New Testament

Matthew 21:41

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, the characters respond to a parable told by Jesus about a landowner and his vineyard.

Author: Matthew the apostle
Written: Around AD 60-70
Genre: Gospel
Original Audience: Jewish Christians

CBTClear Bible Translation

They answered, "He'll bring those wretches to a miserable end and lease the vineyard to other farmers who will give him his share of the harvest when it's due."

KJVKing James Version

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the characters respond to a parable told by Jesus about a landowner and his vineyard. They predict that the landowner will punish the wicked tenants who have mistreated his servants and killed his son. The tenants represent the religious leaders of Israel, and the vineyard symbolizes God's kingdom. The response indicates that the leaders recognize the consequences of their actions and the need for new caretakers who will honor the landowner by giving him the fruits of the vineyard at the right time. This foreshadows the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, where the message of salvation will be shared with all people, not just the Israelites. It highlights themes of judgment, accountability, and the importance of producing good fruit in one's life.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Matthew 21:41 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our responsibilities as stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We should strive to be faithful in our duties, ensuring that we produce good fruit in our lives and honor God with our actions and decisions.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 21:41 mean?

Matthew 21:41 describes a response to Jesus' parable about a landowner and his vineyard. The characters predict that the landowner will punish the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others who will respect his wishes and provide the proper harvest.

What is the meaning of 'miserably destroy' in Matthew 21:41?

The phrase 'miserably destroy' in Matthew 21:41 indicates a severe judgment against the wicked tenants who have mistreated the landowner's servants and son. It emphasizes the seriousness of their actions and the consequences they will face.

How does Matthew 21:41 relate to the new covenant?

Matthew 21:41 foreshadows the shift from the old covenant, where Israel's leaders failed, to the new covenant, where the message of salvation is extended to all people. It signifies the need for new stewards who will faithfully honor God.

What themes are present in Matthew 21:41?

The themes present in Matthew 21:41 include judgment, accountability, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. It reflects on the consequences of actions and the importance of producing good results in our lives.

Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ is on this wise: His mother Mary is espoused to Joseph, but before they come together, she is found with child of the Holy Ghost. Joseph, being a just man and not willing to make her a publick example, is minded to put her away privily. But while he thinks on these things, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, saying, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The angel saith she shall bring forth a son, and Joseph shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. Joseph, being raised from sleep, does as the angel had bidden him and takes unto him his wife, but knows her not till she has brought forth her firstborn son. Matthew 2: The Wise Men and the Flight to Egypt When Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there come wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king hears these things, he is troubled. He gathers the chief priests and scribes and demands of them where Christ should be born. They say unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea. Herod privily calls the wise men and sends them to Bethlehem to search for the young child, telling them to bring him word again, that he may come and worship him also. The star goes before them until it stands over where the young child is. They rejoice, and entering the house, they see the young child with Mary his mother, and fall down and worship him, presenting him with gifts. Being warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod, they depart into their own country another way.

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