Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:14

What does Matthew 20:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:14 means

The householder tells the disgruntled laborer to "Take up that which is thine, and go thy way," reinforcing that the agreed-upon wage has been paid. His declaration, "it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee," is central to the parable's meaning. It asserts his sovereign right to be generous with his own resources, regardless of human expectations of proportionality. This emphasizes grace over strict merit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Take what is yours, and go away; it is my pleasure to give to this last, even as to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

take that which is thine, and go; and I will to give to this, the last, also as to thee;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Take what is thine and go. But it is my will to give to this last even as to thee:

Context

Following the householder's reminder of the initial agreement, this verse further clarifies his position. He dismisses the worker, affirming his right to dispense his own money as he sees fit. This statement is a powerful assertion of the householder's sovereignty, directly addressing the core of the workers' complaint and setting the stage for the profound theological implications of the parable.

v.13But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling?

v.14This passage

v.15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 16:25

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Romans 3:4

    God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.

  • John 17:2

    even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

  • Matthew 6:16

    Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

  • Matthew 6:6

    But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

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