King James Version

What Does Luke 20:12 Mean?

Luke 20:12 in the King James Version says “And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out—The third servant suffers even worse treatment: "wounded" (τραυματίσαντες, traumatisantes, injured, inflicting wounds) and "cast out" (ἐξέβαλον, exebalon, violently expelled). The escalation continues—from beating, to shameful treatment, to actual wounding. The casting out suggests expulsion from the vineyard itself, adding territorial claim to the rebellion. The tenants now act as if they own the property and can expel the owner's representatives.

The threefold sending of servants emphasizes God's extraordinary patience and the tenants' complete incorrigibility. In Jewish thought, threefold repetition established a matter firmly (Deuteronomy 19:15). Three servants, three rejections—the pattern is confirmed. The tenants are without excuse. Yet despite this escalating violence, the owner continues to reach out (v. 13), demonstrating mercy that exceeds all human reason. This parable exposes how religious leaders can become so invested in their positions that they violently reject anyone challenging their authority, even God's own messengers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The wounding and casting out intensifies the prophetic suffering motif. Uriah the prophet was killed by King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Zechariah was murdered in the temple courts (2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Matthew 23:35). The prophets were often driven out of Jerusalem, forced to prophesy from exile or hiding. This treatment culminated in John the Baptist's beheading (Luke 9:9) and would soon climax in Jesus' crucifixion "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12)—the ultimate "casting out" of God's messenger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the threefold sending of servants establish the certainty of the tenants' guilt?
  2. What does the escalating violence reveal about the nature of rebellion against God?
  3. Why does rejection of God's word often lead to persecution of God's messengers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

προσέθετο2 of 10

“again”

G4369

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

πέμψαι·3 of 10

“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

τρίτον4 of 10

“a third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

οἱ5 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ6 of 10

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ7 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

τοῦτον8 of 10

“him”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

τραυματίσαντες9 of 10

“they wounded”

G5135

to inflict a wound

ἐξέβαλον10 of 10

“and cast him out”

G1544

to eject (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 20:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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