Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:1

What does Matthew 20:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:1 means

This verse introduces the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, likening the "kingdom of heaven" to a householder who hires workers. The imagery of a vineyard immediately brings to mind God's people, often depicted as a vineyard in the Old Testament. The householder's early morning hiring sets the stage for a story about work, payment, and ultimately, God's surprising generosity. It highlights the divine initiative in calling people to His service at various stages of life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a house, who went out early in the morning to get workers into his vine-garden.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`For the reign of the heavens is like to a man, a householder, who went forth with the morning to hire workmen for his vineyard,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the kingdom of the heavens is like a householder who went out with the early morn to hire workmen for his vineyard.

Context

This verse begins the first major section of Matthew 20, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. It immediately follows chapter 19, where Jesus had just spoken about the difficulty of a rich man entering the kingdom and the reward for those who sacrifice for Him. This parable serves to clarify the nature of God's rewards and challenge human assumptions about fairness, setting the stage for the following verses that detail the staggered hiring.

v.1This passage

v.2And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 9:37

    Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

  • Matthew 13:24

    Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:

  • Matthew 13:33

    Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

  • Matthew 13:47

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

  • Matthew 13:44

    The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

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