Matthew 20:3

KJV

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he went out {G1831} about {G4012} the third {G5154} hour {G5610}, and saw {G1492} others {G243} standing {G2476} idle {G692} in {G1722} the marketplace {G58},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, on going out at about nine in the morning, he saw more men standing around in the market-square doing nothing,

Berean Standard Bible

About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.

American Standard Version

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:3 continues the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, depicting the householder's diligent search for workers. At the third hour, he encounters more individuals in the bustling marketplace, standing without employment, ready to be hired for the day's labor. This scene underscores the ongoing need for laborers in the vineyard and the householder's persistent initiative in seeking them, setting the stage for the parable's profound lessons on divine grace and generosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, found in [Matthew 20:1-16](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard"). It immediately follows the initial hiring of laborers at dawn (Matthew 20:1-2) and precedes subsequent hirings at the sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours (Matthew 20:5-7). The parable itself is strategically placed within Matthew's Gospel, following Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler and Peter's question about discipleship and reward ([Matthew 19:16-30](/matthew/19-16-30 "Matthew 19:16-30 - The Rich Young Ruler and Rewards for Discipleship")). This literary placement provides a crucial backdrop, as the parable directly addresses themes of merit, reward, and the surprising nature of God's grace, challenging human expectations of fairness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the parable—the marketplace and the hiring of day laborers—was a common and relatable scene in ancient Judea. The "marketplace" (Greek: _agora_) was the central public square in towns, serving as a hub for commerce, social interaction, and the daily assembly point for unemployed workers seeking temporary employment. These day laborers, often from the poorest strata of society, would gather early in the morning, hoping to be hired for a day's wage to support their families. The "third hour" corresponds to approximately 9:00 AM in modern time (given that the Jewish day began at 6:00 AM). This detail is significant because it indicates that a substantial part of the working day had already passed, yet the householder continues his search, highlighting both the persistent need for labor and the ongoing availability of those seeking work.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the parable and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It emphasizes the **Divine Initiative**, showcasing God (represented by the householder) actively and repeatedly seeking out individuals to participate in His work, rather than waiting for them to come to Him. This continuous outreach underscores the **Availability of Kingdom Labor**, suggesting that there is always work to be done in God's "vineyard" and a persistent need for willing participants. Furthermore, the presence of "idle" workers highlights **Human Need and Readiness**, symbolizing humanity's inherent spiritual emptiness and desire for purpose, often waiting for a divine invitation. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **God's Radical Grace**, as the householder's generosity in hiring at different hours foreshadows the surprising and unmerited favor that will be revealed in the parable's conclusion, where all laborers receive the same wage, regardless of their hours worked ([Matthew 20:8-15](/matthew/20-8-15 "Matthew 20:8-15 - The Payment of the Laborers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb (G1831) signifies a purposeful departure or issuance. It emphasizes the householder's active, intentional movement from his home or vineyard to the marketplace. This is not a passive observation but a deliberate act of seeking, highlighting his initiative in finding laborers.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** The verb (G1492) implies more than a mere glance; it suggests perceiving, discerning, or knowing. The householder didn't just happen upon them; he observed their state of idleness and recognized their potential or need, leading to his subsequent action of hiring them. This implies a compassionate and discerning gaze.
* **idle (Greek, _argós'_):** Derived from 'a' (negative particle) and 'ergon' (work), this adjective (G692) literally means "without work" or "inactive." In this context, it does not necessarily imply laziness or unwillingness to work, but rather a state of unemployment or unproductivity due to a lack of opportunity. These individuals were available and waiting for someone to hire them, highlighting their economic vulnerability and readiness for engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went out about the third hour,"**: This clause establishes the householder's continued proactive engagement in seeking laborers. The specific time, "the third hour" (9:00 AM), indicates that the day is well underway, yet the need for workers persists, and the householder's diligence in filling that need is unwavering. This repeated action from the first hour (Matthew 20:1) emphasizes his commitment to his vineyard and his persistent search for those who can contribute.
* **"and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,"**: This second clause describes the discovery of new potential laborers. The "marketplace" (agora) is the public square, a common gathering place, and "standing idle" conveys their state of unemployment and availability. The householder's act of "seeing" them implies a recognition of their situation and readiness to be hired, setting the stage for his invitation to work in his vineyard. This visual underscores the human condition of waiting for purpose or opportunity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, where the householder represents God, the vineyard signifies the Kingdom of Heaven or God's work, and the "idle" laborers symbolize humanity in its state of waiting for a divine call or purpose. The **Setting** of the "marketplace" (agora) grounds the parable in a realistic, relatable ancient Near Eastern context, making Jesus' teaching accessible to His audience. The householder's repeated action of "going out" at different hours establishes a **Pattern** or **Repetition**, which is crucial for the parable's overall message about God's persistent and varied invitations to service. This repetition also builds anticipation for the unexpected twist at the parable's conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:3 powerfully illustrates God's persistent and active initiative in calling individuals into His service. Just as the householder repeatedly goes out to find laborers, God continually extends His invitation to humanity, regardless of their past circumstances or the "hour" of their lives. This verse sets the stage for the parable's core message: that God's grace and generosity transcend human notions of fairness and merit. The "idle" workers represent all those who are available and open to God's call, emphasizing that His Kingdom work requires willing hearts, and He actively seeks them out. This divine pursuit underscores God's desire for all to participate in His redemptive purposes, challenging us to be ready and responsive when His call comes, whether early or late in life.

* [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful, Laborers Are Few")
* [Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Need for Laborers in the Harvest")
* [John 6:28-29](/john/6-28-29 "John 6:28-29 - The Work of God is to Believe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:3 serves as a profound reminder of God's ceaseless invitation to participate in His Kingdom work. It challenges us to consider our own availability and responsiveness to His call. Are we "standing idle" in the marketplace of life, waiting for a clear directive, or are we actively seeking opportunities to labor in His vineyard? This verse encourages us to recognize that God's call is not limited to a specific age, stage, or perceived qualification; He seeks willing hearts at all "hours" of the day. It prompts us to reflect on the spiritual needs around us and to consider how we might be used by God to bring His light and truth to others. Ultimately, it fosters a posture of readiness, humility, and trust in God's sovereign timing and boundless grace, knowing that He values our willingness to serve more than our perceived merit or the length of our service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "marketplace" might God be calling me to serve today, even if I feel "idle" or unequipped?**
* **How does the householder's persistent search for laborers challenge my understanding of God's initiative and grace in my own life?**
* **What might it mean for me to be "standing idle" in the context of God's Kingdom work, and how can I become more available?**

### FAQ
**What does "the third hour" mean in modern time?**

Answer: In ancient Jewish timekeeping, the day began at sunrise, which was typically around 6:00 AM. Therefore, "the third hour" would correspond to approximately 9:00 AM. This indicates that the householder began hiring early in the morning and continued to do so as the day progressed, highlighting his diligence and the ongoing need for workers.

**What is the significance of the "marketplace" in this parable?**

Answer: The "marketplace" (Greek: _agora_) was the central public square in ancient towns. It was a bustling hub for commerce, public assemblies, and most relevant to this parable, the primary location where day laborers would gather each morning, waiting to be hired for work. Its mention grounds the parable in a realistic, everyday setting for Jesus' original audience, emphasizing the common practice of hiring temporary workers from such locations. It represents a place of human activity, need, and opportunity.

**Does "standing idle" imply laziness on the part of the workers?**

Answer: Not necessarily. In the context of this parable, "standing idle" primarily means "unemployed" or "without work." These individuals were gathered in the marketplace precisely because they were seeking employment and were available to be hired. Their idleness reflects their economic vulnerability and lack of opportunity, rather than a moral failing or unwillingness to work. The householder's act of hiring them underscores their readiness and the need for their labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:3, with its depiction of the householder actively seeking laborers in the marketplace, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the divine "householder" who continually goes out into the world, seeking and calling humanity into His Kingdom. His earthly ministry was characterized by this persistent invitation, reaching out to those considered "idle" or overlooked by society—the tax collectors, sinners, and marginalized ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). Just as the householder saw those standing idle and offered them work, Christ sees humanity lost in sin and offers them purpose and salvation. He proclaimed that He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), extending His call to all, regardless of when they respond or their perceived worthiness. The work in the vineyard ultimately points to participation in His redemptive mission, a mission made possible by His sacrificial death and resurrection. The parable's surprising conclusion, where all laborers receive the same wage, beautifully foreshadows the radical grace of salvation offered through Christ, a gift not earned by merit or length of service, but freely given to all who believe ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Matthew 20:3 serves as a prelude to the profound truth that Christ's call is universal, His grace boundless, and His Kingdom open to all who respond to His persistent invitation.

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

1 Timothy 5:13

And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Proverbs 19:15

¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Acts 2:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day.

Mark 15:25

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Matthew 11:16

¶ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

Matthew 11:17

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

Acts 17:17

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.