Matthew 20:2-3 NIV1984

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

This parable of the labourers in the vineyard is intended, I. To represent to us the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 20:1), that is, the way and method of the gospel dispensation. The laws of that kingdom are not wrapt up in parables, but plainly set down, as in the sermon upon the mount; but the mysteries of that kingdom are delivered in parables, in sacraments, as here and Matt. 13:1-58 The duties of Christianity are more necessary to be known than the notions of it; and yet the notions of it are... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 20:1-16

20:1-16 "For the situation in the Kingdom of Heaven is like what happened when a householder went out first thing in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. When he had come to an agreement with them that they would work for 4 pence a day, he sent them into his vineyard. He went out again about nine o'clock in the morning, and saw others standing idle in the market-place. He said to them, 'Go you also into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' And they went. He went out... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 20:1-16

C. G. Montefiore calls this parable "one of the greatest and most glorious of all." It may indeed have had a comparatively limited application when it was spoken for the first time; but it contains truth which goes to the very heart of the Christian religion. We begin with the comparatively limited significance it originally had. (i) It is in one sense a warning to the disciples. It is as if Jesus said to them, "You have received the great privilege of coming into the Christian Church and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:2

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, .... These labourers were of that sort that were called שכיר יום , "hired for a day"; concerning whom is the following rule F17 Misna Bava Metzia, c. 9. sect. 11. Maimen Hilch. Shericut, c. 11. sect. 2. : "he that is hired for a day, may demand it all the night; and he that is hired for a night may demand it all the day: he that is hired for hours, may demand it all the night, and all the day; he that is hired for a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:3

And he went out about the third hour ,.... About nine o'clock in the morning, and saw others standing idle in the market place : the place where labourers used to be hired: and may design the world, because a place full of people, and of great wickedness, for the whole world lies in it; a place of trade and traffic in worldly things, and likewise of worldly and carnal pleasure, and also of idleness. Now God's elect before calling, are in this place: they are natives of it, have their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 20:2

A penny - A Roman coin, as noted before, Matthew 18:28 , worth about seven-pence halfpenny or seven-pence three farthings of our money, and equal to the Greek drachma. This appears to have been the ordinary price of a day's labor at that time. See Tobit 5:14. In 1351 the price of labor was regulated in this country by parliament; and it is remarkable that "corn-weeders and hay-makers, without meat, drink, or other courtesy demanded," were to have one penny per day! In 1314 the pay of a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 20:3

The third hour - Nine o'clock in the morning. Market-place - Where laborers usually stood till they were hired. I have often seen laborers standing in the market places of large towns in these countries, waiting to be employed. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

Parable of the labourers in the vineyard . (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

Parable of the labourers in the vineyard. I. THE HIRING . 1 . The connection . The parable is very closely connected with the last four verses of Matthew 19:1-30 . It is plainly intended to illustrate our Lord's saying in Matthew 19:30 , "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." St. Peter's question in Matthew 19:27 contained an element of error. The Lord had promised a great reward to his faithful servants, and he would give it. It was their due,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

The labourers in the vineyard. This parable is closely connected with our Lord's remarks in describing the rewards of the kingdom, and it may have been intended to convey a mild rebuke, or at least a gentle warning, to St. Peter, who had asked," What then shall we have?" The apostles are to receive great rewards. But those who, like St. Peter, were called first, are not to assume that they will have any more than those who came in later. I. CHRIST SEEKS LABOURERS FOR HIS ... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 20:1-16

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 20:1-16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 20:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 20:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:1-16

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