FocusGenerosity and reversal
Connection to the wholeThe parable continues the discussion of reward from chapter 19 and challenges comparison with others receiving the master's generosity.
interpretation Matthew 20:16
KJVSo the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Read it in context
Workers in the vineyard
Start reading at Matthew 20:1 (Matthew 20:1 to Matthew 20:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The parable continues the discussion of reward from chapter 19 and challenges comparison with others receiving the master's generosity.
- 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
- 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
- 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
- 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
- 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
- 20:6 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?
- 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
- 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
- 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
- 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
- 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
- 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
- 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
- 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
- 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
- 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 20:1–20:34): Jesus continues instructing His disciples. The mother of Zebedee's sons and the two sons make a request; later two blind men call to Jesus as a crowd follows. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Workers in the vineyard. Read Matthew 20:1 through Matthew 20:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The parable continues the discussion of reward from chapter 19 and challenges comparison with others receiving the master's generosity. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1 to Matthew 20:16). Start reading at Matthew 20:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 20:1, Matthew 20:16, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- the last Matt 8:11-12 Matt 19:30 Matt 21:31 Mark 10:31 Luke 7:47 Luke 13:28-30 Luke 15:7 Luke 17:17-18
- for Matt 7:13 Matt 22:14 Luke 14:24 Rom 8:30 1 Thess 2:13 2 Thess 2:13-14 Jas 1:23-25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 20
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Suffering and true greatness
Matthew 20:17–28FocusService instead of domination
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion prediction contrasts with a request for status; His answer identifies service and His own self-giving as the pattern.
interpretation Two blind men receive sight
Matthew 20:29–34FocusMercy on the road
Connection to the wholeJesus responds to persistent appeals for mercy as the journey toward Jerusalem approaches its climax.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.