What does Matthew 20:6 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 20:6, part of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, describes a householder going out at the eleventh hour, or late in the day, to find additional laborers standing idle in the marketplace.

When he asks them why they haven't been working all day, they reply that they have not been hired.

This parable, related by Jesus, uses a vineyard as a metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven and highlights God's grace in offering salvation to all, regardless of the time of their life they come to believe.

The late hiring of workers at the eleventh hour can be seen as an allegorical representation of the inclusiveness of God's grace.

It suggests that even those who come to faith later in life or those who feel they have been overlooked will still receive the same reward and acceptance in the kingdom of Heaven as those who have labored for it from the beginning.

Historical Context

Matthew 20:6 is set in first-century Judea. In the agrarian society of Jesus' time, landowners often needed extra workers to harvest crops, and it was common to go to the market square to hire day laborers. These laborers needed employment each day to earn enough for their daily bread.

The concept of "the eleventh hour" is understood to mean very late in the day, just before the end of the workday, which was typically sundown.

This parable is part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples. It would have been particularly striking to them and to Matthew's early Christian audience because it stressed God's unexpected generosity and challenged prevailing notions about long-standing observance and latecomers to faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there are varied interpretations of this parable:

• Grace and Equality: Many theologians interpret the parable as demonstrating God's grace, which is given freely and equally, regardless of when one comes to faith.
• Last and First: The parable speaks to Jesus' idea that "the last will be first, and the first last," suggesting a reversal of worldly expectations in the kingdom of Heaven.
• Gentiles and Jews: Some interpret the parable as reflecting the tension between early Jewish Christians who had long awaited the Messiah and Gentile converts who were new to the faith.
• Warning Against Envy: The parable also serves as a warning against envy and resentment for those who may feel they deserve more because of their early commitment or greater service.

Practical Applications

The verse can be applied in daily life in various ways:

• Inclusivity: It encourages inclusiveness and acceptance of latecomers or newcomers in various settings, such as workplaces, communities, and churches.
• Generosity: It teaches generosity and forgiveness.

One should not begrudge the late success or conversion of others.

• Reevaluation of Fairness: It challenges believers to reconsider human notions of fairness in light of divine grace.
• Work Ethic: It might also inspire a strong work ethic, reminding individuals that it is never too late to start working towards a goal or to change one's life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 20:1-16 - The entire Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, which provides context and the surprising conclusion wherein each worker, regardless of start time, is paid the same wage.
• Matthew 19:30 - "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
• Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
• 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 key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Eleventh hour" (ἕνδεκατη ὥρα, hendekatē hōra): Literally refers to the eleventh hour of the daylight hours, which, according to Jewish timekeeping, would be around 5:00 PM.
• "Idle" (ἀργοί, argoi): This word can mean being inactive, lazy, or unemployed.

Here, it emphasizes the state of not being engaged in work.

• "Marketplace" (ἀγορά, agora): Refers to the town square or central area where goods were sold and day laborers sought work.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar motifs of late acceptance or the last being first can be found in various myths and religious stories:

• Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita discusses how all paths can lead to salvation, suggesting inclusivity.
• Buddhism: Many stories highlight the possibility of attaining enlightenment in this life regardless of past actions, akin to being hired at the eleventh hour.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse is theological and metaphorical rather than scientific, it touches indirectly on concepts relevant to psychology, such as motivation, fairness, and group dynamics.

Psychological studies on perceived fairness and equity, as well as on the human tendency toward envy or the "just-world hypothesis," might offer a fascinating modern dialogue with the parable's ancient social teaching.

commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 20:6 offer various insights:

• William Barclay notes the generous nature of the landowner akin to God's unlimited grace.
• John Calvin points out God's sovereignty in offering salvation, emphasizing it's never too late for repentance.
• Matthew Henry interprets it as a representation of the Jews (the first workers) and the Gentiles (the last workers), with everyone having access to God's grace.
• Robert H.

Mounce states that the parable teaches the principle of equal access to salvation, rather than equal reward for service.

• Craig S.

Keener suggests that the idea may reflect the patron-client relationship in the ancient world, where the patrons were expected to be generous.