| Barnes' Notes on the Bible See this parable explained in the notes at Matthew 21:33-46. See this parable explained in the notes at Matthew 21:33-46.
Clarke's Commentary on the BibleA certain man planted a vineyard - See this parable explained, Matthew 21:33-41 (note).
Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd 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 a vineyard. The Persic version adds, "with many trees": that is, with vines, though sometimes other trees, as fig trees, were planted in vineyards; see Luke 13:6. This man is, by the Evangelist Matthew, called an "householder": by whom is meant God the Father, as distinguished from his Son, he is afterward said to send: and by the "vineyard", planted by him, is meant the vineyard of the Lord of hosts, the men of Israel, Isaiah 5:1; and set an hedge about it, or "wall", as the Persic version renders it; meaning either the law, not the Jews oral law, or the traditions of the elders, which were not of God's setting, but the ceremonial and moral law; or the wall of protection by divine power, which was set around the Jewish nation especially when they went up to their solemn feasts. And digged a place for the winefat. The Syriac and Arabic versions add, "in it"; and the Persic version, "in the vineyard"; for this was made in the vineyard, where they, trod and squeezed the grapes when gathered; and may design the altar in the house of the Lord, where the libations, or drink offerings, were poured out; and built a tower. The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions add, "in it"; for this also was built in the vineyard, and may intend either the city of Jerusalem; or the temple in it, the watch house where the priests watched, and did their service, day and night. And let it out to husbandmen; or "workmen", as the Arabic version renders it, who wrought in it, and took care of the vines. The Ethiopic version renders it, "and set over it a worker and keeper of the vineyard"; by whom are meant the priests and Levites, to whom were committed the care of the people, with respect to religious things: and went into a far country; left the people of the Jews to these husbandmen, or rulers, whether civil or ecclesiastical, but chiefly the latter, to be instructed and directed by them, according to the laws and rules given them by the Lord; See Gill on Matthew 21:33.
Vincent's Word StudiesWine-fat (ὑπολήνιον) Rev., winespress. Only here in New Testament. The wine-press was constructed in the side of a sloping rock, in which a trough was excavated, which was the wine-press proper. Underneath this was dug another trough, with openings communicating with the trough above, into which the juice ran from the press. This was called by the Romans lacus, or the lake. The word here used for the whole structure strictly means this trough underneath (ὑπό) the press (ληνός). This is the explanation of Wyc.'s translation, dalf (delved), a lake. Went into a far country (ἀπεδήμησεν) But this is too strong. The word means simply went abroad. So Wyc., went forth in pilgrimage ; and Tynd., into a strange country. Rev., another country. See on Matthew 25:14.
Geneva Study BibleAnd {1} he began to speak unto them by {a} parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. (1) The calling of God is unbounded, without exception, in regard to place, person, or time. (a) This word parable, which the evangelists use, not only signifies a comparing of things together, but also speeches and allegories with hidden meaning.
People's New Testament 12:1 A Day of Controversy SUMMARY OF MARK 12: The Vineyard and the Wicked Husbandmen. Prophecy of the Calling of the Gentiles. The Herodians and Pharisees. Tribute to Caesar. The Sadducees and the Resurrection. Which Is the Greatest Commandment?. The Son of David, David's Lord. Beware of the Scribes. The Widow's Mite. He began to speak unto them ny parables. A series of parables, given more fully by Matthew, outlining the sins and fate of the stubborn Jewish nation. A certain man planted a vineyard. For notes on this parable, see Mt 21:33-46. Compare Lu 20:9-19.
Wesley's Notes 12:1 Mt 21:43; Lu 20:9.
Scofield Reference NotesMargin vineyard Israel. Isa 5:1-7. Israel was not fruitless, but brought forth only wild grapes. Cf. Jn 3:6 Hos 10:1 contra, Hos 14:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible CommentaryCHAPTER 12 Mr 12:1-12. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ( = Mt 21:33-46; Lu 20:9-18). See on [1481]Mt 21:33-46.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary12:1-12 Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to think what base usage God's faithful ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed the privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit answerable. God at length sent his Son, his Well-beloved; and it might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also should respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he was the Son and Heir, they therefore hated him. But the exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing to exalt him in our hearts, and to set up his throne there; and if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes. The Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our lives. Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or despise the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their Master, had they lived when he was upon earth. | 
