Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

Christ had formerly in parables showed how he designed to set up the gospel church; now he begins in parables to show how he would lay aside the Jewish church, which it might have been grafted into the stock of, but was built upon the ruins of. This parable we had just as we have it here, Matt. 21:33. We may observe here, I. They that enjoy the privileges of the visible church, have a vineyard let out to them, which is capable of great improvement, and from the occupiers of which rent is... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 12:1-12

12:1-12 Jesus began to speak to them in parables. A man planted a vineyard. He put a hedge round about it, and dug a wine vat, and built a tower. He let it out to cultivators and went abroad. At the right time he sent a servant to the cultivators that he might receive from the cultivators his share of the fruits of the vineyard. They took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant to them. They wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. He sent... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 12:1

And he began to speak unto them by parables ,.... As of the two sons the father bid go to work in the vineyard; and of the planting of a vineyard, and letting it out to husbandmen, as here; though the latter is only related by this evangelist, yet both are by Matthew. This was not the first time of his speaking by parables to the people, though it might be the first time he spake in this way to the chief priests and elders, and who are particularly designed in them. A certain man planted... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 12:1

A certain man planted a vineyard - See this parable explained, Matthew 21:33-41 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1

And he began to speak unto them in parables . This particular parable which follows was specially directed against the scribes and Pharisees; but it was uttered in the presence of a multitude of the people. "He began to speak … in parables." He had not used this form of instruction till now in Jerusalem. A man planted a vineyard . The imagery of the parable would be familiar to them from Isaiah ( Isaiah 5:1 ). But Palestine was eminently a land of "vineyards," as well as of "oil... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

Rebel vine-dressers. By this time there was no further prospect or possibility that the fate of Jesus might be averted. His entry into Jerusalem in state, and his cleansing of the temple, were acts that the priests, scribes, and Pharisees could not pardon, for they were a claim to authority altogether incompatible with their own. And the words of Jesus were as bold as his acts; their justice and severity enraged the rulers beyond all degree. The enemies of truth and righteousness were by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

The parable of the vineyard. The imagery adopted would at once address itself to the understanding of the hearers. Palestine pre-eminently a land of the grape. The prophetic writings are full of symbols and figures from the vine. This was spoken in continuation of his dispute with the Sanhedrim, and in the presence of all the people in the temple. The historical allusions to the prophets and the personal one to himself must have been only too clear. It was a detailed and crescent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

The parable of the vineyard; or, unfaithfulness and its reward. A rude demand upon Jesus for his authority led him to ask in reply "one question" which awakened the consciences of his interrogators and threw them into confusion and difficulty. They were hurrying him on to his final hour, and he must needs take advantage of every opportunity of finishing the work given him to do. Therefore "in parables" he spake both "unto them" and "against them," which but roused their ire, and sent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

The evil husbandmen. I. FAITHLESS TO GOD ; UNJUST TO MEN . If men do not know God, neither can they know those who are sent of him. The Pharisees were set against Jesus because he was the only living presentment of their own neglected duties to God. II. VIOLENCE FALLACIOUS TO THOSE WHO EMPLOY IT . The wicked husbandmen Blindly slay the emissary. It is of no avail. The Erinys, the fury, the avenging spirit of the dead man, will come back. The violence against... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:1-12

Parallel passages: Matthew 21:33-46 ; Luke 20:9-19 .— Parable of the vineyard. I. THE LORD 'S VINEYARD . A vineyard is often used in Scripture as an object of comparison. The heart is probably represented under this pleasing and beautiful image in the Song of Solomon, where it is written, "My mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept." God's ancient people are set forth under the same figure in the... read more

Group of Brands