Luke 20:15
So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
Luke 20:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who planted a vineyard, rented it out to tenants, and sent servants to collect the fruit. However, the tenants mistreated and killed the servants sent by the landowner. Finally, the landowner sent his son, thinking they would respect him, but the tenants killed him as well. When Jesus asks what the lord of the vineyard should do to these tenants, he is posing a question about God's judgment. The tenants represent the religious leaders of Israel who rejected the prophets sent by God and ultimately rejected Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus is indicating that God's judgment will come upon those who reject His messengers and His Son. This parable serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God and His teachings, and it reminds us of the importance of accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, we can see a clear allusion to Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice. The reference to the owner of the vineyard sending his son, only to have him cast out and killed by the workers, is a parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus. This verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' death at the hands of those who were meant to accept him as the Son of God. The question posed at the end of the verse, "What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?" can be interpreted as a reflection on God's judgment towards those who reject his Son and act unjustly. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of denying the truth and betraying the chosen messenger. This verse challenges believers to reflect on their own actions and how they respond to the presence of God in their lives.
Luke 20:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
World English Bible
They threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them?
Douay-Rheims
So casting him out of the vineyard, they killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them?
Geneva Bible (1599)
So they cast him out of the vineyarde, and killed him. What shall the Lord of the vineyarde therefore doe vnto them?