Luke 20:14

But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses this parable to the chief priests and scribes who are questioning his authority in the temple courts. The narrative moment captures the tenants' reaction upon seeing the owner's final messenger, the beloved son, approach the vineyard.

The words — The Greek verb διελογίζοντο (dielogizonto) literally means "were reasoning" or "were discussing," indicating a deliberate conspiracy rather than a spontaneous impulse. The noun οἱ γεωργοὶ (hoi geōrgoi) translates directly to "farmers" or "tenants," identifying the men entrusted with cultivating the land.

The thread — The pattern of familial rejection and plotted violence mirrors Genesis 37:18, where Joseph’s brothers see him approaching and conspire to kill him. The inheritance theme extends to Hebrews 1:2, which names the Son as the appointed heir of all things, and Romans 8:17, which declares believers as co-heirs with Christ.

Why it lands — The text records the tenants' calculated decision to murder the heir to seize the inheritance, presenting a direct parallel to the rejection of Jesus. It demands recognition that claiming authority while rejecting the owner's chosen representative invites judgment.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

Cross-references

Romans 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Hebrews 1:2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Genesis 37:18 Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.
Psalms 2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalms 2:8 Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
Psalms 89:27 I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
Matthew 2:2 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 16:7 They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”
Matthew 21:25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Matthew 27:21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.