Luke 20:9

ἤρξατο : this word is less appropriate here than in Mk., where it means: made a beginning in teaching by parables by uttering this particular parable. Here it may signify turning to the people again after disposing of the question of the Pharisees concerning authority. ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα : Lk. contents himself with this general statement, omitting the details given in parallels, which explain what planting a vineyard involves. χρόνους ἱκανούς : literally, “for long times,” peculiar to Lk. here; similar phrases are of frequent occurrence in his writings. The “long times” cover the whole period of Israel's history. The absenteeism of God during these long ages represents the free scope given in providence to the will of man in the exercise of his moral responsibility.