Luke 20

And it happened
The phrase “And it happened” translates the formulaic introductory phrase καὶ ἐγένετο (kai egeneto). Though often absent from modern English translations, this phrase is frequently used at the outset of a literary unit in order to draw attention to a larger episode comprised of several smaller events. When used in the middle of an episode, the phrase functions as a marker, indicating either a pause in the flow of the story, or a point of emphasis to which the author is drawing the reader’s attention. In this context, its use at the outset of this scene draws attention to the whole encounter in which the Jewish leaders test Jesus (vv. 1–8).

came up
While some translations say “confronted,” and while the context sets the action in that light, the Greek word itself is ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi), which means to “come upon” or “stand near” (see BDAG on ἐφίστημι). The consistency in translation helps readers to see the similarities to other encounters that occur in the temple (cf. Luke 2:38; Acts 4:1).

Neither
The choice to render ούδὲ (oude) as “neither” here is done for consistency with the same word used in the parallel passages in Matthew 21:27 and Mark 11:33.

fruit
This is rendered by most translations as “fruit” (καρπός; karpos), as it is here. This literal translation is also consistent with the concept throughout the New Testament that people always seek to benefit from the good “fruit” of their trees, vines, etc., which is the foundation for Jesus’ common comparison of wicked/righteous people with bad/good trees and their respective fruit. Here, it is natural that this man seeks to benefit from the good “fruit” of his vine, and this sets the stage for the unfolding of this parable.

sent him away empty-handed having beaten him
This translation accurately follows both the grammatical structure and word order of the original Greek construction. While many English translations have “beat him and sent him away,” the two verbal ideas are not of equal weight grammatically. The main verbal idea here is “sent away,” communicated by the verb ἐξαπέστειλαν (exapesteilan). This main idea is modified by the participle δείραντες (deirantes; “having beaten”). The translation here shows the primary position of the main verb, and accounts for the fact that it also comes before the participle positionally in the sentence. Thus, the main accusation against the vine-growers is that they sent this slave away, but added injury to insult by beating him first. This beating is mentioned last in the sentence for rhetorical effect. As if sending the slave away did not sufficiently offend the owner of the vineyard, the vine-growers had beat him as well.

were reasoning
The translation “were reasoning” captures the imperfect tense of the verb διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai). Since the imperfect tense portrays a verbal action as ongoing in the moment, this translation dramatizes the scene for readers and helps them track with the deliberations of the vine-growers before their thoughts become actions (v. 15).

this
Some translations have “when they heard it” here, but “this” is a better provisional word in this context since Jesus’ audience is clearly reacting to what He had just said.

so that…in order to
The conjunctions of this verse have been rendered so as to clarify the immediate and ultimate aims of this plot. First, the conjunction ἵνα (hina) with the subjunctive clearly denotes the immediate purpose of the action. This is supported by the fact that the ultimate aim of this plot is specified shortly after this. For that reason, this first conjunction is rendered “so that.” Second, the conjunction ὥστε (hōste) with the infinitive παραδοῦναι (paradounai) clarifies the final outcome that these leaders hope to effect from their actions, and therefore it is rendered “in order to” (see BDAG on ὥστε). Putting these translations together, readers better trace the immediate and ultimate aims of Jesus’ opponents in this scene.

perceived
The verb κατανοέω (katanoeō) is normally translated as either “notice” or “consider” but the context here demands a more proactive translation. Jesus saw through what the religious leaders were scheming, and the word “perceive” best portrays that idea in English.

word
While sometimes translated as “saying” or “what He said,” the term here is literally that for a spoken “word” (ῥήματος; hrēmatos). This translation clarifies how Jesus’ opponents are trying to catch Him in a type of gaffe or blunder so they can leverage it against Him.

marveling
“Marveling” is the consistent translation of the Greek verb θαυμάζω (thaumazō). The consistency allows readers to track with the use of the word to describe what happens to various groups when they encounter Jesus (cf. Luke 4:22; 8:25; 9:43; 11:14).

came
Some translations place this verb at the beginning and translate it as “there came,” which reflects the Greek word order and accomodates the shift in thought to a new section. However, the current translation renders the phrase in simpler English and avoids adding terms to the text.

seed
“Seed” is the literal translation of the Greek term σπέρμα (sperma). As such, it highlights for English readers the importance of having an enduring lineage of God’s people that will receive the blessings He promised to them (cf. Luke 1:55; Acts 3:25; 7:5, 6; 13:23).

married a wife
“Married a wife” translates the Greek phrase λαβὼν γυναῖκα (labōn gunaika), which can also be translated “took a wife.” However, for the sake of consistency with the translation of both the Old Testament quotation in verse 28 and the repetition later in verse 31, it has been translated with “married” throughout.

this woman⁠—in the resurrection⁠—
The word order and grammatical construction of this translation is simpler than other renderings and better reflects that of the Greek.

had her as a wife
Some translations say “had married her,” but the literal statement is ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα (eschon autēn gunaika), which literally means to “have” as a wife. This rhetoric speaks more to the fact that they once held the status of a married couple than it highlights the actual marriage event itself.

dare
While this word can be translated “have courage,” the translation “dare” conveys the same point and does so in a single word, representing the single Greek verb τολμάω (tolmaō). The intended idea is that the scribes were not willing to risk their reputation in an attempt to outmatch Jesus.

want
The Greek verb θέλω (thelō) used here communicates the idea of wish or desire, and is thus usually translated with the idea of “willing” or “wanting.” While this verse has been rendered in other translations as “like,” the translation here as “want” better accounts for the literal meaning of the word. Walking around in long, dignified, and noticeable robes was not just something the scribes enjoyed; it was something they craved because of their appetite for the praise of men.

greetings
This is sometimes translated as “respectful greetings,” but the notion of respect is inherent in the context and implied in the term, so the English adjective is unnecessary.