New Testament
Luke 20:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a landowner sends a servant to collect his share of the harvest from the farmers who are working his vineyard.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
When harvest season came, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the vineyard's produce. But the farmers beat the servant and sent him away with nothing.
And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a landowner sends a servant to collect his share of the harvest from the farmers who are working his vineyard. This represents a common practice where landowners would expect a portion of the produce from those who farm their land. However, instead of honoring this agreement, the farmers violently reject the servant, beating him and sending him away empty-handed. This act of violence and disrespect illustrates the farmers' refusal to acknowledge the authority of the landowner and their greed. The servant symbolizes messengers sent by God, and the farmers represent those who reject God's message and authority. This parable sets the stage for understanding the consequences of rejecting divine authority and the importance of recognizing and respecting the rightful claims of others, especially those in positions of authority. Explore related rejection.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 20:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to authority and the messages we receive. It challenges us to consider whether we are open to guidance and correction or if we resist and reject those who seek to help us. Recognizing the importance of humility and respect for others can lead to healthier relationships and a more harmonious community.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:10 mean?
Luke 20:10 describes a landowner sending a servant to collect his share of the harvest, only to have the farmers beat the servant and send him away empty. This illustrates the rejection of authority and the consequences of greed.
What is the significance of the servant in Luke 20:10?
The servant in Luke 20:10 symbolizes messengers sent by God. His mistreatment by the farmers represents how people often reject divine messages and authority.
What does the vineyard represent in Luke 20:10?
In Luke 20:10, the vineyard represents God's kingdom or the world where He has rightful claims. The farmers' actions reflect the rejection of God's authority and the responsibilities that come with it.
What themes are present in Luke 20:10?
Key themes in Luke 20:10 include rejection, authority, greed, and the consequences of ignoring rightful claims. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting those in positions of authority.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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