King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:35 Mean?

Matthew 21:35 in the King James Version says “And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 21:35 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

37

But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another—Israel's treatment of the prophets catalogued. The verbs escalate: ἔδειραν (beat/flay), ἀπέκτειναν (killed), ἐλιθοβόλησαν (stoned). Each verb uses different servants, showing repeated persecution patterns across generations.

Hebrews 11:36-38 describes faithful prophets who suffered mocking, imprisonment, stoning, and murder. Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned (Jer 20:2, 37:15). Zechariah was stoned in the temple court (2 Chr 24:20-21). Stephen recounted this history before his own stoning (Acts 7:52). God's messengers of truth faced violent rejection by those claiming to serve God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's audience knew their history of martyred prophets. Jewish tradition held that Isaiah was sawn in two (Heb 11:37). Jeremiah was stoned in Egypt by rebellious Jews. The Pharisees built tombs for the prophets (Matt 23:29) while preparing to kill the Prophet. Historical pattern predicted present action.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do religious people often violently oppose God's messengers who call them to genuine repentance?
  2. When faithful preaching makes you uncomfortable, do you examine your heart or attack the messenger?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

λαβόντες2 of 16

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

οἱ3 of 16
G3588

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

γεωργοὶ4 of 16

the husbandmen

G1092

a land-worker, i.e., farmer

τοὺς5 of 16
G3588

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

δούλους6 of 16

servants

G1401

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

αὐτοῦ7 of 16

his

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

ὃν8 of 16

another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν9 of 16
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἔδειραν10 of 16

and beat

G1194

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

ὃν11 of 16

another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ12 of 16

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπέκτειναν13 of 16

killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ὃν14 of 16

another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ15 of 16

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐλιθοβόλησαν16 of 16

stoned

G3036

to throw stones, i.e., lapidate


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 21:35 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 21:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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