Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:4

What does Matthew 20:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:4 means

The householder's invitation to these later workers, with the promise "whatsoever is right I will give you," introduces a different kind of agreement—one based on trust rather than a fixed wage. These laborers, having been idle, readily accept the offer, indicating their need and willingness to work. This contrasts with the explicit agreement made with the first group, subtly hinting at the varying terms of service and the householder's sovereign discretion in compensation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Go into the vine-garden with the others, and whatever is right I will give you. And they went to work.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to these he said, Go ye--also ye--to the vineyard, and whatever may be righteous I will give you;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and to them he said, Go also ye into the vineyard, and whatsoever may be just I will give you. And they went their way.

Context

Following the householder's observation of idle workers at the third hour, this verse details his offer to them. Unlike the first group, a specific wage is not stated, which becomes a key point of comparison later in the parable. This immediate acceptance by the workers sets up the expectation of their participation, further building the elements for the final payout scene.

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

v.4This passage

v.5Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

  • 1 Peter 4:2

    that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  • Titus 3:8

    Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • 1 Timothy 1:12

    I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service;

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 20

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 20.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 20:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary