What does Matthew 21:33 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 21:33 presents a parable spoken by Jesus to the people, especially the religious leaders of the time.

Literally, the parable describes a householder, or landowner, who creates a vineyard complete with protection (a hedge), a winepress for processing the grapes, and a tower, perhaps for watching over and guarding the vineyard.

He then rents this vineyard to tenant farmers (husbandmen) while he himself goes away to another country.

At a deeper level, the parable is rich with symbolism and is meant to convey spiritual and moral truths.

The householder represents God, who has created and provided for a 'vineyard' – representing Israel or the people of God.

God has provided everything necessary for them to be fruitful (the winepress) and safe (the hedge and the tower).

The going away to a far country implies God allowing His people the freedom to manage what He has entrusted to them.

The tenant farmers represent the leaders of Israel, such as the priests and elders, who were entrusted with the care of God’s people.

The hearers of the parable, particularly the religious leaders, would understand that they are being addressed as those who have been given responsibility over God's vineyard.

Historical Context

Mathew 21:33 was spoken by Jesus during the week leading up to His crucifixion.

This was a time of increasing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.

The overarching historical context is the Roman occupation of Israel and the desire of the Jewish population for liberation and religious purity.

Religious leaders were considered custodians of the Jewish laws and traditions.

Parables were a common teaching tool used by rabbis, including Jesus, to communicate complex truths through relatable stories.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this parable serves as an indictment of Israel's leaders for their failure to properly care for God’s people.

It implies that those leaders will face judgment for their neglect and abuse of authority.

The owner of the vineyard (God) is patient and expects fruitfulness from His vineyard but finds the tenants wanting.

This parable foreshadows the impending judgment on Jerusalem and the temple authorities, and at the same time, it alludes to the establishment of a new order where others (the Gentiles) might be given charge of the vineyard.

Practical Applications

Practically, the verse can be applied to individual and community life by emphasizing the principle of stewardship.

It teaches that all resources, opportunities, and positions of leadership are given by God and that individuals should act responsibly and ethically.

The passage encourages believers to be mindful of how they manage what God has entrusted to them, be it time, talents, or treasures.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 5:1-7 - "Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard.

My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill..."

• Mark 12:1-12 - "And he began to speak unto them by parables.

A certain man planted a vineyard..."

• Luke 20:9-19 - "Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard..."
• Jeremiah 2:21 - "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?"

Language Study

The Greek term for 'householder' here is "οἰκοδεσπότης" (oikodespotēs), which can mean housemaster, house owner, or head of a family.

The term for 'husbandmen' used in this verse is "γεωργοί" (geōrgoi), which simply means farmers or cultivators of the land. These terms denote roles and responsibility, establishing a relationship where one entrusts property to another’s care.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient cultures, the image of a vineyard was a common symbol for fertility and wellbeing in Jewish culture.

In the context of other religious interpretations, the parable might be comparable to stories and myths where gods test humans through the stewardship of precious resources or land, such as in certain Mesopotamian or Greek myths.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse is not directly related to any scientific concepts, one might explore agricultural practices of ancient times referenced in the verse, such as building a winepress and a tower.

Understanding these practices might provide a clearer picture of the effort and resources invested in the vineyard, illustrating the care God has for His 'vineyard.'

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have offered insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the mercy and patience of God as the householder, providing well for the vineyard and expecting the fruit of duty in return.

• John Calvin's Commentary underlines the aspect of God's judgment upon those who abuse their responsibilities, indicating that they will inevitably face consequences.

• The Pulpit Commentary notes the parallel between this parable and the song of the vineyard found in Isaiah 5, where the vineyard symbolizes Israel and God looks for the fruit of justice and righteousness but finds bloodshed and cries of distress.

• William Barclay points out the almost incredible trust the landowner places in his tenants, a trust that reflects God's trust in human beings despite their frequent faithlessness.

Each of these commentaries adds a layer to the understanding of the parable as a teaching about stewardship, responsibility, and the nature of God’s relationship with His people.