property.
• ἀγαπητός (agapētos): This word means "beloved" or "dearly loved." It stresses the special relationship between the owner and his son, not just any son but one deeply cherished.
• ἐντραπήσονται (entrāpēsontai): Translated as "they will reverence," this word carries the sense of showing respect or feeling shame. The hope is that the tenants, seeing the son, might finally act with proper regard.

Why Luke 20:13 matters

• Luke 20:13 clarifies that the owner’s decision to send his son is not rash but hopeful, showing patience and a desire for reconciliation even after repeated rejections.
• The verse sets up a contrast between the owner’s hope and the tenants’ coming actions, making the later rejection of the son even more striking.
• Understanding this verse helps clarify the parable’s message about God’s relationship to his people and the significance of sending someone uniquely beloved, which becomes a key point in Jesus’ teaching.