In Luke 20:12, the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out." This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who questioned his authority.

The parable in which this verse appears is known as the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers. In this parable, a man plants a vineyard and leases it out to vinedressers. When the time comes for the vinedressers to give the owner his share of the fruit, they mistreat the owner's messengers, even killing some of them. Finally, the owner sends his own beloved son, thinking that the vinedressers would respect him. However, the vinedressers instead kill the son, hoping to seize his inheritance.

In the context of this parable, the verse Luke 20:12 comes as the conclusion to the owner sending his third messenger to the vinedressers. This verse symbolizes the continued rejection and mistreatment of the owner's messengers, despite his persistence in reaching out to the vinedressers.

The themes present in this parable and verse include the rejection of God's messengers, ultimately leading to the rejection of His Son, Jesus Christ. The parable serves as a warning to the religious leaders of Jesus' time, as well as to all who hear it, that their rejection of God's messengers (such as the prophets of the Old Testament) would culminate in the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God.

The significance of this parable and verse extends to the context in which it was spoken. Jesus directed this parable at the religious leaders of the time, who had rejected and opposed his teachings and authority. By using this parable, Jesus was addressing the religious hypocrisy and corruption that was prevalent among the leaders of the Jewish community. He was warning them of the consequences of their actions and calling them to repentance.

Furthermore, the parable and verse can also be interpreted as a reflection of God's patience and longsuffering with humanity. Despite the repeated rejection and mistreatment of His messengers, God remained patient and continued to extend His mercy and grace. The sending of the owner's beloved son symbolizes God's ultimate act of love and sacrifice in sending Jesus Christ to reconcile humanity to Himself.

The symbolism in Luke 20:12 is significant in illustrating the continued rejection and mistreatment of God's messengers. The wounded third messenger represents the suffering and persecution experienced by those who faithfully carry out God's mission. This verse also foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God.

In conclusion, Luke 20:12, within the context of the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, conveys a powerful message about the rejection of God's messengers and the ultimate rejection of His Son. It serves as a warning to those who oppose God's authority and a reminder of God's patience and love. The themes, context, and symbolism present in this verse make it a profound and impactful part of Jesus' teachings.