Matthew 20:12

Authorized King James Version

Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγοντες
G3004
Saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#3
Οὗτοι
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#4
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἔσχατοι
G2078
last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#6
μίαν
G1520
one
#7
ὥραν
G5610
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἐποίησας
G4160
have wrought
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἴσους
G2470
equal
similar (in amount and kind)
#11
ἡμῖν
G2254
unto us
to (or for, with, by) us
#12
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#13
ἐποίησας
G4160
have wrought
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#14
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βαστάσασιν
G941
have borne
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
#16
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βάρος
G922
the burden
weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority
#18
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἡμέρας
G2250
of the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
καύσωνα
G2742
heat
a glare

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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