King James Version
What Does Mark 12:2 Mean?
“And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.”
Mark 12:2 · KJV
Context
1
And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
2
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
3
And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
4
And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAt the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant—The kairos (καιρός, appointed time) represents God's rightful expectation of covenant fruit. A servant (δοῦλος, doulos) represents the prophets sent to Israel demanding covenant faithfulness. That he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit—not taking what wasn't theirs, but collecting what was owed from God's vineyard.
God's sending servants 'at the season' reveals His patience and legitimate expectation. The harvest season is accountability time—when stewards must render what belongs to the Master. Israel's history is marked by prophets demanding the 'fruit' of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8), only to face rejection.
God's sending servants 'at the season' reveals His patience and legitimate expectation. The harvest season is accountability time—when stewards must render what belongs to the Master. Israel's history is marked by prophets demanding the 'fruit' of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8), only to face rejection.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The sending of servants at harvest time reflects the legal and economic realities of tenant farming in the ancient Near East. More importantly, it symbolizes the succession of Old Testament prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others—who called Israel to repentance and covenant loyalty, often suffering persecution for their faithfulness (Hebrews 11:32-38).
Reflection Questions
- How does God's patient sending of multiple messengers demonstrate both His longsuffering and His just requirement of fruit?
- What 'fruit' does God rightfully expect from your life as a steward of gospel privileges?
- How do you respond when God's word confronts your unfaithfulness—with repentance or resistance?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsκαὶ1 of 18
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλεν2 of 18
“he sent”
G649set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς3 of 18
“to”
G4314a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
δοῦλον8 of 18
“a servant”
G1401a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
παρὰ10 of 18
“from”
G3844properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἀπὸ14 of 18
“of”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 12:2 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 Mark 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge