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Matthew 20

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.

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

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

And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

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?

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.

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.

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

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.

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

What does Matthew 20:33 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:33 has a straightforward literal interpretation.

Two blind men have approached Jesus, calling him "Lord," which signifies respect and recognition of his authority.

Their request, "that our eyes may be opened," is an appeal for healing from their physical blindness.

These men had faith that Jesus had the power to restore their sight.

Beyond the literal meaning, this verse speaks to themes of faith, transformation, and spiritual enlightenment.

The act of restoring physical sight symbolizes the broader concept of receiving spiritual insight and enlightenment through Jesus.

The blind men's acknowledgment of Jesus as "Lord" implies that they not only sought physical healing but also recognized Jesus's spiritual authority and possibly desired a deeper, spiritual connection.

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Historical Context

This verse is located in the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

Matthew, traditionally believed to have been written by one of Jesus’s disciples, was likely composed between 80 to 110 AD and addresses a primarily Jewish audience.

During the time of Jesus, blindness was a common affliction, often leaving individuals marginalized from society.

Miracle stories, like the healing of the blind, were significant because they demonstrated Jesus's compassion and his power, affirming his divine nature to both contemporary and later audiences.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the blind men's recognition of Jesus as "Lord" and their request can be seen as acts of faith.

Traditional Christian interpretation holds that faith in Jesus's identity as the Son of God and as the Messiah is a precondition for receiving his blessings and miracles.

The story joins other healing narratives that demonstrate Jesus's power over physical ailments, which many Christian theologians argue foreshadow his power over spiritual blindness or sin.

Some Christian denominations also consider this verse in the context of justification by faith, wherein the men’s faith in Jesus leads to their healing, analogous to spiritual salvation obtained through belief in Jesus.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are varied and numerous. It can inspire individuals to approach challenges with faith and to trust in a higher power for assistance.

In a more general sense, it encourages seeking help and acknowledging that sometimes change or healing comes through external intervention or community support.

Additionally, the verse can be used to encourage compassion and assistance to those who are in need, as Jesus demonstrated through his actions. It also resonates with the theme of always remaining open to newfound clarity, insight, and enlightenment.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:27-30: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us...And their eyes were opened."
Mark 10:51-52: "And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight...And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."
Luke 18:41-42: "Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee."

Language Study

The key phrase, "that our eyes may be opened" in Greek is "ἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν ἡμῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί" (hina anoigōsin hēmōn hoi ophthalmoi).

The word "ἀνοιγῶσιν" (anoigōsin) is a form of "ἀνοίγω" (anoigo), meaning 'to open'.

This can refer to the physical act of opening, but metaphorically it is also used for understanding or enlightenment. "ὀφθαλμοί" (ophthalmoi) translates to 'eyes', and in this context, it refers to the physical eyes, yet it can also symbolize spiritual or inner vision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Healing of the blind is a motif that appears in various religious traditions.

In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Horus had his eyes restored, symbolizing healing and protection.

In Hinduism, enlightenment is often likened to the opening of the spiritual "third eye," which allows for divine sight and understanding.

In the cultural context of the Hellenistic world where various philosophical groups, like the Stoics and the Epicureans, discussed the concept of spiritual enlightenment, the metaphorical use of sight and blindness pertained to wisdom and ignorance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, while miracles such as those described in the Bible are not substantiated by empirical data or scientific methodology, the desire for healing and transformation is a fundamental human experience.

Modern medicine seeks to restore sight through various means, such as surgery, medication, or assistive technology, though it operates within the realms of natural laws and understandings.

Psychologically, the appeal "that our eyes may be opened" is reflective of a basic human aspiration towards self-improvement and the expansion of consciousness, which can be studied and understood through psychological and cognitive sciences.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered varying perspectives on Matthew 20:33.

Some view the text as a straightforward historical account meant to demonstrate Jesus's miracles. Others interpret the healing as a sign pointing to Jesus's messianic identity, fulfilling prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures about the Messiah's healing abilities.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the blind men's confidence and directness in asking for help provides a model for Christian prayer - coming to Jesus knowing he has the ability to aid.

The Expositor's Greek Testament emphasizes the significance of faith seen in the blind men addressing Jesus as Lord before their sight is restored, implying a recognition of his messianic role.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 20:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?