Matthew 20:2

The Parable of the Workers · Matthew 20:1–16
Read Matthew 20

Translations

Modern
He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
Traditional
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Literal
And having agreed with the workmen for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Latin
Conventione autem facta cum operariis ex denario diurno, misit eos in vineam suam.

Original

Greek
English
He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

Notes

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

God’s Promised Kingdom

Events

Glossary

Coins Galilee Gospel Gospel of Matthew Penny Reward Vines, Vineyard Wages

Topics

Contracts: Scriptures Illustrative of the Binding Force of Employee: Character of Unrighteous Gospel: Compared to a Householder Jesus, the Christ: Enunciates the Parable of the Vineyard (In Peraea) Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Laborers in the Vineyard Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Householder Labor: General Scriptures Concerning Money was Given: As Wages Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Penny Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired Penny: Worth One Day's Wages Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness Servant: Hired in Money Servant: Hired: Await Employment in the Marketplace Servant: Hired: The Laborers of a Vineyard Servants: Hired: Engaged by the Day Servants: Hired: Often Stood in the Market Place Waiting for Employment Vineyard: Parables of Vineyards: Mode of Hiring and Paying Labourers for Working In Wages: Parable Concerning Wicked (People): Gospel Invitation To, Illustrated by the Parables of The Householder