Matthew 20:6-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

The labourers in the vineyard. This parable is one from which we are liable to draw some erroneous inferences unless we mentally hold it in strict connection with the circumstances in which it was originally spoken. When the rich young man turned away sorrowful, our Lord, sympathizing with the severity of his temptation, said, "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." Peter, seeing that he thus appreciated the difficulty of giving up property and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

The astonishment of precedence. The text of this parable is found in the last verse of the preceding chapter. The words are repeated as the conclusion of its argument ( Matthew 20:16 ). Hence the critics say the last verse of Matthew 19:1-30 ought to have been the first of Matthew 20:1-34 . Yet the last verse of Matthew 19:1-30 is evidently connected with Christ's discourse upon the case of the ruler. Note— I. THAT PRECEDENCE IS ASTONISHED IN GOD 'S GIFTS AND ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:6

The eleventh hour; the hour before sunset, say about 5 p.m., leaving only one hour for work, when it would be most unusual to engage labourers. Idle . The word is omitted in some manuscripts. There is some reproach in the master's question. Where were they earlier in the day, when he was hiring labourers for his vineyard? Why were they not in the marketplace, like their comrades, looking out for employment? Such questions, like many, others in the parable, are left unanswered. We see ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:6

The eleventh hour a type of old age. This treatment illustrates the suggestiveness of Scripture figures. They start thought on lines that lead away from their immediate connections. I. AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE . Froude says, "Beautiful is old age—beautiful as the slow dropping mellow autumn of a rich and glorious summer. In the old man Nature has fulfilled her work; she loads him with her blessings; she fills him with the fruits of a well... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:6

The social difficulty of the workless. Civilization works cruelly for some classes of society. It improves the condition of the few; it multiplies the miseries of the many. One thing it does—gathers great masses of people into the cities, where the demand for workers must be limited, and the thousands must be "workless." Scatter the people over the land, and every man can find work which will provide him with a simple living. Mass the people in a few centres, and, as they cannot earn by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:7

No man hath hired us. A poor excuse, because, had they been at their post earlier, work would have been offered them. Go ye also into the vineyard. The householder accepts the excuse, and, now that they are desiring to labour, engages them as the others, promising to give them what is fair. Their present willingness seems to compensate for their previous tardiness. The clause, "whatsoever is right," etc., is omitted by some good manuscripts, the Vulgate, and other versions. Thus no mention... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 20:6

The eleventh hour - About five o’clock in the afternoon, or when there was but one working hour of the day left. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 20:6-7

Matthew 20:6-7. And about the eleventh hour About five in the afternoon; he went and found others standing idle Others are hired into the vineyard in old age, when the day of life is almost wholly spent, and there is but one hour of the twelve remaining. “None are hired at the twelfth hour: when life is done, opportunity is done; but while there is life, there is hope. There is hope for old sinners; for, if in sincerity they turn to God, they shall doubtless be accepted: true... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

111. Workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)Jesus’ purpose in telling this story was to illustrate what he had just said concerning God’s unexpected gift to those who at present appear to be disadvantaged (see Matthew 19:30). He was not setting out rules for wages and employment, but giving an illustration of God’s grace. The sovereign God takes pity on a needy world, and generously gives his salvation to all who accept his offer.At the beginning of the day, a landowner hired people to work... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 20:6

the eleventh hour. The Art. is emphatic, as with the "third". See note on "even" (Matthew 20:8 ). It was immediately before the end. read more

Group of Brands