And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

MARK 12:4KJV
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Mark 12:4 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:4 mean?

Mark 12:4 describes how the owner of a vineyard sent another servant to the tenants, but they attacked him by throwing stones, injuring his head, and sending him away after treating him shamefully. This verse shows the increasing violence and disrespect the tenants show toward the owner’s representatives.

In this part of the parable, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, using the story of the vineyard to illustrate how God’s messengers (the servants) have been mistreated throughout Israel’s history. The details of the servant’s injuries and humiliation highlight the tenants’ growing hostility and the seriousness of their rejection.

The Greek behind Mark 12:4

  • The word "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means a servant or slave. In the context of the parable, this word points to someone sent with authority but still under the owner, representing God’s prophets.
  • The phrase "cast stones" uses the Greek word λίθος (lithos) for "stones." This detail suggests a violent attempt to harm or even kill, not just a casual rejection.
  • The word for "wounded...in the head" is κεφαλή (kephalē), meaning "head." The Greek here emphasizes that the servant was not just hurt but struck in a way that could be life-threatening, showing the seriousness of the tenants’ actions.
  • "Handled shamefully" is from the Greek ἀτιμόω (atimōō), meaning to treat with dishonor or disgrace. This word highlights the deep disrespect shown to the servant, not just physical harm.

Why Mark 12:4 matters

  • Mark 12:4 makes clear that the rejection of God’s messengers was not just a one-time event but a repeated and escalating pattern, helping readers see the depth of the problem Jesus is addressing.
  • The verse connects the parable directly to the history of Israel’s prophets, many of whom were mistreated or killed, making the story more than just a simple tale.
  • By describing both violence and shameful treatment, Mark 12:4 emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting God’s representatives, setting up the tension that will build through the rest of the parable.

Where else these words appear

“stones” Greek G3036 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
  • Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

“him” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“servant” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.