Matthew 20:10
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλθόντες
came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρῶτοι
when the first
G4413
πρῶτοι
when the first
Strong's:
G4413
Word #:
4 of 14
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
ἐνόμισαν
they supposed
G3543
ἐνόμισαν
they supposed
Strong's:
G3543
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πλεῖονα
more
G4119
πλεῖονα
more
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
7 of 14
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοί
G846
αὐτοί
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
This parable addressed Jewish believers struggling with Gentile inclusion in the early church on equal terms without Torah observance. The early-hired workers represent Israel's covenant longevity and Torah faithfulness, which seemed devalued when eleventh-hour Gentiles received full Kingdom citizenship through faith alone. Paul addresses this identical tension in Romans 9-11.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the first workers' discontent reveal that comparison with others is the death of gratitude and contentment?
- What does this verse teach about how witnessing grace to others can expose our functional belief in merit-based salvation?
- In what ways might long-time Christians, like these early workers, view grace to new converts or notorious sinners as somehow cheapening their own faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more (καὶ ἐλθόντες οἱ πρῶτοι ἐνόμισαν ὅτι πλεῖον λήμψονται, kai elthontes hoi prōtoi enomisan hoti pleion lēmpsontai)—The verb νομίζω (nomizō, to suppose, assume) indicates expectation based on human reasoning, not the master's promise. They had contracted for a denarius (v. 2), yet witnessing grace to others birthed covetousness. Their assumption of more (πλεῖον, pleion, greater quantity) reveals merit-based thinking: if one hour earns full pay, twelve hours should earn twelve-fold reward.
And they likewise received every man a penny (ἔλαβον καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀνὰ δηνάριον, elabon kai autoi ana dēnarion)—The master keeps his word exactly, neither more nor less. The early workers receive precisely what was promised, yet their response shifts from contentment to resentment. Grace shown to others didn't diminish their reward but exposed their hearts. This mirrors the elder brother's response to the prodigal's return (Luke 15:25-32)—years of faithful service reframed as joyless duty when grace is extended to the undeserving.