What does Matthew 20:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 20:14 comes at the conclusion of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.

In this story, a landowner hires laborers at various times throughout the day.

In the evening, when it is time to pay the workers, those who were hired last receive the same wage as those who were hired first.

When the first-hired workers complain about receiving the same pay as those who worked less, the landowner responds with the verse in question.

The literal meaning is that the landowner has the right to do what he wants with his own money and is choosing to be generous to the last workers.

A deeper interpretation is that the landowner (representing God) is showing that His grace and rewards are not dependent on our human ideas of fairness or the amount of work done but on His own generosity and mercy.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a Jewish milieu in the first century, a time when early Christianity was emerging from Judaism. Parables like this one were not uncommon in Jewish tradition.

However, Jesus used them in a revolutionary way to convey the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. The historical audience would have understood the labor market and daily hiring practices of agricultural workers, making the story relate closely to their own experiences.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations and theologians interpret this verse in various ways.

A common interpretation aligns with the concept of divine grace , that salvation and God's blessings are given according to God's mercy, not based on human works or merit.

Another view might stress the sovereign will of God, who freely chooses how to dispense His blessings.

Additionally, some may see this as a commentary on the last being first in the kingdom of God, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life as a lesson in humility and contentment. It challenges individuals to rejoice in the blessings of others and to trust in God's fairness, even when it seems to contradict human standards.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we receive and to avoid comparing ourselves to others.

In a broader context, this verse calls for a generous spirit and the fair treatment of all people, regardless of when they come to the ‘vineyard’, or community.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:30 - "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
• Romans 9:15 - "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
• 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 original Greek text uses specific words that carry deeper meanings:

• "Take" (λαβὲ, labe): implies receiving what is due.
• "Thine is" (ὃ σόν ἐστιν, ho son estin): refers to the agreement or what belongs to the person by prior arrangement.
• "Go thy way" (ὕπαγε, hypage): a dismissal that can be neutral or carry a slight tone of rebuke.
• "I will give" (θέλω δοῦναι, thelo dounai): reflects the landowner’s (or God’s) volition or desire.
• "This last" (τῷ ἐσχάτῳ, to eschato): refers to the last hired, which could symbolize latecomers to faith.

The choice of words emphasizes the landowner's sovereignty and freedom in dispensing his resources.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman literature, there are fables that illustrate similar themes of generosity and justice, such as Aesop's Fables.

However, the unique aspect of Jesus' parable is its connection to divine grace which contrasts with cultural norms of fairness. Other religious traditions emphasize karma or merit-based rewards, but the Christian narrative here focuses on grace that defies meritocracy.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, the verse engages with topics such as social psychology and economics, particularly concerning human fairness and equity perception.

Behavioral economists might explore how human beings respond to wage inequality and the concept of equity theory.

However, as the verse deals with divine grace rather than human justice systems, it is less directly connected to scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Commentators from various traditions have approached this parable and verse with differing emphasis:

• John Calvin highlighted God's sovereignty and the idea that what seems unfair to humans might still be justice in God's eyes.
• William Barclay suggested that the parable teaches about the equal opportunity of all people to enter the Kingdom, regardless of their background or life's duration.
• **R.T.

France** emphasized the surprising generosity of the landowner as a characteristic of God's dealings with humanity.

• Douglas Hare pointed out that the grumbling workers symbolize those who feel superior because of their religious heritage or early arrival in the faith, while the generous landowner represents God's grace to all.