Matthew 20:3

Authorized King James Version

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And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξελθὼν he went out G1831
ἐξελθὼν he went out
Strong's: G1831
Word #: 2 of 13
to issue (literally or figuratively)
περὶ about G4012
περὶ about
Strong's: G4012
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτην the third G5154
τρίτην the third
Strong's: G5154
Word #: 5 of 13
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ὥραν hour G5610
ὥραν hour
Strong's: G5610
Word #: 6 of 13
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
εἶδεν and saw G1492
εἶδεν and saw
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 7 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἄλλους others G243
ἄλλους others
Strong's: G243
Word #: 8 of 13
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
ἑστῶτας standing G2476
ἑστῶτας standing
Strong's: G2476
Word #: 9 of 13
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 10 of 13
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγορᾷ the marketplace G58
ἀγορᾷ the marketplace
Strong's: G58
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare
ἀργούς idle G692
ἀργούς idle
Strong's: G692
Word #: 13 of 13
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

Historical Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

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