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Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 39

21:39
And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

Meaning

This verse is a part of the parable of the wicked tenants, found in the Gospel of Matthew. It symbolizes the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by the religious leaders of the time. In the parable, the vineyard represents the kingdom of God, the tenants represent the religious leaders, and the son who is killed represents Jesus. The religious leaders rejected and ultimately killed Jesus because they saw him as a threat to their authority and power. They did not recognize him as the long-awaited Messiah and instead saw him as a blasphemer. This verse serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion and highlights the rejection he faced during his earthly ministry. It also serves as a warning against religious hypocrisy and the dangers of rejecting God's chosen ones.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse 'And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.' can be viewed through the lens of the parable of the wicked tenants found in the New Testament. This verse, which comes from the Gospel of Matthew, illustrates the rejection and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus Christ by the religious leaders of the time. The vineyard symbolizes Israel, God's chosen people, and the son who is slain represents Jesus, the Messiah. The actions of the tenants in the parable reflect the resistance of the religious establishment to Jesus' teachings and ultimately, his sacrifice on the cross. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's tendency to reject God's prophets and messengers, and the consequences of doing so. The word 'slew' in this verse carries the weight of a deliberate and premeditated act, highlighting the tragic nature of Jesus' crucifixion as a pivotal moment in the history of salvation.

American Standard Version

And they took him, and cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him.
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