King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:33 Mean?

Matthew 21:33 in the King James Version says “Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Matthew 21:33 · KJV


Context

31

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

33

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

34

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

35

And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Ἄλλην1 of 28

another

G243

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

παραβολὴν2 of 28

parable

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

ἀκούσατε3 of 28

Hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Ἄνθρωπος4 of 28

a certain

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τις5 of 28
G5100

some or any person or object

ἦν6 of 28

There was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οἰκοδεσπότης7 of 28

householder

G3617

the head of a family

ὅστις8 of 28

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐφύτευσεν9 of 28

planted

G5452

to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine

ἀμπελῶνα10 of 28

a vineyard

G290

a vineyard

καὶ11 of 28

and

G2532

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

φραγμὸν12 of 28

hedged

G5418

a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν13 of 28

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περιέθηκεν14 of 28

round about

G4060

to place around; by implication, to present

καὶ15 of 28

and

G2532

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

ὤρυξεν16 of 28

digged

G3736

to "burrow" in the ground, i.e., dig

ἐν17 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτὸν18 of 28

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ληνὸν19 of 28

a winepress

G3025

a trough, i.e., wine-vat

καὶ20 of 28

and

G2532

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

ᾠκοδόμησεν21 of 28

built

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

πύργον22 of 28

a tower

G4444

a tower or castle

καὶ23 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἐξέδοτο24 of 28

let

G1554

to give forth, i.e., (specially) to lease

αὐτὸν25 of 28

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γεωργοῖς26 of 28

to husbandmen

G1092

a land-worker, i.e., farmer

καὶ27 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀπεδήμησεν28 of 28

went into a far country

G589

to go abroad, i.e., visit a foreign land


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 21:33 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 Matthew 21:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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