New Testament
Luke 20:15
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, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends his servants to collect fruit from the tenants.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.