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Book of Matthew - Chapter 20 - Verse 2

20:2
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Meaning

In this verse, the parable of the workers in the vineyard is being described. The owner of the vineyard agrees to pay each worker a denarius for their day's work, which was a fair wage at the time. The denarius was a standard Roman coin that was commonly used for a day's wage for a laborer. The owner's agreement with the workers for a set wage symbolizes fairness and justice in the workplace. It also serves as a reminder that all labor should be compensated fairly, regardless of the time of day that the worker was hired. Additionally, this verse can be interpreted as a lesson in humility and gratitude, as the workers were willing to work for the agreed-upon wage without complaint or comparison to others. Overall, this verse teaches the importance of fair compensation, humility, and gratitude in our daily work and interactions with others.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:2) is often seen as a representation of God's grace and fairness. The landowner in the story represents God, who is generous and just in his dealings with his people. The payment of a penny a day to all the workers, regardless of how long they labored in the vineyard, symbolizes God's equal love and salvation offered to all who believe in him. This parable challenges our human understanding of fairness and justice, showing that God's ways are higher than our ways. Additionally, a word study on the term 'labourers' in this verse can reveal the Greek word 'ergates,' which can also mean 'workmen' or 'those who toil.' This sheds light on the hard work and dedication of the laborers in the story, highlighting the importance of diligence and commitment in serving God. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's generosity and the importance of trusting in his timing and provision.

American Standard Version

And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
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