Matthew 21:34 - When the season for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit.

Generated Verse: Matthew 21:34

What does "Matthew 21:34" mean?


This verse is part of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41). It describes a landowner who planted a vineyard, leased it to some farmers, and then went away. This verse, Matthew 21:34, specifically means:

"When the season for the fruit came near": This signifies the time when the harvest was due, when the vineyard was expected to produce its yield, and the landowner was entitled to his share.
"he sent his servants to the farmers": The landowner sent representatives, his servants, to collect his portion of the harvest from the tenants.
"to receive his fruit": This emphasizes that the landowner had a right to the fruit, as it was a product of his vineyard and the agreed-upon terms of the lease.

Interpretation Within the Parable:

Within the context of the parable, this verse represents:

The Landowner: God (who owns the vineyard/the world)
The Farmers: The leaders of Israel (who were entrusted with the spiritual care of the people)
The Servants: Prophets and messengers sent by God to call the leaders to account and receive the fruit of righteousness (obedience and good deeds) that was due to God.
The Fruit: Righteousness, obedience to God's law, and the spiritual welfare of the people. Essentially, the good that should have come from the care of God's people.

Therefore, the verse is a symbolic representation of God sending his prophets to the leaders of Israel to receive the "fruit" of their labor – the spiritual well-being and obedience of the people. The leaders were expected to cultivate and nurture faith and righteousness, but instead, they were withholding what was due to God.

This parable is a scathing indictment of the Jewish leaders who rejected and persecuted the prophets and would eventually reject and crucify Jesus, God's son. It foreshadows the consequences of their rejection and the eventual transfer of God's favor to others.

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