Matthew 20:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 20:5
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Chapter Context
Matthew 20 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, discipleship, truth. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 20:5
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?