Matthew 21:40 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:40 mean?

Matthew 21:40 records Jesus asking his listeners what the owner of the vineyard will do to the tenant farmers who have mistreated his servants and son. The verse is a turning point in the parable, inviting the audience to consider the consequences of the tenants’ actions.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem, using a story about a vineyard to illustrate a deeper message. By asking this question, Jesus draws his listeners into the story, prompting them to judge the wicked tenants’ behavior. This sets up the next verses, where the crowd responds and Jesus applies the parable to his audience.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:40

• κύριος (kyrios, “lord”): This word means “master” or “owner,” emphasizing the authority of the vineyard’s owner over the tenants.
• γεώργους (geōrgous, “husbandmen”): This term refers to tenant farmers or those entrusted with the care of the vineyard, highlighting their responsibility and stewardship.
• τί (ti, “what”): This word introduces an open-ended question, inviting the listeners to make a judgment about the owner’s response, rather than stating it directly.

Why Matthew 21:40 matters

• This verse shifts the parable from narrative to direct engagement, forcing the religious leaders to confront the implications of their own actions as represented by the tenants.
• The question format draws out the audience’s sense of justice, making them participants in the story rather than passive listeners.
• Understanding this verse helps clarify how Jesus used parables to reveal truths indirectly, especially when speaking to those who opposed him.