### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **μισθόω (misthóō)**, represented by `{{G3409}}`, means **to hire** or to let out for wages. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, indicating a very specific and focused usage within the biblical text. Its meaning is derived from letting something out for wages, but in its scriptural context, it is used in the middle voice to mean the act of hiring someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G3409}}` is used exclusively within the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. A **householder** `{{G3617}}` goes out early in the morning to **hire** `{{G3409}}` **labourers** `{{G2040}}` for his **vineyard** `{{G290}}` [[Matthew 20:1]]. Later in the day, when he finds others standing idle, they explain that it is **because** `{{G3754}}` **no man** `{{G3762}}` has **hired** `{{G3409}}` them [[Matthew 20:7]]. In both instances, the word describes the act of engaging someone for paid work.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of being hired:
* `{{G3617}}` **oikodespótēs** (householder): Defined as the **head of a family**, this term identifies the one with the authority to **hire** `{{G3409}}` workers for his property [[Matthew 20:1]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (labourer): A **toiler** or worker, this is the direct object of the action of hiring. The householder seeks to **hire** these individuals [[Matthew 20:1]]. The word is also used to describe those who are few in a plenteous harvest [[Matthew 9:37]].
* `{{G290}}` **ampelṓn** (vineyard): This is the location **into** `{{G1519}}` which the laborers are hired to work. It represents the domain or field of work established by the householder ([[Matthew 20:1]], [[Matthew 20:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3409}}` is derived entirely from its role in this key parable.
* **The Divine Call:** The act of being **hired** `{{G3409}}` by the **householder** `{{G3617}}` illustrates God's initiative in calling people **into** `{{G1519}}` His **kingdom** `{{G932}}`. The householder actively **went out** `{{G1831}}` to find and hire laborers [[Matthew 20:1]].
* **Opportunity for Service:** The unemployed laborers state that "**no man** `{{G3762}}` hath **hired** `{{G3409}}` us" [[Matthew 20:7]], highlighting a state of being outside the opportunity for work. The call to be hired is an invitation to purposeful activity within the master's vineyard.
* **Basis of Reward:** The act of being hired establishes the relationship that leads to receiving what is **right** `{{G1342}}` or just [[Matthew 20:7]]. This sets the stage for the parable's ultimate lesson on God's grace and sovereignty in distributing rewards.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3409}}` **misthóō** is a specific term for the act of hiring for wages. Though used only twice, its context within the parable of the laborers gives it significant weight. It is the pivotal action that brings workers into the **vineyard** `{{G290}}`, illustrating the divine call that invites individuals into the service of the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of **heaven** `{{G3772}}`. The word establishes the relationship between the **householder** `{{G3617}}` and the **labourers** `{{G2040}}`, setting the foundation for the parable's teachings on God's sovereign grace.
TRV