Matthew 20:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 20:7
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Chapter Context
Matthew 20 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, salvation, discipleship. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 20:7
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Analysis
Because no man hath hired us (ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἡμᾶς ἐμισθώσατο, hoti oudeis hēmas emisthōsato)—The workers' response exonerates them from charges of laziness; they were available but overlooked. The verb μισθόω (misthoō, to hire) indicates contractual employment. Their exclusion was not moral failure but lack of opportunity—a situation mirroring Gentiles and sinners who stood outside Israel's covenant privileges through birth, not choice.
Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive (ὑπάγετε καὶ ὑμεῖς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα, hupagete kai humeis eis ton ampelōna)—The master sends them without specifying wages, asking only for trust in his justice. The phrase whatsoever is right (ὃ ἐὰν ᾖ δίκαιον, ho ean ē dikaion) appeals to his character, not contract. This represents salvation by grace through faith: those who trust God's righteousness receive beyond merit. The eleventh-hour workers model faith that works without guaranteed reward.
Historical Context
The master's willingness to hire workers with only one hour remaining defied economic logic but demonstrated covenant loyalty (hesed). In Jewish understanding, the vineyard often symbolized Israel (Isa. 5:1-7). Jesus expands this imagery: God's vineyard includes eleventh-hour laborers—Gentiles, sinners, and outcasts—who trust His justice without prior covenant standing or merit.
Reflection
- How does the workers' reason for unemployment challenge our assumptions about those outside the church being morally deficient rather than circumstantially excluded?
- What does the master's invitation to work without specifying wages teach about faith's nature as trust in God's character rather than contractual guarantee?
- In what ways does this verse comfort those who feel they've wasted years in unbelief and wonder if late-life conversion can be meaningful?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 6:10