New Testament
Luke 20:14
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But when the farmers saw the son coming, they schemed together: 'This is the heir! Let's kill him so the inheritance will be ours.'
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But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
What Luke 20:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the farmers, who represent the religious leaders of Israel, see the son of the landowner approaching and plot to kill him. They recognize that he is the heir, which means that if they eliminate him, they can seize control of the inheritance for themselves. This reflects their greed and rejection of rightful authority. The son symbolizes Jesus, who is sent by God, and the farmers' actions foreshadow the eventual rejection and crucifixion of Christ. The verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God’s plan and the consequences of such actions. It serves as a warning about the dangers of envy and the desire for power, illustrating how people can become blinded by their ambitions and disregard moral truths. The farmers' reasoning shows a calculated decision to commit evil for personal gain, emphasizing the seriousness of their sin and the tragic outcome of their choices.
How to apply Luke 20:14 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any envy or desire for control that may lead us to reject God's authority. It reminds us to embrace humility and recognize the rightful place of Jesus in our lives, avoiding the pitfalls of greed and selfish ambition.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 20:14
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:14 mean?
Luke 20:14 describes how the farmers, representing Israel's religious leaders, plot to kill the son of the landowner, symbolizing Jesus. They believe that by eliminating him, they can take control of the inheritance, illustrating their greed and rejection of God's authority.
What is the significance of the son in Luke 20:14?
In Luke 20:14, the son represents Jesus, sent by God to the people. His impending death at the hands of the farmers foreshadows the rejection and crucifixion of Christ, highlighting the consequences of rebellion against God's plan.
What themes are present in Luke 20:14?
Luke 20:14 highlights themes such as the rejection of authority, greed, moral blindness, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a warning about the dangers of envy and the desire for power.
What does the phrase 'let's kill him' in Luke 20:14 indicate?
The phrase 'let's kill him' in Luke 20:14 indicates a calculated decision by the farmers to commit evil for personal gain. It reflects their willingness to reject moral truths in pursuit of power and control.
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