New Testament
Luke 20:15
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So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
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So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
What Luke 20:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends his servants to collect fruit from the tenants. Instead of honoring the owner, the tenants mistreat and kill the servants. Finally, the owner sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but they throw him out and kill him too. This reflects the rejection of God's messengers throughout history, culminating in the rejection of Jesus himself. The vineyard symbolizes Israel, and the tenants represent the religious leaders who fail to recognize and accept God's authority. The question posed at the end highlights the inevitable judgment that will come upon those who reject the owner and his son, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the consequences of their rebellion against God.
How to apply Luke 20:15 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing and respecting God's authority in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we respond to God's messages and messengers. We should strive to honor God and His teachings rather than dismissing or rejecting them, as doing so has serious consequences.
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 20:15
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Key themes
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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 20:15 mean in the context of the parable?
In Luke 20:15, Jesus uses the parable of the vineyard to illustrate the rejection of God's messengers by the religious leaders of Israel. The vineyard symbolizes Israel itself, while the tenants represent those in power who fail to honor God's authority. The act of throwing out and killing the son signifies the ultimate rejection of Jesus, God's Son, highlighting the serious consequences of rejecting divine authority.
How does Luke 20:15 relate to the theme of judgment?
Luke 20:15 emphasizes the theme of judgment by posing a rhetorical question about what the vineyard owner will do to the tenants who killed his son. This reflects the inevitable consequences that come from rejecting God's messengers and authority. The verse serves as a warning that those who dismiss or harm God's representatives will face divine judgment, reinforcing the seriousness of their actions.
What can we learn from the tenants' actions in Luke 20:15?
The actions of the tenants in Luke 20:15 serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's authority. Their refusal to respect the vineyard owner and their violent response to his son illustrate how easily people can become blind to the truth. This challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards God's messages and to ensure we are receptive and respectful rather than dismissive.
Why is the vineyard significant in Luke 20:15?
The vineyard in Luke 20:15 is significant as it represents Israel and God's chosen people. In biblical symbolism, vineyards often signify God's care and expectation for His people to produce good fruit—spiritual fruit reflecting obedience and faithfulness. The parable illustrates how the religious leaders failed to fulfill their responsibilities, leading to their rejection of Jesus and the consequences that follow.
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