Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:5

What does Matthew 20:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:5 means

The householder's repeated visits to the marketplace at the "sixth and the ninth hour" (around noon and 3 PM) emphasize his persistent need for workers and his continued effort to employ those who are idle. This reiterates the pattern of staggered hiring, reinforcing the idea that not all laborers begin their work at the same time. The consistent action of the householder underscores his commitment to filling his vineyard.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they went away. `Again, having gone forth about the sixth and the ninth hour, he did in like manner.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Again, having gone out about the sixth and ninth hour, he did likewise.

Context

This verse continues the sequence of the householder hiring additional workers at different points throughout the day. It reinforces the pattern established in the previous verses, showing that a significant portion of the day passes with workers being brought into the vineyard over time. This ongoing hiring is essential for the parable's conclusion, where the payment structure will be revealed.

v.4and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

v.5This passage

v.6And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

Cross references

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

  • John 11:9

    Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

  • Matthew 27:45

    Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

  • Mark 15:33

    And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

  • Acts 10:3

    He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius.

  • Luke 23:44

    And it was now about the sixth hour, and a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour,

  • Joshua 24:2

    And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor: and they served other gods.

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 20:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary