Matthew 20:3

Modern

About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.

Traditional

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Literal

And having gone out about the third hour, he saw others standing in the marketplace idle.

Latin

Et egressus circa horam tertiam, vidit alios stantes in foro otiosos,

Greek

English

About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.

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

1 Timothy 5:13
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Acts 2:15
These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!
Ezekiel 16:49
Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.
Mark 15:25
It was the third hour when they crucified Him.
Matthew 11:16–17
To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
Matthew 20:6–7
About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ he asked.
Acts 17:17–21
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.
Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.