Matthew 20:6

Authorized King James Version

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
περὶ
about
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἑνδεκάτην
the eleventh
eleventh
#5
ὥραν
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἐξελθὼν
he went out
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#7
εὗρεν
and found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἄλλους
others
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#9
ἑστήκατε
stand ye
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἀργοί
idle
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#13
αὖτοῖς
unto 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
#14
Τί
Why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#15
ὧδε
here
in this same spot, i.e., here or hither
#16
ἑστήκατε
stand ye
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#17
ὅλην
all
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἡμέραν
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
ἀργοί
idle
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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