Matthew 20:6

Modern

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.

Traditional

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

Literal

And about the eleventh, having gone out, he found others standing, and he says to them, ‘Why do you stand here all the day idle?’

Latin

Circa undecimam vero exiit, et invenit alios stantes, et dicit illis: Quid hic statis tota die otiosi?

Greek

English

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.

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

John 9:4
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Acts 17:21
Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.
Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Luke 23:40–43
But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
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.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.