King James Version

What Does Luke 20:11 Mean?

Luke 20:11 in the King James Version says “And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.”

Luke 20:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

10

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

11

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

12

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

13

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty—The owner sends a second servant, demonstrating persistence and mercy. "Again" (προσέθετο, prosetheto, "he added") shows continued forbearance despite the first servant's treatment. The escalation is subtle but significant: this servant is not only beaten but "entreated shamefully" (ἀτιμάσαντες, atimasantes, dishonored, insulted, humiliated), indicating intensifying hostility.

The pattern reveals the progressive hardening of rebellious hearts. Each rejection makes the next easier. Each prophet's message becomes more unwelcome because it exposes guilt from previous rejections. The tenants don't merely fail in duty—they actively oppose the owner's representatives. Yet the owner persists, giving opportunity after opportunity for repentance. This reflects God's character: "The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy" (Numbers 14:18). His patience extends through multiple messengers, even as rebellion intensifies.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The pattern of sending multiple prophets marked Israel's history. God raised up prophet after prophet calling Israel to covenant faithfulness—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, and many others. Each generation often rejected the prophets God sent, sometimes violently. Hebrews 11:36-38 catalogs the prophets' sufferings: mockings, scourgings, imprisonment, stoning, being sawn asunder. Yet God continued sending messengers, demonstrating His desire that none should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sending of multiple prophets despite repeated rejection demonstrate His patience and mercy?
  2. What does the escalating violence toward God's messengers reveal about the progression of hardened hearts?
  3. How should awareness of God's persistent pursuit through multiple messengers shape our response to His word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσέθετο2 of 13

“again”

G4369

to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat

πέμψαι3 of 13

“he sent”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

ἕτερον4 of 13

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δοῦλον·5 of 13

“servant”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

οἱ6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ7 of 13

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

κἀκεῖνον8 of 13

“him also”

G2548

likewise that (or those)

δείραντες9 of 13

“they beat”

G1194

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

καὶ10 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀτιμάσαντες11 of 13

“entreated him shamefully”

G818

to render infamous, i.e., (by implication) contemn or maltreat

ἐξαπέστειλαν12 of 13

“and sent him away”

G1821

to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss

κενόν13 of 13

“empty”

G2756

empty (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 7:52Matthew 23:30-37Hebrews 11:36-37Hosea 10:11 Thessalonians 2:2

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