Matthew 20:13

Modern

But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius?

Traditional

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

Literal

And answering one of them, he said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me on a denarius?

Latin

At ille respondens uni eorum, dixit: Amice, non facio tibi injuriam: nonne ex denario convenisti mecum?

Greek

English

But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius?

This parable is like the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11–32). In both, God shows grace to two groups, but one complains about unfair treatment.

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 22:12
‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.
Matthew 26:50
“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
Romans 9:14–15
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
Job 40:8
Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?
Job 34:8–12
He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men.
Genesis 18:25
Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Job 35:2
“Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’
Job 34:17–18
Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,
Romans 9:20
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”