Matthew 20:11
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Original Language Analysis
λαβόντες
when they had received
G2983
λαβόντες
when they had received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
1 of 6
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 6
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Historical Context
Murmuring (γογγυσμός, gongusmos) was Israel's characteristic sin in the wilderness, expressing distrust of God's provision and character. Jesus's original audience would hear echoes of their ancestors' faithlessness. The parable confronts first-century Jewish believers tempted to resent God's grace to Gentiles and sinners, viewing it as injustice rather than mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does murmuring reveal that the root sin is not merely ingratitude but theological objection to God's character and sovereign grace?
- What does this verse teach about the danger of long-term religious service breeding entitlement rather than deepening dependence on grace?
- In what ways do you find yourself murmuring against God when He blesses others in ways that seem disproportionate or undeserved?
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Analysis & Commentary
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house (λαβόντες δὲ ἐγόγγυζον κατὰ τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου, labontes de egonguzon kata tou oikodespotou)—The verb γογγύζω (gonguzō, to murmur, grumble) is the same used for Israel's wilderness complaints against God (Exod. 16:7-8, LXX). Their murmuring is not against fellow workers but against the goodman (κατὰ τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου, kata tou oikodespotou), the master of the house. This exposes the heart issue: their quarrel is with God's sovereign grace, not merely wage distribution.
The tragedy is that when they had received it (λαβόντες, labontes)—having obtained precisely what was promised—they complain. Receipt of covenant blessing doesn't guarantee a grace-shaped heart. Like the Pharisees who resented Jesus eating with sinners (Luke 15:2), these workers reveal that long tenure can breed entitlement rather than gratitude. Their murmuring demonstrates that time served doesn't automatically produce mature faith.