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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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