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.

MATTHEW 20:1KJV
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Matthew 20:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:1 mean?

Matthew 20:1 describes Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who goes out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. The verse sets up a story where the actions of the landowner will illustrate something important about how God’s kingdom works.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and others listening to Him. He uses a familiar scene from daily life—someone hiring day laborers—to help people understand spiritual truths. The focus is on the landowner’s initiative and timing, which prepares the reader for the parable that follows about God’s generosity and fairness.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:1

  • "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This word means a realm or rule, and here it points to God’s reign or the way God’s ways operate, not just a physical place.
  • "householder" (οἰκοδεσπότης, oikodespotēs): This term refers to the master or owner of a household, someone with authority and responsibility, emphasizing the landowner’s control over the situation.
  • "early in the morning" (πρωΐ, prōi): This phrase shows the landowner’s eagerness and careful planning, highlighting that he is proactive in seeking workers.
  • "labourers" (ἐργάτης, ergatēs): This word means workers or hired hands, pointing to ordinary people who depend on daily work, which sets up the parable’s focus on fairness and need.

Why Matthew 20:1 matters

  • Matthew 20:1 clears up that Jesus is not just telling a story about work, but is using a real-life example to teach about God’s kingdom and character.
  • The verse emphasizes the initiative of the landowner, which hints that God seeks people out rather than waiting for them to come to Him.
  • Understanding this opening helps the reader follow the rest of the parable, which challenges common ideas about fairness, reward, and grace in God’s kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“hire” Greek G3409 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

“morning” Greek G260 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
  • Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

“morning” Greek G4404 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
  • Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

“householder” Greek G3617 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
  • Matthew 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
  • Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.