New Testament
Matthew 21:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So they grabbed him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
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And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
What Matthew 21:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who represents God and the tenants who represent the religious leaders of Israel. The tenants are given the responsibility to care for the vineyard, which symbolizes God's people. When the landowner sends his servants to collect the fruit, they are mistreated and killed. Finally, the landowner sends his son, expecting respect, but the tenants seize him, throw him out, and kill him. This act symbolizes the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and foreshadows his crucifixion. The verse highlights the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and ultimately His Son, illustrating the seriousness of turning away from God's call and the judgment that follows such actions.
How to apply Matthew 21:39 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how we respond to God's messages in our lives. Are we receptive to His guidance, or do we ignore and reject it? It serves as a reminder to honor and listen to God's word and the people He sends to us, as neglecting this can lead to serious consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Keep studying Matthew 21:39
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:39 mean?
Matthew 21:39 describes a parable where tenants of a vineyard reject and kill the son of the landowner, symbolizing the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of Israel. It illustrates the consequences of ignoring God's messengers and foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion.
What is the meaning of 'cast him out of the vineyard' in Matthew 21:39?
The phrase 'cast him out of the vineyard' signifies the rejection and expulsion of Jesus by the religious leaders. It represents their refusal to accept Him as the Son of God and their ultimate act of violence against Him.
How does Matthew 21:39 relate to the parable of the vineyard?
Matthew 21:39 is a key moment in the parable of the vineyard, where the tenants' violent actions against the son illustrate their complete disregard for the landowner's authority. This reflects the broader theme of rejection of God's will.
What themes are present in Matthew 21:39?
Key themes in Matthew 21:39 include the rejection of Jesus, the consequences of sin, the role of God's messengers, and the judgment that follows such rejection. It also highlights the failure of religious leaders to fulfill their responsibilities.
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