Wim J.C. Weren, «The Use of Isaiah 5,1-7 in the Parable of the Tenants (Mark 12,1-12; Matthew 21,33-46)», Vol. 79 (1998) 1-26

This article attempts to prove the following theses. The parable of the tenants in Mark 12,1-12 has been constructed on the basis of the vineyard song in Isa 5,1-7. There are connections with the Hebrew text as well as with the LXX version. The later exegesis of Isa 5,1-7 as it is found in the Targum and in 4Q500 has also left traces in the parable. The connections with Isaiah were already present in the original form and they are enlarged in the subsequent phases of the tradition. Matthew has taken almost all references from Mark but he additionaly made links to Isa 5,1-7 which he did not derive from Mark.

LXX have apparently sought to reinforce the connection between v. 1a and vv. 2-7; to achieve this they make the voice of the prophet shade off into that of his friend (the prophet thus proclaiming Gods' words) ¹⁸.

      In the Hebrew text as well as in the LXX, the owner's concern for the vineyard is expressed by five verbs. Only the last three activities are similar: planting, building, and hacking. In the Hebrew text, we find two other activities ("he dug it and cleared it of stones") which are not found in the LXX ¹⁹. Conversely, the LXX mentions two activities (fragmo\n perie/qhka kai\ e0xara/kwsa) which are not found in the Hebrew text. These two activities both concern fencing the vineyard round to separate it from the surrounding area: the vineyard is walled in and in addition it is surrounded by a fence ²⁰. In the Hebrew text, it only appears in v. 5 that the vineyard was surrounded by a hedge and a wall in order to protect it against the penetration of animals and men. In the LXX, verses 2 and 5 are associated more strongly: here, the building of a fence (v. 2: fragmo\n perie/qhka) is linked to v. 5 where it is said that the fence shall be removed (a0felw~ to\n fragmo\n au0tou~) ²¹.