New Testament
Matthew 20:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They said, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us, who have borne the burden and heat of the day.'
Compare translations
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
What Matthew 20:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the workers who labored all day are expressing their frustration. They feel it is unfair that those who worked only one hour received the same pay as they did. This highlights a common human tendency to compare ourselves to others and feel entitled to more based on our efforts. The parable illustrates God's grace and generosity, showing that His ways are not like human ways. The last workers, despite their short time of labor, received the same reward, emphasizing that God's kingdom operates on principles of grace rather than strict fairness. This challenges our understanding of justice and encourages us to appreciate God's generosity, regardless of our own efforts or time spent in service. It reminds us that everyone is valued equally in God's eyes, regardless of their contributions or timing.
How to apply Matthew 20:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our attitudes towards fairness and entitlement. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our own relationship with God and His grace. Recognizing that everyone is equally valued can help us cultivate gratitude and humility in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 20:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 20:12
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 20:12 mean?
Matthew 20:12 shows the frustration of workers who labored all day, feeling it unfair that those who worked only one hour received the same pay. This highlights themes of grace and the idea that God's rewards are not based on human standards of fairness.
What is the meaning of fairness in Matthew 20:12?
In Matthew 20:12, fairness is challenged as the workers believe they deserve more for their longer hours. The verse illustrates that God's generosity does not adhere to human concepts of fairness, emphasizing grace over entitlement.
How does Matthew 20:12 relate to entitlement?
Matthew 20:12 highlights entitlement as the workers complain about receiving equal pay for unequal work. It serves as a reminder that entitlement can cloud our understanding of grace and the value of each person's contribution.
What themes are present in Matthew 20:12?
Themes in Matthew 20:12 include grace, fairness, entitlement, generosity, and equality. The verse emphasizes that in God's kingdom, everyone is valued equally, regardless of their labor or timing.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.