What does Matthew 20:7 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:7 is part of the parable of the workers in the vineyard that Jesus told to illustrate the kingdom of heaven and its principles.

In the parable, a landowner hires workers at various times throughout the day to work in his vineyard.

At the end of the day, the landowner pays all the workers the same wage, regardless of how long they labored.

In verse 7, the landowner addresses those standing idle late in the day by asking why they haven't been working.

They respond that no one has hired them.

The landowner then instructs them to join the work in the vineyard and promises to pay them what is right.

The literal meaning is straightforward: workers who were not previously employed are given an opportunity to work and earn a living.

However, the deeper meaning reveals a message about God's grace and the kingdom of heaven: that it is available to all, regardless of when they come to it, and that God's generosity is not bound by human conceptions of fairness or merit.

Historical Context

The parable is situated in the Gospel of Matthew, which was likely written circa 70-110 AD, a time when the early Christian community was forming its identity and trying to understand the teachings of Jesus in relation to traditional Jewish beliefs.

The historical context is that of an agrarian society where day laborers were common.

These laborers relied on daily wages to support themselves and their families.

The vineyard was a common metaphor for Israel or God's people in Jewish teachings, and the idea of working in a vineyard would have been familiar to Jesus' audience.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse contains several insights:

• Divine grace: It emphasizes the abundant and unmerited favor of God towards all people, suggesting that it is never too late to turn to God and receive the benefits of His grace.
• Equality in God's eyes: It challenges the notion of preference or seniority within the kingdom of God, where the last can be equal to the first.
• God's sovereignty: The landowner in the parable represents God, who exercises His right to be generous.

It’s a picture of God's sovereignty and His prerogative to bestow grace as He wishes.

• A call to labor in the vineyard: From a vocational perspective, the verse can also be seen as an invitation to participate in God's work, the ‘vineyard’, at any stage in life.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Matthew 20:7 can inspire several actions in daily life:

• Inclusivity: Encouraging individuals to be inclusive and generous, not judging others based on how long they have been contributing or participating in a community or a cause.
• Work ethic: Motivating people to work diligently whenever the opportunity is presented, regardless of the time of day or season of life.
• Acceptance of latecomers: Welcoming those who join a community or faith group later than others with the same love and acceptance as early adopters.
• Genuine service: Encouraging service without expectation of proportional reward, understanding that in God’s economy, rewards are given according to His grace, not our merit.

Cross-References

• Matthew 20:1-16: This entire passage is the parable of the workers in the vineyard, which provides the full context for verse 7.
• Matthew 19:30: "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• Romans 4:4-5: "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key phrases include:

• “ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἡμᾶς ἐμισθώσατο” - “because no one has hired us”: The verb ἐμισθώσατο (emisthōsato) from μισθόω (misthóō) means to hire or employ, often used in context of hiring laborers.
• “ὑπάγετε” - “Go”: This is a common imperative used for directing or commanding someone to proceed or to take action.
• “ὅσον δ' ἂν ᾖ δίκαιον” - “whatsoever is right”: δίκαιον (dikaion) refers to what is just or fitting, denoting a fair measure that is deemed appropriate by the landowner, who represents God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, vineyards were symbols of abundance and fertility, frequently appearing in myths and religious texts as places of sustenance and prosperity.

In the Hebrew Bible, the vineyard often represents the nation of Israel and the people's relationship with God.

By making reference to laborers in a vineyard, Jesus was drawing on a rich cultural and religious symbol understood by his audience.

Scientific Perspectives

The parable does not directly engage with scientific concepts, being a story used for moral and spiritual teaching.

However, the principle of equal pay for different amounts of work goes against the more merit-based approach taken in many modern employment settings, which is often informed by economic theories and studies of workplace productivity.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 20:7 note the surprise and shock that such a parable would have on its original listeners.

Experts like William Barclay and Craig S.

Keener emphasize that the parable reflects the generous, almost scandalous grace of God who offers the same salvation to all, regardless of when they come to faith.

Furthermore, scholars like R.T. France and John Nolland discuss how the parable inverts human expectations of fairness, revealing kingdom values that prioritize generosity and grace over strict reciprocity or merit-based reward.