And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

MARK 12:2KJV
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Mark 12:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:2 mean?

Mark 12:2 describes how, at the right time, the owner of a vineyard sent a servant to the tenant farmers to collect some of the fruit from the vineyard as payment. The verse sets up a situation where the owner expects the tenants to give him a share of the harvest, reflecting a normal agreement between landowners and those who work their land.

In this part of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is telling a parable to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard represents something valuable entrusted to others, and the servant is sent to receive what is due. This verse introduces the expectation of accountability and the relationship between the owner and those working his property, which will become important as the story unfolds.

The Greek behind Mark 12:2

  • "season" (καιρῷ, kairō): This word means a specific, appointed time, not just any time. It shows that the owner waited for the right moment, likely when the fruit was ready to be gathered.
  • "husbandmen" (γεωργοῖς, geōrgois): This term refers to tenant farmers, not just generic workers. They are people who have been entrusted with the care and productivity of the vineyard, highlighting responsibility.
  • "servant" (δοῦλον, doulon): This word means a servant or slave, someone sent on behalf of the owner with authority to collect what is owed. The servant acts as the owner’s representative.
  • "fruit" (καρπὸν, karpon): This word refers to the actual produce or results of the vineyard. The expectation is that the tenants will give a portion of the harvest, not just any payment.

Why Mark 12:2 matters

  • Mark 12:2 clarifies that the owner’s request is reasonable and expected, setting up the seriousness of the tenants’ later actions in the story.
  • The verse highlights the idea of stewardship—those entrusted with something valuable are expected to give an account and share the results.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the conflict that follows in the parable, as it shows the owner’s approach was fair and in line with normal practice.