And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

MARK 12:5KJV
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Mark 12:5 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:5 mean?

Mark 12:5 describes how the owner of the vineyard sent another servant, but this one was killed, and many others were also sent—some were beaten and some were killed. The verse shows a repeated pattern of violence and rejection toward those sent by the vineyard owner.

In the setting, Jesus is telling a parable to religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard owner represents God, and the servants are messengers or prophets sent to the people of Israel. This verse highlights the ongoing mistreatment and rejection of these messengers, building tension in the story and showing the seriousness of the people's response.

The Greek behind Mark 12:5

  • ἀπέκτειναν (apekteinan, "killed"): This word is used for the killing of the servant, emphasizing the extreme hostility shown to the messengers.
  • πολλούς (pollous, "many"): The Greek word for "many" underlines that this was not a one-time event but happened repeatedly, stressing the persistence of both the owner's efforts and the people's resistance.
  • ἄλλους (allous, "others"): This word makes it clear that more than just a few servants were sent, reinforcing the idea of repeated opportunities given by the owner.

Why Mark 12:5 matters

  • Mark 12:5 clarifies that the rejection of God's messengers was not an isolated incident but a repeated pattern, highlighting the depth of resistance.
  • The verse connects to the larger parable, setting up the seriousness of what will happen when the owner finally sends his son.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see the patience and persistence of the vineyard owner (God) and the escalating response of those in the vineyard.

Where else these words appear

“some” Greek G1194 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“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.

“killed” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

“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.