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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 20:34 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:34 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible that describes a miraculous healing performed by Jesus Christ.

The verse recounts Jesus' act of compassion towards two blind men who sought his help.

When Jesus encounters these men, he is moved by compassion and touches their eyes, resulting in immediate restoration of their sight.

This act of healing demonstrates Jesus' divine power and his willingness to help those in need.

On a deeper level, the verse signifies the restoration of spiritual sight, enabling individuals to recognize and follow Jesus as the Messiah.

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Historical Context

The verse is situated towards the end of Jesus' ministry, just before his entry into Jerusalem, which ultimately leads to his crucifixion and resurrection.

The healing of the blind men is recorded as one of the many miracles Jesus performed.

During the historical period in which this was written, blindness was a common ailment due to the lack of advanced medical care, and those afflicted with it were often marginalized in society.

Miracles such as this were significant not only for the physical healing they provided but also as signs of the coming kingdom of God that Jesus preached.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this episode of healing in Matthew 20:34 reflects several key aspects.

Firstly, it exemplifies Jesus' messianic role and his authority over physical ailments, which is consistent with Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would perform such signs.

Secondly, it illustrates Jesus' compassion, which is central to his character and teachings.

Thirdly, scholars often interpret this healing as symbolic of spiritual enlightenment, where the blind receiving sight is analogous to sinners receiving salvation through Christ.

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this verse when considering the nature of Jesus' miracles and their significance for faith.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages individuals to show compassion and provide assistance to those in need, emulating Jesus' example. It promotes the value of empathy in interactions with others, especially with people who are disadvantaged or suffering.

Additionally, it offers hope for personal transformation and healing, suggesting that faith in Jesus can lead to profound changes in a person's life both physically and spiritually.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:27-31: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us."
Mark 10:46-52: "[...] Jesus had compassion on him, and took him by the hand, and made him whole."
Luke 18:35-43: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Language Study

In the verse, key phrases such as "had compassion" and "touched their eyes" are significant.

"Had compassion" translates from the Greek word "ἐσπλαγχνίσθη" (esplagchnisthē), which means to be moved with compassion or to feel sympathy deeply, reflecting the depth of Jesus' empathy.

The word for "touched" in Greek is "ἥψατο" (hēpsato), indicating physical contact which in this context imparts healing power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, themes of deity figures performing miraculous healings are common.

For instance, Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, was believed to offer cures to the blind.

In terms of religious interpretations, Hebrew scriptures often reference the act of God opening the eyes of the blind as both a literal and metaphoric act, showing both physical restoration and enlightenment as hallmarks of divine intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the immediate restoration of sight as described in Matthew 20:34 does not align with contemporary medical knowledge of healing, which understands such processes typically take time and intervention.

The instantaneous nature of the healing performed by Jesus points to a supernatural event beyond current scientific explanation, as most treatments for blindness require medical procedures that certainly were not available at that time.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators interpret Matthew 20:34 with insights into the historical, cultural, and spiritual facets of the text.

For instance, Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the mercy and power of Christ in the healing, while also highlighting the faith of the blind men as an essential part of the narrative.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the symbolism of the miracle as a sign of Messianic identity and the inauguration of God's kingdom.

Contemporary theologians may focus on the demonstration of Jesus' divinity and the holistic approach to healing (both physical and spiritual) that the verse suggests.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:34 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 20:34 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?