King James Version

What Does Mark 12:9 Mean?

Mark 12:9 in the King James Version says “What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard un...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.”

Mark 12:9 · KJV

Context

7

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

8

And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

9

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

11

This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Read Mark 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do?—Jesus forces His accusers to pronounce their own judgment. He will come and destroy the husbandmen—ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, to destroy utterly, kill). God's patience has limits; persistent rejection culminates in judgment. And will give the vineyard unto others—the kingdom will be transferred from unfaithful Israel's leaders to a new people (cf. Matthew 21:43, 'a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof').

This is Jesus' clearest prediction of AD 70's temple destruction and the transfer of kingdom administration to the church—Jew and Gentile united in Christ. The 'others' are the new covenant community, the 'holy nation' of 1 Peter 2:9. The religious leaders understood perfectly, which is why 'they sought to lay hold on him' (verse 12). Judgment on covenant-breaking Israel vindicates God's justice while the vineyard's transfer demonstrates His faithfulness to save a remnant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Forty years after this parable, the 'lord of the vineyard' indeed came in judgment—Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70, scattering the Jewish leadership and ending the sacrificial system. Simultaneously, the gospel spread to Gentiles, fulfilling the 'giving to others.' Mark's audience (around AD 65-70) would see this prophecy beginning fulfillment. The parable became history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's destruction of wicked tenants vindicate His justice after centuries of patient sending of servants?
  2. What does the vineyard's transfer to 'others' teach about the church's responsibility as new covenant stewards?
  3. How does this warning guard you against presuming on God's patience while persisting in spiritual unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τί1 of 17

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 17

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ποιήσει3 of 17

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὁ4 of 17
G3588

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

κύριος5 of 17

“the lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τοῦ6 of 17
G3588

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

ἀμπελῶνα7 of 17

“of the vineyard”

G290

a vineyard

ἐλεύσεται8 of 17

“he will come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ9 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπολέσει10 of 17

“destroy”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

τοὺς11 of 17
G3588

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

γεωργούς12 of 17

“the husbandmen”

G1092

a land-worker, i.e., farmer

καὶ13 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

δώσει14 of 17

“will give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τὸν15 of 17
G3588

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

ἀμπελῶνα16 of 17

“of the vineyard”

G290

a vineyard

ἄλλοις17 of 17

“unto others”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:20-11:12Luke 19:27Matthew 21:43Romans 9:30-33Matthew 3:9-12Isaiah 65:15

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