Lexical Summary ampelón: Vineyard Original Word: ἀμπελών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vineyard. From ampelos; a vineyard -- vineyard. see GREEK ampelos HELPS Word-studies 290 ampelṓn – properly, a vineyard; (figuratively) the religious, spiritual life of OT Israel – and by extension the body of Christ, consummating (not replacing) believing Israel as the one, covenant people of God (Mk 12:9; Lk 20:16). M. Vincent, "The vine was a symbol of the ancient Church (ekklēsia) in the OT. See Hos 10:1; Mt 21:33,34; Lk 13:6" (WS, 489). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ampelos Definition a vineyard NASB Translation vineyard (23). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 290: ἀμπελώνἀμπελών, (ῶνος, ὁ, a vineyard: Matthew 20:1ff; 21:28,(33),39ff; Mark 12:1ff; Luke ( Topical Lexicon Background and Old Testament Roots Vineyards were central to the agrarian economy of ancient Israel, occupying terraced hillsides from Galilee to Judea. Mosaic legislation safeguarded them (Exodus 22:5; Deuteronomy 22:9), while prophets employed them as metaphors for covenant privilege and accountability (Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:8-16). This backdrop informs every New Testament use of ἀμπελών, translating readily into the imagery of the kingdom of God. Symbol of Israel and Covenant Responsibility By the first century, “the vineyard” was almost a shorthand for the nation. Jesus drew on this shared symbolism to confront Israel’s leaders and to reassure faithful remnants. In Matthew 21:33-41, Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20:9-16 the “wicked tenants” represent unfaithful stewards; the “beloved Son” is unmistakably Christ. The parable ends with the vineyard entrusted to others, prefiguring the inclusion of the Gentiles and the birth of the church without negating God’s faithfulness to ethnic Israel (Romans 11:1-29). Parables of Christ Centered on the Vineyard • Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) stresses God’s sovereign grace: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1). Equal wages for unequal hours magnify divine generosity, rebuking pride among long-standing covenant members and welcoming the late-coming outsider. • Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) exposes superficial piety versus obedient faith. The father commands, “Son, go and work today in my vineyard” (Matthew 21:28). True obedience is measured by action, not lip service. • Barren Fig Tree in the Vineyard (Luke 13:6-9) calls for urgent repentance. Cultivated soil and patient care heighten culpability if fruit remains absent. • Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21; Mark 12; Luke 20) climaxes with judgment and transfer of stewardship, yet the vineyard itself remains the Lord’s—underscoring divine ownership and ongoing purpose. Paul’s Analogy of Ministerial Rights In 1 Corinthians 9:7 Paul asks, “Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?” By invoking common-sense agricultural rights, he defends material support for gospel workers. The imagery also hints that ministry, like viticulture, demands steady toil over time before harvest appears. Theology of Stewardship and Fruitfulness 1. Ownership: God is always the “landowner” (Matthew 20:1; 21:33). Eschatological Perspective Prophetic literature envisions a renewed vineyard under Messiah (Amos 9:13-15). Jesus’ vineyard parables bridge to Revelation’s harvest imagery (Revelation 14:14-20), forecasting a final sorting of fruitful and barren. Practical Ministry Application • Laborers are still needed (Matthew 20:7); prayerfully enlist and disciple workers. Key New Testament References Matthew 20:1, 2, 4, 7, 8; Matthew 21:28, 33, 39-41; Mark 12:1, 2, 8, 9; Luke 13:6; Luke 20:9-16; 1 Corinthians 9:7. The vineyard motif in ἀμπελών thus unites Scripture’s testimony: God graciously plants, patiently nurtures, justly judges, and ultimately secures a harvest for His glory. Forms and Transliterations αμπελών αμπελωνα αμπελώνα αμπελώνά ἀμπελῶνα αμπελώνας αμπελώνες αμπελωνι αμπελώνι αμπελώνί ἀμπελῶνι αμπελωνος αμπελωνός αμπελώνος αμπελώνός ἀμπελῶνος αμπελώνων αμπέλωνων αμπελώσι αμπελώσιν αμπλάκημα ampelona ampelôna ampelōna ampelō̂na ampeloni ampelôni ampelōni ampelō̂ni ampelonos ampelônos ampelōnos ampelō̂nosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 20:1 N-AMSGRK: εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα αὐτοῦ NAS: to hire laborers for his vineyard. KJV: into his vineyard. INT: for the vineyard of him Matthew 20:2 N-AMS Matthew 20:4 N-AMS Matthew 20:7 N-AMS Matthew 20:8 N-GMS Matthew 21:28 N-DMS Matthew 21:33 N-AMS Matthew 21:39 N-GMS Matthew 21:40 N-GMS Matthew 21:41 N-AMS Mark 12:1 N-AMS Mark 12:2 N-GMS Mark 12:8 N-GMS Mark 12:9 N-GMS Mark 12:9 N-AMS Luke 13:6 N-DMS Luke 20:9 N-AMS Luke 20:10 N-GMS Luke 20:13 N-GMS Luke 20:15 N-GMS Luke 20:15 N-GMS Luke 20:16 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 9:7 N-AMS Strong's Greek 290 |
    |