New Testament

Matthew 20:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the workers who were hired first expected to receive more pay than those hired later.

Author: Matthew the apostle
Written: Around AD 60-70
Genre: Gospel
Original Audience: Jewish Christians

CBTClear Bible Translation

So when the workers who had been hired first came forward, they expected to receive more. But each of them also received just one denarius.

KJVKing James Version

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the workers who were hired first expected to receive more pay than those hired later. They had worked longer hours and assumed their compensation would reflect that. However, when they received the same amount as everyone else, they were disappointed. This illustrates a key lesson about expectations and fairness. The landowner, representing God, chose to pay all workers equally, regardless of when they were hired. This challenges human notions of fairness and highlights God's grace, which is not based on our efforts or time served but on His generosity. The workers' reaction reveals a common human tendency to compare ourselves to others and feel entitled to more based on our perceived contributions. Ultimately, this passage teaches that God's ways are different from human ways, and His grace is available to all, regardless of when they come to Him.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Matthew 20:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our expectations and attitudes towards fairness. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should appreciate the grace we receive from God. It reminds us that everyone is valued equally in God's eyes, regardless of their journey or timing.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 20:10 mean?

Matthew 20:10 illustrates how the first workers expected to receive more pay for their longer hours but ended up receiving the same amount as those hired later. This reflects the theme of God's grace and challenges human notions of fairness.

What is the meaning of fairness in Matthew 20:10?

In Matthew 20:10, fairness is challenged as the landowner pays all workers equally, regardless of when they were hired. This emphasizes that God's grace is not based on our efforts or time served but on His generosity.

How does Matthew 20:10 relate to grace?

Matthew 20:10 relates to grace by showing that all workers, regardless of their time worked, receive the same reward. This illustrates that God's grace is given freely and equally, not based on human standards of merit.

What lesson can we learn from Matthew 20:10?

The lesson from Matthew 20:10 is to avoid comparing ourselves to others and to appreciate the grace we receive from God. It teaches that everyone is valued equally in God's eyes, regardless of their journey.

Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ is on this wise: His mother Mary is espoused to Joseph, but before they come together, she is found with child of the Holy Ghost. Joseph, being a just man and not willing to make her a publick example, is minded to put her away privily. But while he thinks on these things, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, saying, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The angel saith she shall bring forth a son, and Joseph shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. Joseph, being raised from sleep, does as the angel had bidden him and takes unto him his wife, but knows her not till she has brought forth her firstborn son. Matthew 2: The Wise Men and the Flight to Egypt When Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there come wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king hears these things, he is troubled. He gathers the chief priests and scribes and demands of them where Christ should be born. They say unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea. Herod privily calls the wise men and sends them to Bethlehem to search for the young child, telling them to bring him word again, that he may come and worship him also. The star goes before them until it stands over where the young child is. They rejoice, and entering the house, they see the young child with Mary his mother, and fall down and worship him, presenting him with gifts. Being warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod, they depart into their own country another way.

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