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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

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.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:18 contains a metaphor used by Jesus to deliver a spiritual lesson.

The "stone" mentioned in the verse is widely understood to represent Jesus Himself.

When He says, "Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken," it means that those who come to Jesus, acknowledging their own sins and frailty, will be 'broken' in a sense of their pride and self-reliance being shattered.

To fall upon the stone is to be convicted and humbled.

In contrast, "on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" envisages a scenario where the stone falls on an individual.

This represents those who reject Jesus and find themselves judged with finality.

Being "ground to powder" signifies a total and irrevocable destruction, which symbolically can refer to spiritual ruin or eternal judgment.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the parable of the wicked tenants, which Jesus spoke against the leaders of Israel. The historical context is Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and His eventual crucifixion.

Scholars often interpret this as a direct reference to the religious leaders who would be responsible for Jesus' death. Given the historical animosity between Jewish leaders and Jesus' teachings, this verse can be seen as a warning to those leaders about the consequence of their rejection of Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions have varying interpretations of this verse. In mainstream Christian theology, this is a Christological prophecy, referring to the rejection, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Some suggest the breaking and grinding to powder metaphor signifies divine judgment. Catholic and Orthodox theologians might emphasize the sacramental aspect, where one's personal 'breaking' leads to sanctification.

Reformed theologians might see it as a reference to the doctrine of irresistible grace, where God will either sovereignly work to humble a person's heart towards salvation or harden it leading to judgment.

Liberation theology might interpret this as a sign of God's justice against oppressive systems or authorities.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as a reflection on how individuals respond to spiritual truth and authority.

When 'falling upon the stone,' one might ask how they can humble themselves, break their pride, and accept guidance or correction.

Likewise, those in leadership or authority may be cautioned by the latter part of the verse to not misuse their power lest they face severe consequences.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:44 "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."
Isaiah 8:14-15 "And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
Daniel 2:34-35 "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces."

Language Study

The original Greek used in Luke 20:18 for "stone" is "λίθος" (lithos), which is metaphoric for something unchangeable or fundamental.

"Shall be broken" comes from the word "συνθλάω" (synthlao), implying to shatter or crush. Lastly, "grind to powder" comes from the word "λικμάω" (likmao), which means to grind or to pulverize, illustrating complete destruction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar metaphors about stones and judgment are seen in other cultures and religions. In some ancient myths, stones symbolize fate or destiny. In some strands of Buddhism, a hardened heart is likened to a stone that must be softened.

However, the particular context of Jesus as the stone of judgment is unique to Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, being 'broken' or 'ground to powder' can be contemplated in terms of human psychology.

When faced with transformative or challenging spiritual principles, a person might undergo psychological 'breaking', akin to ego death, leading to potential personal growth.

Conversely, being 'ground to powder' might resonate with the concept of a breakdown or disintegration of self due to an inability to adapt or change.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer varied interpretations.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests this verse indicates the severity of God's wrath for those rejecting Christ.

The Pulpit Commentary notes the two-fold aspect of Christ's role as a stone: a foundation for believers and a rock of offense for unbelievers.

John Calvin speaks on divine mercy and judgment presented in the verse, insisting on the importance of faith to prevent the adverse outcome.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?