What does Matthew 21:34 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 21:34 is part of a parable Jesus tells during his ministry about a landowner who plants a vineyard, leases it to tenant farmers (husbandmen), and then goes away on a journey. When the time comes for harvest, he sends his servants to the tenants to collect his portion of the fruit.

The verse highlights the expectation that the landowner has a rightful claim to the fruit of the vineyard.

On a literal level, it depicts a common agricultural practice of the time when landowners would rent out their land and expect a portion of the produce in return.

On a deeper level, the verse is often interpreted as symbolizing God's relationship with His people and His expectation of righteousness and spiritual fruitfulness.

Historical Context

This parable is delivered by Jesus during the week leading up to his crucifixion, a period where he is teaching in the temple and addressing both the common people and the religious leaders.

The historical setting is the early first century in Jerusalem, and this parable is directed at the Jewish religious leaders of the time, the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

This was a time of tension and expectation, as many among the Jewish people were looking for a messianic figure to free them from Roman occupation.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse can be seen as a representation of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, where God is the landowner and the leaders of Israel are the tenants.

God expects obedience and spiritual fruitfulness (e.g., justice, mercy, faithfulness), and he sends prophets (represented by the servants) to collect that fruit.

The refusal of the tenants to give the fruit is an indictment of Israel's leaders failing to lead the people according to God's way.

This parable points to the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders, who, like the tenants, reject not just the servants (prophets) but the son (Jesus) as well.

Practical Applications

In practical living, we can learn from Matthew 21:34 that individuals and communities who are entrusted with resources or responsibilities are expected to produce good results.

Leaders, in particular, are called to be faithful stewards of what they have been given and to prioritize the interests of those they serve.

Individuals can reflect on how they are using their 'vineyards', their gifts, abilities, and opportunities, to produce fruit that benefits others and honors God.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:33-46 – The entirety of the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen.
• Isaiah 5:1-7 – The Song of the Vineyard, another allegory concerning Israel as God's vineyard.
• Mark 12:1-12 – Mark's account of the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen.
• Luke 20:9-19 – Luke's account of the same parable.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Matthew 21:34 include:

• καρπὸς (karpos), meaning 'fruit', symbolizing the product or result of the vineyard, i.e., good works or obedience to God.
• δοῦλος (doulos), commonly translated as 'servant' or 'slave', referring to those God sent to obtain the fruits, symbolizing the prophets.
• ὅπως (hopos), translated as 'that', a conjunction used to express purpose or intention.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, parables and stories about vineyards were common and often symbolized fertility, prosperity, and divine blessing.

Similar to other cultural myths, this parable conveys moral and spiritual lessons through familiar agricultural imagery.

Other religions also make use of the metaphor of a vineyard or garden to teach about ethical behavior and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Despite the verse not directly intersecting with scientific understandings, modern agricultural science could provide insight into the farming practices of the ancient Middle East.

This would involve the time and effort required to cultivate a vineyard, the process of fruit production, and the steps taken to ensure a bountiful harvest.

This could add understanding to the expectations inherent in the parable.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various thoughts on this verse:

• John Calvin sees the parable as focusing on the ingratitude of people in response to God's kindness.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the recurring biblical theme of God sending messengers and being rejected by those who should be most receptive.
• William Barclay notes the courage of the prophets, as represented by the servants, who went at considerable risk to themselves.
• **R.T.

France** highlights the allegorical interpretations as pertinent to understanding Israel's history, especially in the period of the prophets and during Jesus' time.