“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "For" at the very beginning is key, signaling this parable isn't a random story but a direct explanation of Jesus' previous statement, "the last shall be first." It reveals God's kingdom operates on principles that challenge our human sense of fairness, often involving surprising reversals of status.
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and Peter's question about rewards, with the explicit statement that "many who are first will be last, and the last first." Jesus then introduces this story to illustrate that divine calling and reward within the Kingdom of Heaven don't follow human expectations of merit or seniority. The master's decision to pay everyone the same wage, regardless of their hours worked, directly addresses the idea that those who have been serving "longer" might expect more.
Ever wonder why Jesus told certain stories? This parable isn't just a cute tale; it's a direct answer to a question, and understanding that changes everything.
Jesus launches into this famous parable right after Peter asks, "What shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27). Peter, and likely the other disciples, were focused on their reward and perhaps comparing themselves to others.
Matthew 20:1 starts with 'For' (Greek: gar), a word that connects this story directly to Peter's question and Jesus' previous statement: 'But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first' (Matthew 19:30).
So, this isn't just a story about a vineyard owner. It's Jesus explaining how the 'kingdom of heaven' operates, especially regarding who gets called to work and what they receive. It challenges the disciples' assumptions about status and reward.
Imagine standing at the market at the very first light of day, waiting. What does it say about God's kingdom when He's actively seeking workers, even before sunrise?
The phrase 'early in the morning' (Greek: hama proi) signifies the earliest possible time, right at dawn. This isn't a casual, 'whenever I get around to it' kind of invitation.
This imagery highlights God's proactive nature in inviting people into His service and His kingdom. It shows that God is eager to bring people in, not waiting for them to seek Him out perfectly.
The 'householder' going out at this hour suggests a sense of urgency and a desire to ensure the vineyard is tended. This 'earliest' calling can represent those who have been part of God's people for a long time, but also the readiness of God to include others from the very beginning of their own spiritual journey.
Ask a follow-up
The parable talks about hiring laborers, but is it really just about work and wages? The 'kingdom of heaven' is being compared to this scenario, which makes it way bigger than a simple transaction.
The parable compares the 'kingdom of heaven' to this householder's actions. This means the core message isn't just about labor laws or fair pay. Instead, it's about how God's divine rule and reign operate.
By comparing these elements, Jesus is teaching that God's kingdom isn't run on a system of 'you get exactly what you earn based on time served.' It's about God's sovereign call, His generosity, and His often surprising distribution of blessings and rewards.
Understand the original words
basileia tōn ouranōn · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God, both in the present spiritual sense through Christ and in its future, consummated state. It signifies the realm where God’s will is perfectly done.
oikodespotēs · Greek Noun
One who owns and manages a household. In scripture, this term often depicts God as the owner and manager of his people or his creation.
ergatēs · Greek Noun
Those who exert effort for a specific result. In a spiritual context, it often refers to those engaged in the work of God’s kingdom.
ampelōn · Greek Noun
A space dedicated to the growth of vines, often used as a metaphor for Israel or the people of God who are expected to bear fruit for the Owner.
This passage also uses the imagery of a vineyard, but in this case, to describe God's people and His care for them, setting a foundational understanding for Jesus' use of vineyard imagery.
Luke 13:25Jesus uses a similar 'door' metaphor, stating that after the master of the house has shut the door, people will stand outside and knock, saying 'Lord, open to us,' which parallels the idea of missed opportunities for entry.
Romans 9:16This verse speaks about God's mercy not depending on human will or effort, which resonates with the parable's theme of God's sovereign choice in calling and rewarding laborers, not based on their merit or the length of their service.
Philippians 3:13Paul's instruction to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal echoes the parable's lesson that even those who have served for a long time should not become complacent, but continue to strive, as the reward is ultimately God's grace.
vincentMatthew 20:1: "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard."
For (γάρ)Explaining and confirming Matthew 19:30.Early in the morning (ἅμα πρωὶ)Along with the dawn. "Here (at Hamadan, in Persia), we observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields. This custom s…
calvinMatthew 20:1-16: "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard."
- For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder, who went out at break of day to hire laborers into his vineyard. 2. And having made an agreement with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3. And having gone out about the third hour, he saw others standing idle in the market-place. 4. And he said to them, Go…
The word "For" at the very beginning is key, signaling this parable isn't a random story but a direct explanation of Jesus' previous statement, "the last shall be first." It reveals God's kingdom operates on principles that challenge our human sense of fairness, often involving surprising reversals of status.
This parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and Peter's question about rewards, with the explicit statement that "many who are first will be last, and the last first." Jesus then introduces this story to illustrate that divine calling and reward within the Kingdom of Heaven don't follow human expectations of merit or seniority. The master's decision to pay everyone the same wage, regardless of their hours worked, directly addresses the idea that those who have been serving "longer" might expect more.
This parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and Peter's question about rewards, with the explicit statement that "many who are first will be last, and the last first." Jesus then introduces this story to illustrate that divine calling and reward within the Kingdom of Heaven don't follow human expectations of merit or seniority. The master's decision to pay everyone the same wage, regardless of their hours worked, directly addresses the idea that those who have been serving "longer" might expect more.
"“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard." — The word "For" at the very beginning is key, signaling this parable isn't a random story but a direct explanation of Jesus' previous statement, "the last shall be first." It reveals God's kingdom ope…
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Last reviewed October 2026