King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:41 Mean?

Matthew 21:41 in the King James Version says “They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, whic...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.”

Matthew 21:41 · KJV

Context

39

And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

40

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

41

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Read Matthew 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He will miserably destroy those wicked men—κακοὺς κακῶς ἀπολέσει αὐτούς (kakous kakōs apolesei autous)—'bad [men] badly he will destroy.' The wordplay intensifies: wicked men receive wicked destruction. The leaders pronounced their own judgment, not recognizing they described their coming fate (AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem).

And will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons—the kingdom transfers from ethnic Israel to the Church (Jew and Gentile united in Christ). God demands fruit; fruitless stewards lose their stewardship. The 'other husbandmen' are apostles and those who bear genuine spiritual fruit through faith in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Within 40 years of this parable, Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple (AD 70), ending the Jewish sacrificial system. The gospel went to the Gentiles as Jesus predicted (Acts 13:46). Israel's rejection wasn't racial but covenantal—unbelieving Jews were cut off, believing Gentiles grafted in (Rom 11:17-24). The new husbandmen are all who believe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transfer of stewardship warn against presuming on God's patience with ongoing fruitlessness?
  2. What fruit 'in their seasons'—consistent, timely spiritual production—does God expect from your life in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
λέγουσιν1 of 21

“They say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῶν2 of 21

“him”

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

Κακοὺς3 of 21

“wicked men”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

κακῶς4 of 21

“He will miserably”

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

ἀπολέσει5 of 21

“destroy”

G622

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

αὐτῶν6 of 21

“him”

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

καὶ7 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

τὸν8 of 21
G3588

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

ἀμπελῶνα9 of 21

“his vineyard”

G290

a vineyard

ἐκδόσεται10 of 21

“will let out”

G1554

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

ἄλλοις11 of 21

“unto other”

G243

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

γεωργοῖς12 of 21

“husbandmen”

G1092

a land-worker, i.e., farmer

οἵτινες13 of 21

“which”

G3748

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

ἀποδώσουσιν14 of 21

“shall render”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

αὐτῶν15 of 21

“him”

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

τοὺς16 of 21
G3588

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

καρποὺς17 of 21

“the fruits”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἐν18 of 21

“in”

G1722

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

τοῖς19 of 21
G3588

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

καιροῖς20 of 21

“seasons”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

αὐτῶν21 of 21

“him”

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

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 21:41 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 21:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:6Matthew 21:43Acts 28:28Isaiah 5:5-71 Thessalonians 2:16Zechariah 13:8

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