Pronunciation Guide: am-pel-OHN (ἀμ-πελ-ΩΝ)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G290: A vineyard; specifically, a plot of ground dedicated to growing and cultivating grapevines. This term represents both the physical space where vines are grown and, metaphorically, a sphere of spiritual labor and cultivation. In biblical usage, it often serves as a powerful symbol of God’s kingdom work and His relationship with His people.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Derived from ἄμπελος (ampelos, “vine”) + suffix -ών (-ōn, denoting place)
• Primary usage in narrative passages and parables
• Common in agricultural and economic contexts
• Frequently appears in teaching sections of the Gospels

ἀμπελών Morphology:

• ἀμπελών (nominative singular) – a vineyard
• ἀμπελῶνος (genitive singular) – of a vineyard
• ἀμπελῶνι (dative singular) – in/to a vineyard
• ἀμπελῶνα (accusative singular) – vineyard (as direct object)
• ἀμπελῶνες (nominative plural) – vineyards
• ἀμπελώνων (genitive plural) – of vineyards

Origin & History

The term ἀμπελών has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in works as early as Xenophon’s “Oeconomicus,” where he discusses agricultural management and vineyard cultivation. In the Septuagint (LXX), it frequently translates the Hebrew כֶּרֶם (kerem), appearing notably in Isaiah’s “Song of the Vineyard” (Isaiah 5:1-7).

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic Judaism, as evidenced by its use in Jewish agricultural texts and rabbinic literature. Philo of Alexandria, in his treatise “On Planting,” uses ἀμπελών extensively when discussing both literal vineyards and their spiritual symbolism in Jewish thought.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A cultivated plot of land specifically dedicated to growing grapevines
• An agricultural enterprise requiring careful management and labor
• A metaphorical space representing spiritual cultivation and kingdom work
• A symbol of God’s covenant relationship with His people

ἀμπελών Translation Options:

• “Vineyard” – Most common and direct translation, appropriate in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• “Vine-garden” – Emphasizing the cultivated nature of the space
• “Wine-farm” – When emphasizing the commercial/productive aspect
• “Grape-field” – When focusing on the agricultural setting

Biblical Usage

The term ἀμπελών appears prominently in the New Testament, particularly in Yeshua’s parables where it serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s kingdom and His relationship with Israel. Its first appearance in Matthew 20:1 introduces the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, where the vineyard owner’s generosity mirrors God’s grace.

The word carries particular weight in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where it represents Israel as God’s specially cultivated people. This usage echoes the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah’s vineyard song.

• “Matthew 20:1 – “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard [ἀμπελών].”
• “Matthew 21:28 – “Son, go work today in the vineyard [ἀμπελών].”
• “Mark 12:1 – “A man planted a vineyard [ἀμπελών] and put a wall around it.”
• “Luke 13:6 – “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard [ἀμπελών].”
• “1 Corinthians 9:7 – “Who plants a vineyard [ἀμπελών] and does not eat its fruit?”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Israel, vineyards were significant investments requiring careful planning and patience. A new vineyard took 4-5 years before producing its first harvest, making it a powerful symbol of long-term commitment and faith. The layout of ancient vineyards typically included a watchtower (מִגְדָּל, migdal) for protection and a wine vat hewn from rock, details that Yeshua incorporates into His parables to resonate with His audience’s cultural understanding.

The practice of leaving gleanings in the vineyard for the poor (Leviticus 19:10) also established vineyards as places of social justice and community care, themes that emerge in the New Testament’s use of ἀμπελών.

Theological Significance

The vineyard metaphor throughout Scripture reveals God’s character as both the divine Vinedresser and the owner who has invested heavily in His people. In the prophetic tradition, יהוה (Yahweh) is portrayed as the faithful Vineyard Owner who planted Israel as His choice vines (Jeremiah 2:21), demonstrating His sovereign care and patient cultivation of His people.

Yeshua’s vineyard parables build on this foundation while expanding its scope to include the Gentiles, revealing God’s heart for all nations. The vineyard imagery also connects to Yeshua’s teaching about Himself as the True Vine (John 15:1), establishing a profound theological link between God’s work in Israel and the new covenant community.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀμπελών invites us to see ourselves as workers in God’s vineyard, called to faithful service regardless of when we were hired or what role we play. The vineyard imagery reminds us that spiritual growth, like grape cultivation, requires patience, careful tending, and submission to the Vinedresser’s pruning.

This understanding can transform how we view our place in God’s kingdom work, encouraging us to embrace both the privilege and responsibility of being called to labor in His vineyard, while remembering that the growth and fruit ultimately come from Him.

Related Words

• ἄμπελος (ampelos) – vine, grapevine; metaphorically refers to Christ as the True Vine See G288
• γεώργιον (geōrgion) – cultivated field, emphasizing the agricultural aspect See G1091
• καρπός (karpos) – fruit, produce; often used in connection with vineyard imagery See G2590
• κλῆμα (klēma) – branch, specifically of a vine; related to vineyard cultivation See G2814

Did you Know?

• The ancient practice of mixing red wine with water in the ratio of 1:3 was so common that the Greek word for “mix wine” (κεράννυμι) came to mean “prepare for drinking.” This practice influenced how vineyards were managed to produce wines of appropriate strength.
• Archaeological discoveries in Israel have revealed ancient vineyard irrigation systems dating back to the First Temple period, showing sophisticated agricultural knowledge that would have informed Jesus’ audience’s understanding of vineyard parables.
• Modern Israeli vineyards still use many of the same techniques mentioned in biblical texts, including the practice of pruning during the winter months and training vines on supporting structures, demonstrating the enduring wisdom of ancient viticultural practices.

Remember This

The ἀμπελών represents not just a physical space for growing grapes, but a divine metaphor for God’s patient, purposeful work in cultivating His people for His glory and their fruitfulness.