Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:2

What does Matthew 20:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:2 means

The agreement between the householder and the first group of laborers for a specific wage—a shilling a day—establishes a clear contractual arrangement. This detail is crucial for the parable's unfolding, as it sets a standard against which later actions will be measured. It also reflects, in a practical way, the common economic practices of the time, making the parable relatable to its original audience. The explicit agreement lays the groundwork for the workers' later grievances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had made an agreement with the workmen for a penny a day, he sent them into his vine-garden.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having agreed with the workmen for a denary a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having agreed with the workmen for a denarius the day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Context

Following the introduction of the householder and his intention to hire, this verse details the initial contract made with the first group of laborers. This sets a baseline expectation for payment, which will be contrasted with the experience of later-hired workers. This contractual agreement is key to understanding the workers' complaints later in the parable and the householder's justification of his actions.

v.1For 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.

v.2This passage

v.3And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 3:6

    And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

  • Exodus 19:5

    Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:

  • Ecclesiastes 12:1

    Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

  • Matthew 22:19

    Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius.

  • 1 Kings 18:12

    And it will come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of Jehovah will carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he will slay me: but I thy servant fear Jehovah from my youth.

  • Deuteronomy 5:27

    Go thou near, and hear all that Jehovah our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that Jehovah our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

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