Matthew 20:2

Authorized King James Version

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
συμφωνήσας
when he had agreed
to be harmonious, i.e., (figuratively) to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#4
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐργατῶν
the labourers
a toiler; figuratively, a teacher
#6
ἐκ
for
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
δηναρίου
a penny
a denarius (or ten asses)
#8
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἡμέραν
a 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
#10
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#11
αὐτοῦ
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
#12
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀμπελῶνα
vineyard
a vineyard
#15
αὐτοῦ
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

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

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

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