Matthew 21:40

40 whenever therefore the lord of the vineyard may come, what will he do to these husbandmen?'

Matthew 21:40 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 21:40

When the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh
In a way of providence, to call these husbandmen to an account; not only for the fruit they were to bring to him; but for their barbarity to his servants, the prophets, time after time; and especially, for the inhuman usage and murder of his own son;

what will he do unto those husbandmen?
This question is put to the chief priests, elders, and Scribes: and they themselves, who are designed hereby, are made judges in this case, just as the inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah are, in ( Isaiah 5:4 ) which passage of Scripture our Lord had greatly in view when he spake this parable.

Matthew 21:40 In-Context

38 and the husbandmen having seen the son, said among themselves, This is the heir, come, we may kill him, and may possess his inheritance;
39 and having taken him, they cast [him] out of the vineyard, and killed him;
40 whenever therefore the lord of the vineyard may come, what will he do to these husbandmen?'
41 They say to him, `Evil men -- he will evilly destroy them, and the vineyard will give out to other husbandmen, who will give back to him the fruits in their seasons.'
42 Jesus saith to them, `Did ye never read in the Writings, A stone that the builders disallowed, it became head of a corner; from the Lord hath this come to pass, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.