Matthew 20:3

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 20:3 is a continuation of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, a significant teaching from Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew. This verse describes the householder's second trip out to hire workers, emphasizing his diligence and the availability of idle laborers.

Context

This verse is part of a parable that illustrates principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, particularly concerning God's grace and generosity. The scene is set in an ancient Near Eastern context where daily laborers would gather in the marketplace, or agora (ἀγορά in Greek), waiting for employment. The householder, representing God, consistently seeks workers for his vineyard throughout the day.

  • "about the third hour": In Jewish timekeeping, the day began at 6:00 AM. The third hour would therefore be 9:00 AM, indicating that the landowner began hiring early and continued to do so as the day progressed. This highlights the ongoing nature of God's call to service.
  • "standing idle in the marketplace": This phrase depicts unemployed individuals gathered in the common public square, a bustling hub where people sought work, conducted business, and socialized. Their idleness was not necessarily laziness, but rather a lack of opportunity, waiting for someone to hire them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Call: The householder actively goes out multiple times to find workers, illustrating God's persistent invitation to all, regardless of the time of their "call" or their previous circumstances.
  • Availability of Work: The vineyard represents God's work or Kingdom, and the parable underscores that there is always work to be done and a need for laborers.
  • Human Need and Waiting: The idle workers symbolize humanity's spiritual need and readiness to be engaged in meaningful purpose, often waiting for an invitation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "marketplace" is agora (ἀγορά), which referred to the central public space in ancient Greek cities, used for assemblies, markets, and as a general gathering place. Its mention here grounds the parable in a relatable, everyday setting for Jesus' original audience, highlighting the common practice of hiring day laborers from such locations.

Practical Application

Matthew 20:3 reminds us that God's invitation to participate in His work is extended continuously. Just as the householder sought laborers at different hours, so too does God call people into His service at various stages of their lives. It encourages believers to be ready to answer that call and to recognize that God is always seeking those who are willing to labor in His spiritual vineyard, whether they are called early or later in life. This verse also sets the stage for the parable's deeper lesson about God's sovereign grace, which is explored further in verses like Matthew 20:16.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 5:13 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 2:15 (2 votes)

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

  • Mark 15:25 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 11:16 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 11:17 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.