Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:7

What does Matthew 20:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:7 means

The idle laborers' response, "Because no man hath hired us," reveals their involuntary unemployment rather than a lack of desire to work. They were available and willing but lacked opportunity. The householder's directive, "Go ye also into the vineyard," underscores his compassionate desire to provide work even to those who have been overlooked or who have had limited chances throughout the day.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They say to him, Because no man has given us work. He says to them, Go in with the rest, into the vine-garden.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

they say to him, Because no one did hire us; he saith to them, Go ye--ye also--to the vineyard, and whatever may be righteous ye shall receive.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go ye also into my vineyard.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They say to him, Because no man has hired us. He says to them, Go also ye into the vineyard [and whatsoever may be just ye shall receive].

Context

This verse presents the reason for the eleventh-hour laborers' idleness and the householder's subsequent action. Their inability to find work provides a sympathetic backdrop to their situation, making the householder's offer even more gracious. This exchange directly leads to their participation in the vineyard, setting the stage for the surprising payment at the end of the day.

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?

v.7This passage

v.8And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 14:21

    And the servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor and maimed and blind and lame.

  • Romans 16:25

    Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

  • Hebrews 6:10

    for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

  • Matthew 22:9

    Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast.

  • Ephesians 6:8

    knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

  • Colossians 1:26

    even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

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