Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

MARK 12:6KJV
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Mark 12:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:6 mean?

Mark 12:6 describes how the owner of the vineyard, having only one dearly loved son left, decides to send this son to the tenants, believing they will respect him. The verse shows the owner's hope that his son will be treated with honor, even after others he sent were rejected.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to religious leaders in Jerusalem. The vineyard owner represents God, the tenants are the leaders of Israel, and the son is a reference to Jesus himself. The verse highlights the unique status of the son ("wellbeloved") and the owner's final, trusting effort to reach the tenants, setting up the seriousness of what happens next.

The Greek behind Mark 12:6

  • ἀγαπητός (agapētos, "wellbeloved"): This word means "deeply loved" or "precious," emphasizing the special relationship between the owner and his son. It signals the son's unique status, not just another messenger.
  • ἔσχατον (eschaton, "last"): This word means "last" or "final," showing that sending the son is the owner's ultimate effort—there will be no further chances after this.
  • ἐντραπήσονται (entrēpēsontai, "reverence"): This word means "to respect" or "to feel shame before." The expectation is that the tenants will recognize the son's authority and treat him differently from the previous messengers.

Why Mark 12:6 matters

  • Mark 12:6 clarifies that the son is not just another servant but is uniquely loved and represents the owner's final appeal, raising the stakes of the story.
  • The verse highlights the patience and hope of the owner, which reflects God's persistent outreach to his people despite repeated rejection.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see how Jesus is positioning himself in the parable, foreshadowing his coming rejection and the gravity of that decision for the listeners.

Where else these words appear

“reverence” Greek G1788 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 21:37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
  • Luke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“wellbeloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“yet” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;