Matthew 20:1

KJV

¶ For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is {G2076} like {G3664} unto a man {G444} that is an householder {G3617}, which {G3748} went out {G1831} early in the morning {G260}{G4404} to hire {G3409} labourers {G2040} into {G1519} his {G846} vineyard {G290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who went out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard.

Berean Standard Bible

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.

American Standard Version

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:1 introduces the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard, a profound teaching from Jesus that illustrates the unique nature of the kingdom of heaven. This verse sets the scene by likening God's sovereign rule to a householder who, with diligent initiative, goes out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard, thereby establishing the premise for a narrative that challenges conventional human notions of fairness, merit, and divine reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable immediately follows a pivotal interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler, where Jesus teaches about the difficulty of the wealthy entering the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 19:16-26](/matthew/19-16-26 "Matthew 19:16-26 - The Rich Young Ruler")). Peter then asks what the disciples, who have left everything, will receive ([Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question About Reward")). Jesus assures them of great reward and concludes with the enigmatic statement, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" ([Matthew 19:30](/matthew/19-30 "Matthew 19:30 - The First Shall Be Last")). The parable in [Matthew 20:1-16](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard") serves as a direct and vivid illustration of this paradoxical principle, particularly emphasizing God's sovereign grace in dispensing rewards rather than a system based on human merit or duration of service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, it was common practice for landowners to hire day laborers for agricultural work, especially during harvest seasons. These laborers would gather in the marketplace early in the morning, waiting to be hired. The employer (householder) would negotiate a daily wage, typically a denarius, which was a standard day's pay. This system provided a livelihood for many, and the act of hiring at different hours of the day was not unusual, as the need for labor might fluctuate. The expectation was that wages would be proportional to the hours worked, making the householder's actions in the parable particularly striking and challenging to the audience's understanding of justice.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 20:1](/matthew/20-1 "Matthew 20:1 - Parable of the Labourers") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the parable and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The most prominent is the **Kingdom of Heaven**, a central concept in Matthew, which this parable seeks to define not by human meritocracy but by divine prerogative and generosity. It underscores **God's Sovereignty and Generosity**, portraying the householder as one who has absolute right to dispense his blessings as he sees fit, challenging human expectations of fairness. The theme of **Calling to Service** is also evident, as the `labourers` represent those whom God calls into His `vineyard` to participate in His work. Ultimately, the parable, beginning with this verse, highlights the radical nature of **Grace vs. Works**, emphasizing that salvation and reward in God's kingdom are rooted in His gracious invitation and promise, rather than solely on human effort or duration of labor, a concept further developed in passages like [Romans 4:4-5](/romans/4-4-5 "Romans 4:4-5 - Righteousness by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** (G932) This term, derived from a word meaning royalty, refers to God's sovereign rule, His reign, or the realm over which He exercises authority. In Matthew, "kingdom of heaven" (used exclusively in this Gospel) emphasizes God's present and future reign as manifested through Jesus Christ and His church, distinct from earthly kingdoms. It signifies the sphere where God's will is done.
* **householder (Greek, _oikodespótēs'_):** (G3617) Literally "master of a house," this word describes the head of a family or an estate owner. In this parable, the `householder` represents God, highlighting His ultimate ownership, authority, and benevolent management over His spiritual domain and those who serve Him.
* **vineyard (Greek, _ampelṓn'_):** (G290) A literal `vineyard` is a field of grapevines. Biblically, the `vineyard` is a rich symbol, often representing Israel (as in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard")) or, more broadly in the New Testament, the sphere of God's work, the church, or the kingdom where believers are called to labor and produce fruit for Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder":** This opening clause immediately establishes the parable's purpose: to illustrate the nature of God's reign. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is a central theological concept in Matthew, and its comparison to a `householder` grounds this divine reality in a relatable, human context. It signals that understanding God's kingdom requires observing the character and actions of this figure, who embodies authority, ownership, and initiative.
* **"which went out early in the morning":** This detail sets the scene at the very beginning of the working day, a common time for hiring day laborers in the ancient world. It emphasizes the `householder`'s proactive and diligent nature in seeking out workers. His early departure signifies his immediate and consistent engagement with the needs of his `vineyard` and his desire to gather laborers for his purposes.
* **"to hire labourers into his vineyard":** This final phrase specifies the `householder`'s objective: to employ individuals to work in his `vineyard`. The act of "hiring" implies a contractual agreement and an expectation of compensation. The `labourers` represent those called to serve God, and the `vineyard` symbolizes the realm of God's work or the community of His people. This sets the stage for the narrative's exploration of divine calling, service, and the surprising nature of God's reward system.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:1 effectively employs several literary devices to introduce the parable. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated with the phrase "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder." This comparison draws a parallel between the abstract concept of God's kingdom and the concrete, relatable actions of a human landowner, making a profound theological truth accessible to the audience. The parable also functions as an **Allegory**, where key elements represent deeper spiritual realities: the **householder** symbolizes God, the **vineyard** represents God's kingdom or the sphere of His work, and the **labourers** symbolize those called to serve Him. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is rich within the verse, particularly with the `vineyard`, which carries Old Testament connotations of Israel or God's chosen people ([Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard")), now expanded to represent the broader work of God's kingdom. The act of **hiring** itself symbolizes God's divine calling of individuals into His service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse establishes the parable's central theological assertion: the kingdom of heaven operates on principles that often defy human logic and expectations of fairness based on merit. It immediately confronts our natural inclination to measure worth and reward by effort or duration, redirecting our focus to the sovereign generosity of God. The householder's initiative in going out to hire laborers underscores God's active pursuit of people to participate in His kingdom work. This parable, therefore, is not primarily about economic justice, but about divine grace and the radical nature of God's unmerited favor in salvation and reward. It teaches that God's goodness is not constrained by human calculations of what is "fair," but extends freely to all who respond to His call, regardless of when they enter His service.

* [Matthew 19:30](/matthew/19-30 "The First Shall Be Last") - This verse directly precedes the parable and serves as its interpretive key, illustrating the paradoxical nature of reward in God's kingdom.
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15-16 "God's Sovereignty in Mercy") - Paul's teaching on God's sovereign right to show mercy to whom He wills, echoing the householder's prerogative.
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith") - This passage clearly articulates that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not a result of works, aligning with the parable's emphasis on unmerited favor.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:1, as the opening to the Parable of the Labourers, immediately challenges our deeply ingrained human tendency to evaluate worth and reward based on merit, effort, or time invested. It invites us to consider that the "kingdom of heaven" operates on a different economy—one rooted in God's boundless grace and sovereign generosity rather than a strict tit-for-tat system. For us today, this verse serves as a crucial reminder to guard against comparison, envy, and a sense of entitlement in our service to God. It encourages humility, fostering a heart of gratitude for any opportunity to labor in God's `vineyard`, regardless of when we were called or what we perceive others to receive. Our focus should be on faithfully responding to the `householder`'s call and trusting in His good and perfect will, knowing that His rewards are always just and ultimately generous beyond our deserving. This parable calls us to rejoice in God's goodness to all, rather than to begrudge His grace to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God as a "householder" shape your understanding of His authority and generosity in your life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to compare your service or spiritual journey with others, and how does this parable challenge that inclination?**
* **What does "early in the morning" suggest about God's initiative in calling people to His work, and how does that encourage your own participation?**

### FAQ
**What is the "kingdom of heaven" as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Matthew's Gospel, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present and future. It's not just a physical place, but the sphere where God's will is done and His authority is acknowledged. Jesus' parables, like the one beginning in [Matthew 20:1](/matthew/20-1 "Matthew 20:1 - Parable of the Labourers"), often explain the characteristics and dynamics of this kingdom, showing how it operates according to divine principles rather than human expectations.

**Why does Jesus use the analogy of a "householder" and a "vineyard"?**

Answer: Jesus often used relatable, agrarian metaphors to explain profound spiritual truths to His audience. A "householder" (or landowner) was a familiar figure of authority and provision in that culture, making it easy for listeners to grasp the concept of God's ownership and management. The "vineyard" was also a common biblical symbol, often representing Israel or, more broadly, the people of God and the sphere of His work ([Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard")). These analogies helped His listeners understand God's relationship with His people and His active engagement in their lives and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 20:1](/matthew/20-1 "Matthew 20:1 - Parable of the Labourers"), by introducing the `householder` and His `vineyard`, points directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus Himself is the divine `householder`, the Lord of the harvest, who actively "went out early in the morning" and continues to go out, calling `labourers` into His `vineyard` ([Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful")). His invitation is not based on human merit or past performance, but on His sovereign grace, extended to all who respond to His call, whether early in life or in their final hours ([Luke 23:42-43](/luke/23-42-43 "Luke 23:42-43 - The Penitent Thief")). The "wage" promised in the parable, though seemingly equal for all, ultimately foreshadows the glorious inheritance of eternal life and salvation, which is a gift freely given through Christ's atoning work, not earned by works ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus established the kingdom of heaven on earth, opening the way for all, regardless of when they are called, to enter His `vineyard` and receive the full measure of His divine generosity and grace ([Ephesians 2:4-9](/ephesians/2-4-9 "Ephesians 2:4-9 - God's Grace and Mercy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:24

¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Matthew 13:47

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Song Of Solomon 8:11

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand [pieces] of silver.

Song Of Solomon 8:12

My vineyard, which [is] mine, [is] before me: thou, O Solomon, [must have] a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

Matthew 13:44

¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Matthew 13:45

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

John 15:1

¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.