What does Matthew 20:10 mean?

Explanation

This verse is taken from the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, which is found in Matthew Chapter 20, verses 1-16.

In it, the landowner goes out at various times of the day to hire workers for his vineyard.

He hires some early in the morning, agreeing to pay them a denarius for the day's work.

Throughout the day, he hires more workers, even up to the eleventh hour.

When evening comes and it is time for payment, each worker, regardless of the time they were hired, receives a denarius.

The verse in question expresses the reaction of the first workers who, after seeing that those hired last received a denarius, expected to receive more themselves.

However, they too were paid the agreed amount of a single denarius.

Literally, this verse depicts a common wage dispute, but its deeper meaning is an illustration of the kingdom of heaven and a commentary on grace and divine generosity, suggesting that the rewards of the kingdom are not earned by temporal efforts but are gifts from God.

Historical Context

The parable was spoken by Jesus during his ministry on Earth and is set within the socio-economic context of first-century Palestine. A "penny" or denarius was the typical daily wage for a laborer.

It was an oral culture where storytelling was a common means of communication, and parables were a powerful way to convey moral and spiritual truths.

Laborers would gather in the marketplace to be hired for work, and it was common for landowners to hire workers on a daily basis.

The historical setting underscores the precarious nature of labor at that time, employment was not guaranteed, and workers were often at the mercy of landowners for their daily needs.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the parable challenges common notions of fairness and merit. Different viewpoints on this parable's theology include:

• Grace and Generosity of God: The landowner represents God, who gives grace and blessings generously, which are not based on our works or the length of service but on His benevolence.
• Last Will Be First: Theologically, this parable reflects the concept that the last shall be first in the kingdom of heaven.

It subverts the idea of earned privilege, emphasizing instead the inclusiveness of God's grace towards all, regardless of when they come to faith.

• Equality in God’s Kingdom: Some see the equal payment to all workers as illustrating the equality of all believers in God's eyes, emphasizing that salvation and the blessings of the kingdom cannot be earned by greater works or longer service.

Practical Applications

This verse and the parable have several practical applications in daily life:

• Fairness vs. Generosity: We can reflect on our own concepts of fairness.

Are we envious when others receive blessings, or do we celebrate their good fortune?

• Work Ethic: This parable can challenge our work ethic and motives.

It encourages working for the joy of serving, not just for the reward.

• Grace in Relationships: In interpersonal relationships, the parable invites us to extend grace and generous spirit to others without keeping score.
• Understanding Salvation: It provides a lens for understanding salvation, highlighting it as a gift, not wages for our works.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:30 - "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
• Matthew 20:16 - "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."
• Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Language Study

The phrase "every man a penny" translates a critical Greek word, "denarion," which was a common day's wage for a laborer.

This wage was not only sufficient but considered fair for a full day's labor.

The expectation of receiving "more" suggests a comparison to the Greek word "pleion" which indicates a greater amount or degree.

The tense used in Greek for "they supposed" implies a continuous action, showing that the workers genuinely held this erroneous expectation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Many ancient cultures and religions have stories and myths that involve themes of justice, fairness, and the gods' or deities' unexpected generosity.

For instance, in some versions of the ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs, the dead were judged solely by their actions in life, contrasting with the Christian concept of grace depicted in this parable.

In contemporary religious interpretations, such as in Buddhism, the focus is on personal effort and karma, which differs from the Christian theological understanding of grace that this parable exemplifies.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives do not directly apply to this verse, the understanding of human psychology and behavior economics can provide insight into the workers' reaction.

The concept of "relative deprivation," where satisfaction is measured not in absolute terms but relative to others, could explain the disgruntlement of the first workers despite receiving a fair wage.

Commentaries

• William Barclay: Barclay notes that the early Christians interpreted this parable as referring to the Jews and Gentiles, with the Jews, being the first workers and Gentiles the later ones, both receiving the same salvation through Jesus.
• John Calvin: Calvin points out that the irritation of those hired first is like the attitude of those who, having borne the burden in God's service, cannot tolerate newcomers receiving equal grace and privileges.
• **R.T.

France**: France emphasizes that the landowner's actions in the parable are legal (upholding the agreed upon wage) but surprising and radically generous, thus illustrating God's own graciousness and the unexpected ways of His grace.

• Craig Keener: Keener suggests that the parable urges disciples not to resent latecomers to God's grace and the kingdom, such as Gentiles or recent converts.