Matthew 20:2

KJV

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he had agreed {G4856} with {G3326} the labourers {G2040} for {G1537} a penny {G1220} a day {G2250}, he sent {G649} them {G846} into {G1519} his {G846} vineyard {G290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After agreeing with the workers on a wage of one denarius, [the standard daily wage,] he sent them off to his vineyard.

Berean Standard Bible

He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

American Standard Version

And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:2 introduces the foundational agreement between the vineyard owner and the first group of laborers, establishing the terms of their daily wage: a denarius. This seemingly straightforward contractual detail sets the stage for the entire Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, immediately highlighting the master's initial fairness and the laborers' acceptance of a standard, expected compensation for their full day's work, before the narrative unfolds to challenge conventional human notions of merit and reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the second in Jesus's [Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard"). It directly follows the opening verse, which sets the scene of a householder going out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. The parable itself is strategically placed immediately after Peter's question in [Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question About Rewards") about what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus. This narrative placement is crucial, as the parable serves as Jesus's answer, challenging the disciples' (and our) human-centric ideas of reward based on merit, duration of service, or sacrifice, and instead emphasizing God's sovereign generosity and grace in the Kingdom of Heaven. The initial agreement in this verse establishes a baseline of "fairness" that is then deliberately disrupted by the master's later actions, setting up the parable's profound theological implications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the parable is deeply rooted in the agricultural and economic realities of first-century Judea. Vineyard work was common, often requiring seasonal or daily labor. Laborers would gather in the marketplace, waiting to be hired by landowners. A "penny" (Greek: _denarion_) was a Roman silver coin, widely recognized as the standard daily wage for a common laborer, a soldier's pay, or the cost of a loaf of bread. This made the agreed-upon wage of "a penny a day" a perfectly fair and customary compensation for a full day's work. This detail grounds the parable in a relatable economic reality for Jesus's audience, making the master's subsequent actions—paying all laborers the same wage regardless of hours worked—all the more striking and provocative against the backdrop of conventional labor practices and expectations of proportional compensation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:2, while seemingly a simple statement of contract, introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the parable and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it establishes the theme of **Divine Call and Labor**, as the master "sent them into his vineyard," symbolizing God's invitation to participate in His Kingdom work. Secondly, it sets up the theme of **Human Expectations of Fairness and Merit**, as the initial agreement for a denarius per day aligns with human notions of equitable compensation for work performed. This theme is then challenged by the parable's later developments, which reveal God's economy to operate on principles beyond strict human merit. Finally, it subtly foreshadows the overarching theme of **God's Sovereign Generosity and Grace**, by providing a baseline against which the master's later, seemingly "unfair" acts of generosity can be measured, ultimately highlighting that salvation and reward in God's Kingdom are not merely earned but are gifts of divine grace, as seen in the broader teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven throughout [Matthew](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **agreed (Greek, _symphōnéō'_):** From G4856, meaning "to be harmonious, i.e. (figuratively) to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact)." This word emphasizes a mutual understanding and formal compact. It highlights that the terms of employment were not imposed but were willingly accepted by both parties, establishing a clear, binding contract based on a shared understanding of a fair day's wage.
* **penny (Greek, _dēnárion'_):** From G1220, a Roman silver coin equivalent to a day's wages for a common laborer. This specific detail grounds the parable in the economic realities of the time, making the "penny" not just a sum of money, but a symbol of a standard, fair, and expected compensation for a full day's work. Its significance becomes paramount as the parable progresses, challenging the human perception of what constitutes "fair" compensation.
* **vineyard (Greek, _ampelṓn'_):** From G290, meaning "a vineyard." In biblical literature, the vineyard often serves as a powerful **symbolism** for Israel, the people of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven itself (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). Here, it represents the sphere of God's work, the place where laborers are called to serve. The act of being "sent into his vineyard" signifies participation in God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His Kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day":** This clause establishes the contractual foundation of the parable. The householder, representing God, enters into a clear, stipulated agreement with the first group of laborers. The wage of "a penny a day" (a denarius) was a standard, fair, and sufficient amount for a day's work in that era, indicating that the terms were just and mutually accepted. This initial agreement sets up a baseline of human expectation regarding compensation based on merit and duration of labor.
* **"he sent them into his vineyard":** This second clause signifies the commencement of work and the laborers' entry into the master's domain. The act of "sending" implies authority on the part of the master and obedience on the part of the laborers. The "vineyard" itself is a rich biblical symbol, often representing the Kingdom of God or the sphere of God's activity. Thus, this phrase not only describes physical labor but also carries spiritual implications of being called and commissioned to participate in God's work.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that are crucial to the parable's overall impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "vineyard" representing the Kingdom of Heaven or the sphere of God's redemptive work, and the "penny" (denarius) symbolizing a standard, fair, and expected wage. The entire verse functions as an act of **Setting the Scene**, meticulously establishing the initial conditions and expectations for the parable. This careful setup provides a familiar, relatable economic context for the audience, which then allows for the subsequent **Juxtaposition** of conventional human fairness with divine generosity. The initial agreement also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the later tension in the parable when the master's actions appear to deviate from this established agreement, thereby challenging the audience's assumptions about justice and reward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:2, while seemingly a simple contractual detail, lays crucial theological groundwork for understanding God's nature and the principles of His Kingdom. It highlights the initial fairness and clarity of God's dealings with humanity, establishing a baseline of just compensation. However, the very precision of this agreement serves to underscore the radical nature of God's grace, which often transcends human notions of earned merit. The parable, beginning with this agreement, ultimately teaches that God's generosity is not bound by human calculations of "fairness" or "equal pay for equal work," but rather by His sovereign will and boundless compassion. It challenges a works-based theology, emphasizing that ultimate reward in the Kingdom is a gift of grace, not merely a wage earned, thus prioritizing God's prerogative to be generous to all who respond to His call, regardless of the timing or perceived extent of their service.

* [Romans 4:4-5](/romans/4-4-5 "Grace, Not Works")
* [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Unprofitable Servants")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:2 invites us to reflect on our own understanding of work, reward, and divine justice. The initial agreement for a "penny a day" reminds us that God is just and faithful in His dealings; He will always fulfill His promises and provide what is needed for those who labor in His vineyard. For believers, this verse underscores the importance of diligence and faithfulness in our calling, regardless of the perceived "duration" or "impact" of our service. We are called to work for the Master, trusting in His ultimate provision and not primarily for the wage itself. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we serving out of a desire for earned reward, or out of love and trust in the Master's character and generosity? This verse, in context, prepares us to embrace God's economy, which operates on principles of grace and sovereignty, often surpassing our human expectations of fairness and merit. It encourages us to find contentment in our call and to rejoice in God's boundless generosity towards all, rather than comparing our service or blessings with others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the initial agreement for a "penny a day" challenge or confirm your understanding of God's justice and fairness?**
* **In what ways might we, like the early laborers, be tempted to compare our service or rewards with those of others in God's Kingdom?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate provision and generosity, rather than a strict "wage," impact your motivation for ministry or daily work?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "a penny a day" in this parable?**

Answer: The "penny" (Greek: _denarion_) was a standard Roman silver coin, representing a typical day's wage for a common laborer in the first century. Its significance lies in establishing a clear, fair, and mutually agreed-upon contract between the householder and the first group of laborers. This detail grounds the parable in the economic realities of Jesus's audience, making the subsequent events—where later-hired laborers receive the same wage—all the more striking and central to the parable's message about God's sovereign generosity and grace, which transcends human notions of proportional compensation. It sets a baseline of "fairness" against which divine generosity is then contrasted, as seen in the master's later actions in [Matthew 20:8-10](/matthew/20-8-10 "Matthew 20:8-10 - The Payment of Wages").

**Does this verse imply that all Christians will receive the same reward, regardless of their service?**

Answer: Matthew 20:2 itself only establishes the initial agreement for the first group of laborers. The parable as a whole, however, does challenge the idea that reward in God's Kingdom is solely based on the duration or perceived extent of one's service. While some biblical passages suggest varying degrees of reward or responsibility (e.g., [1 Corinthians 3:8](/1_corinthians/3-8 "1 Corinthians 3:8 - Each Will Receive His Own Reward")), the primary message of this parable, initiated by the "penny a day" agreement, is about God's sovereign right to be generous and gracious to all who respond to His call, regardless of when they begin. It emphasizes that salvation and entrance into God's Kingdom are gifts of grace, not earned wages, and that God's generosity often exceeds human expectations of "fairness." It's less about a literal equal reward for all and more about the nature of God's unmerited favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:2, with its depiction of the householder agreeing with laborers for a standard wage and sending them into his vineyard, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The householder, representing God, embodies the divine initiative to call people into His service. The "vineyard" is a powerful Old Testament symbol often representing Israel, but in the New Testament, it expands to signify the Kingdom of God and the sphere of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, as the ultimate Master and Lord of the harvest, continually calls laborers into His vineyard, inviting all people to participate in His Kingdom, regardless of their past or the timing of their response to His call (as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The "penny a day" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the full and complete salvation and eternal life offered through Christ, a gift of grace that is not earned by human merit or duration of service, but freely given to all who believe. Just as the master in the parable demonstrates boundless generosity, Christ's sacrifice on the cross offers a complete and sufficient "wage" of redemption for all, transcending any human calculation of worthiness or labor ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Thus, Matthew 20:2 sets the stage for understanding the radical, unmerited grace that is fully realized in Christ's work and His ongoing call to all to enter His Kingdom.

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 22:19

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

1 Kings 3:6

And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day.

1 Kings 3:11

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

2 Chronicles 34:3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

1 Kings 18:12

And it shall come to pass, [as soon as] I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and [so] when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.