Matthew 20:5
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
Again
G3825
πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 9
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
περὶ
about
G4012
περὶ
about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
In first-century agrarian Palestine, the marketplace served as a labor exchange where landless workers gathered hoping for day-wage employment. Harvest time was urgent—grapes had to be picked quickly before spoiling. The master's multiple trips reflect a large harvest requiring maximum labor. This parable's original hearers would recognize the urgency and the master's generosity in continuing to hire when the workday was substantially completed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the master's repeated seeking challenge the notion that God's call comes once and, if rejected, is withdrawn permanently?
- What does the varying hours of hiring teach about God's sovereignty in calling people at different life stages or historical periods?
- In what ways does this parable encourage those who came to faith later in life or feel they've wasted years outside Kingdom service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour (πάλιν ἐξελθὼν περὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν, palin exelthōn peri hektēn kai enatēn hōran)—The master's repeated going out (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai) emphasizes his active, persistent seeking of laborers. The sixth hour (noon) and ninth hour (3 PM) represent half-day and late-afternoon hirings, still offering substantial work time. Each successive hiring represents God's ongoing invitation throughout redemptive history.
And did likewise (ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως, epoiēsen hōsautōs)—The master's consistent pattern of seeking workers demonstrates divine persistence in calling people into Kingdom labor. This repetition underscores grace's initiative: God doesn't wait passively for workers to find Him but actively seeks them in the marketplace. The varying hours represent different life stages or historical epochs when God calls individuals to His service—childhood, youth, middle age, or even life's final hour.