Matthew 20:9
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
when they came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
when they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 10
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
that were hired about
G4012
περὶ
that were hired about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 10
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 #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλαβον
they received
G2983
ἔλαβον
they received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
8 of 10
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Historical Context
A denarius could purchase approximately 10-12 loaves of bread, barely adequate for a laborer's family. First-century audiences would recognize that receiving a full day's wage for one hour's work was extraordinary generosity. This parable challenged Jewish assumptions that covenant longevity and Torah obedience earned proportionally greater reward, anticipating Gentile inclusion on equal terms through faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the full denarius given to eleventh-hour workers challenge your intuitive sense of fairness, and what does that reveal about residual merit-based thinking?
- What does this verse teach about the sufficiency of salvation—that those who believe at life's end receive full eternal life, not a diminished version?
- In what ways does this parable confront spiritual pride in long-time believers who view themselves as more deserving than recent converts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny (καὶ ἐλθόντες οἱ περὶ τὴν ἑνδεκάτην ὥραν ἔλαβον ἀνὰ δηνάριον, kai elthontes hoi peri tēn hendekatēn hōran elabon ana dēnarion)—The denarius (δηνάριον, dēnarion) was a full day's wage for agricultural labor, sufficient for a family's daily needs. The eleventh-hour workers receive not a proportional fraction (one-twelfth of a day's pay) but full recompense, illustrating grace's scandalous generosity.
This payment reveals a crucial theological principle: Kingdom reward is not wages earned but gift received. The verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, to receive) emphasizes receptivity, not achievement. These workers model salvation by grace—those who contribute least yet receive full covenant blessing through trusting the master's righteousness (v. 7). Their one-hour labor pictures faith's minimal contribution compared to grace's infinite provision.