What does Matthew 20:2 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:2 speaks of an agreement between a vineyard owner and laborers to work for a day for a payment of one penny, also referred to as a denarius.

The verse is part of a larger parable, known as the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, which Jesus tells to illustrate kingdom principles, specifically the generosity of God and the principle of the last being first and the first last.

The literal sense of this verse simply reports the common contractual agreement for a day's labor at that time.

However, deeper meanings address issues of fairness, grace, and the Kingdom of Heaven's economy, which sometimes defies human logic and societal expectations.

Historical Context

This verse is set in 1st century Judea where agriculture was a central part of the economy.

The denarius was the usual day's wage for a laborer, implying a standard work agreement of the time.

This setting was familiar to Jesus' audience, making the parable an effective teaching tool.

The parable mirrors the economic realities of the era but serves a more profound spiritual purpose, reflecting God's dealings with humanity.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives approach this passage in various ways:

• Traditional Christian theology sees this parable as an illustration of God's grace, His generosity is not bound by human concepts of fairness.
• Liberation theology may emphasize the social justice element, where the last are lifted to equality with the first.
• Calvinist perspectives might highlight the sovereignty of God in salvation, with the landowner (God) choosing to give as He pleases.
• Armenian theology may see a message of universal opportunity in God's kingdom.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the verse can inspire several applications:

• Embrace workplace fairness and equitable treatment, being generous beyond minimum expectations.
• Recognize and accept the generosity of God in others' lives without envy.
• Understand that God's economy functions differently, where the reward is based on grace, not merit.
• Reflect on personal attitudes towards perceived 'latecomers' in any environment and show hospitality and grace to all.

Cross-References

• Matthew 20:1-16 - The entirety of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
• Matthew 19:30 - "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
• Romans 9:15 - "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

Language Study

• "Agreed" (ἐσυμφώνησεν): to come to terms or make a mutual agreement.
• "Labourers" (ἐργάταις): this term refers to workers or employees, typically in agriculture.
• "Penny" (δηνάριον): a silver coin worth about a day's wage for a common laborer, denarius in Latin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of daily wages for workers can be found across various ancient cultures.

For instance, in ancient Mesopotamia, laborers were often paid in grain.

This idea of daily remuneration for workers is not unique to ancient Israel and can be compared to various systems of compensation in antiquity.

Regarding religious interpretations, the parable also indirectly resonates with concepts found in other religious traditions where the last shall be honored, such as in the Hindu notion of "daridra-narayana" where the poor are seen as representations of God.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern economic science evaluates labor and compensation through supply and demand, efficiency, and market equilibrium.

While the parable doesn't directly correlate to modern economic principles, it raises questions about the value of work, compensation, and the economics of fairness that can be explored from a scientific or sociological perspective.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer varied interpretations of this verse:

• John Calvin emphasizes the sovereignty of God in dispensing His gifts.
• William Barclay notes the generosity idiom here applied to God's gifts which are not earned but given.
• Craig S.

Keener, in his commentary, focuses on the social-historical aspect, highlighting that a denarius was a typical day's wage, thus Jesus was speaking into a common economic situation of His day.