Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:13

What does Matthew 20:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:13 means

The householder's calm response addresses the legal and moral aspects of their complaint. He reminds the complaining laborer of their initial agreement for a shilling, asserting that he has done him "no wrong." By upholding the original contract, the householder demonstrates that he has fulfilled his obligation, shifting the focus from perceived injustice to the clear terms settled upon at the start of the day.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he in answer said to one of them, Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not make an agreement with me for a penny?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And he answering said to one of them, Comrade, I do no unrighteousness to thee; for a denary didst not thou agree with me?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answering said to one of them: friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answering said to one of them, [My] friend, I do not wrong thee. Didst thou not agree with me for a denarius?

Context

This verse presents the householder's direct response to the murmuring worker, following the articulation of their complaint. His answer immediately appeals to the initial agreement, deflecting the accusation of injustice on a contractual basis. This sets the stage for his further explanation, moving beyond the legalistic argument to a discussion of his sovereign will and goodness.

v.12saying, These last have spent but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.

v.13This passage

v.14Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 18:25

    That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

  • Matthew 22:12

    and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

  • Job 34:17

    Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous and mighty?—

  • Job 34:8

    Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men?

  • Romans 9:14

    What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

  • Job 40:8

    Wilt thou even annul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be justified?

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