Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:16

What does Matthew 20:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:16 means

The concluding statement, "So the last shall be first, and the first last," summarizes the profound reversal of values illustrated by the parable. It teaches that God's kingdom operates on principles contrary to human expectations of merit and reward. Those who appear least deserving by human standards may receive abundant grace, while those who expect greater reward based on their perceived worth may find themselves humbled. This highlights God's sovereignty in salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So the last shall be first, and the first last.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So the last shall be first, and the first last.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So the last will be first, and the first last.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

So the last shall be first, and the first last, for many are called, and few chosen.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So shall the last be first and the first last. For many are called but few chosen.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus shall the last be first, and the first last; for many are called ones, but few chosen ones.

Context

This verse serves as the concluding summary of the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, drawing a clear theological application from the householder's actions and words. It directly follows the householder's explanation of his generosity, encapsulating the lesson of God's sovereign dispensing of grace. This proverb prepares the reader for the subsequent sections of the chapter, particularly the disciples' continued misunderstanding of true greatness.

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

v.16This passage

v.17And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,

Cross references

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

  • Luke 13:28

    There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without.

  • John 12:19

    The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing; lo, the world is gone after him.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  • Luke 7:47

    Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

  • Matthew 8:11

    And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

  • Romans 8:30

    and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

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