ἐκδίδωμι (ekdidōmi)
ekdidōmi
to lease
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekdidōmi carries the core meaning of giving something out or surrendering it into another’s care. In the New Testament, this action is almost always framed within a commercial or agricultural context, specifically referring to leasing property or handing over management rights. It describes the act of letting out an estate for hire, where the owner retains ultimate ownership but transfers operational control to others.
This word appears in the Parables of the Wicked Tenants found in Matthew 21:33-41, Mark 12:1, and Luke 20:9. In these narratives, a landowner sends servants and finally his son to collect fruit from tenants who have leased the vineyard. The term highlights the legal and social arrangement of the time, where a master would "let out" his vineyard to workers for their advantage, expecting a share of the harvest in return.
Its usage underscores a specific type of stewardship rather than simple giving. The landowner does not abandon the property; he entrusts it with clear expectations. This distinction is vital for understanding the tension in the parables: the tenants assume full control, rejecting the owner’s ongoing rights, which leads to their judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about leasing in these ancient stories, it helps us understand how God views our lives. The landowner did not abandon his vineyard; he entrusted it to others with clear expectations. This shows that stewardship is a partnership, not a transfer of total ownership. We are caretakers of the gifts and time God has given us, accountable to Him for what we produce.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing our own lives. Yet, this word reminds us that God retains ultimate authority while inviting us to participate in His work. He does not demand perfection from a distance but provides the vineyard and expects fruit in its season. This arrangement offers both freedom and purpose.
Reflecting on this can bring peace. You are not alone in your efforts, nor are you expected to own everything. Trusting in the One who leased the vineyard allows us to focus on faithful service rather than anxious control. May you find rest in knowing that your labor is seen and valued by your Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rented out1×
- rented1×
- he will rent out1×
- he rented out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέδετο3×
- ἐκδώσεται1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:33
“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, dug a wine press in it, built a tower, leased it out to farmers, and went into another country.
This verse establishes the initial act of entrusting the vineyard to tenants, setting the stage for the parable's lesson on stewardship and accountability.
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Mark 12:1
He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country.
Mark uses this term to highlight the deliberate setup of the vineyard by the owner before his departure, emphasizing the seriousness of the trust placed in the farmers.
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Luke 20:9
He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time.
Luke’s inclusion of this word underscores the long duration of the owner's absence, testing the tenants' loyalty and faithfulness over time.