Strong’s Greek 1554 appears four times, each within the Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33; Matthew 21:41; Mark 12:1; Luke 20:9). In every instance the term describes the vineyard owner’s deliberate act of entrusting his property to tenant farmers for a season. The verb therefore highlights a dynamic of stewardship: the owner remains sovereign while granting responsibility to others, expecting a return that accords with his purposes.

Vineyard Imagery in Scripture

From Isaiah 5:1-7 onward, the vineyard symbolizes Israel as the planting of the Lord. Set within this prophetic tradition, Jesus’ parable employs the same imagery to indict unfaithful leaders and to foretell the transfer of covenant privileges to others who will yield fruit. The leasing action emphasizes continuity: the Lord still owns the vineyard, yet access to its blessings hinges on faithfulness.

Context in the Synoptic Parables

1. Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1; Luke 20:9 – The narrative begins with the owner planting, protecting, and then “leasing” the vineyard. This leasing underscores grace: Israel’s religious establishment enjoys its role only because God entrusted it.
2. Matthew 21:41 – Listeners pronounce judgment: “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and will lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share at the harvest.” The same verb frames both the original entrustment and the impending reassignment, showing that God’s redemptive plan advances even through human rebellion.

Historical Background

First-century Galilee and Judea knew widespread absentee ownership. Wealthy landholders would establish vineyards and contract tenant farmers under profit-sharing agreements. Jesus’ audience understood the legal and moral obligations embedded in such arrangements. Failure to remit produce was not a mere breach of contract; it was a defiant act against rightful authority. The parable therefore resonates with everyday experience while unfolding a far deeper covenant reality.

Theological Themes

Stewardship and Accountability

God’s people never own the kingdom; they steward it. The verb conveys both privilege (entrustment) and responsibility (expected fruit). Romans 3:1-2 echoes the same principle regarding the oracles of God entrusted to Israel.

Judgment and Restoration

When the initial tenants refuse the owner’s claim, the vineyard is “leased” anew. This anticipates Acts 13:46 where Paul and Barnabas declare, “Since you reject it… we now turn to the Gentiles.” Yet the owner’s continued interest shows He has not abandoned His vineyard; divine faithfulness remains constant.

Christological Focus

The climax of the parable is the sending of the Son. By situating the leasing before and after the Son’s mission, Scripture places Jesus at the center of God’s stewardship economy. Acceptance or rejection of the Son determines one’s standing within the vineyard.

Practical Application for Ministry

1. Leadership Accountability – Pastors and elders serve as tenants, not proprietors (1 Peter 5:2-4). The authority they exercise must return fruit to God, not personal gain.
2. Evangelistic Urgency – The reassignment of the vineyard warns against presumption. Today’s church must bear kingdom fruit or risk forfeiting its witness.
3. Stewardship of Gifts – Every believer receives time, talents, and treasure on loan. “It is required of trustees that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Related Scriptures

Isaiah 5:1-7 – Foundational vineyard song.

Psalm 80:8-16 – The vine brought out of Egypt.

Jeremiah 12:10 – Shepherds who destroy the vineyard.

John 15:1-8 – Jesus as the true vine, disciples as branches called to fruitfulness.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 1554 captures a single, potent idea: God entrusts His work to human hands, yet retains absolute ownership and expects a harvest commensurate with His grace. The Parable of the Vineyard therefore summons every generation to faithful stewardship, reverent submission to the Son, and confident hope in the Owner who will surely return to collect what is His.