What does Matthew 20:5 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:5 refers to a parable Jesus tells about a landowner who went out to hire workers for his vineyard.

The verse indicates that the landowner went out multiple times throughout the day to hire more laborers.

The "sixth" and "ninth hour" are times of the day according to the Jewish method of timekeeping, which means the landowner went out around midday (the sixth hour, approximately 12:00 noon) and mid-afternoon (the ninth hour, approximately 3:00 PM) respectively.

In the story, every time the landowner goes out, he finds more people standing idle in the marketplace and hires them, promising to pay them what is right.

The deeper meaning behind this verse is often seen as a representation of God's grace and the kingdom of heaven, where the timing of an individual's entry into the faith (early or late in life) does not affect the grace bestowed upon them.

All workers, regardless of their start time, receive equal pay, symbolizing that all believers will receive the same reward of eternal life regardless of the length or timing of their service.

Historical Context

The parable of the workers in the vineyard, including Matthew 20:5, occurs in a first-century Jewish context, where laborers would be hired daily to work in agricultural fields.

Workers would gather in the marketplace early in the morning to be hired for the day's work.

This would have been a familiar scene to Jesus' original audience and effectively illustrated the generosity and inclusiveness of God's call.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer various insights regarding this verse.

From a Calvinist viewpoint, this passage may be seen as an illustration of the doctrine of election, where the timing and the order of being called are at the discretion of God’s sovereign will.

An Arminian perspective may focus more on the human response to God's call, regardless of the hour.

Catholic theology might emphasize the universal call to holiness and the equal dignity all have within the Church, regardless of status or vocation longevity.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Matthew 20:5 can encourage individuals to respond to their calling at any stage in their lives, emphasizing that it is never too late to begin working for God's kingdom.

It also challenges those who have been faithful for a long time not to be resentful or jealous of latecomers but to rejoice in the inclusivity of God's grace.

Cross-References

• Matthew 20:1-16 - This entire section includes the parable of the workers in the vineyard.
• Matthew 22:14 - "For many are called, but few are chosen."
• Romans 9:15-16 - "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 the phrase "περὶ δὲ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν ἐξελθὼν ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως" with keywords being "ἕκτην" (sixth), "ἐνάτην" (ninth), and "ὡσαύτως" (likewise).

The word "ὡσαύτως" is pivotal as it communicates that the landowner's actions were consistent throughout the day.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The parable of the vineyard workers has similarities with other cultural stories that illustrate generosity or the unexpected reversal of fortunes.

Many ancient cultures have myths that include gods or lords acting in ways that disrupt societal norms or expectations, offering grace or favor in ways that do not line up with human efforts or status.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly interact with scientific perspectives, the concept of fairness and equity mirrored in the parable can relate to studies in human psychology.

Social science explores how human beings understand fairness and reward systems, which is a key element of the parable's message.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied interpretations of this passage.

John Calvin saw this parable as illustrative of the sovereignty of God in dispensing His grace.

William Barclay notes that it teaches the truth that the last will be first, and the first last, as God's ways are not ours.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes that the parable teaches about the generosity of God and is not a commentary on social justice or labor practices.