Matthew 20:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:16 mean?

Matthew 20:16 says that those who seem to be last or least important will be made first, and those who seem to be first or most important will be made last; many people are invited, but only a few are chosen. This verse highlights a reversal of expectations and stresses that being called does not guarantee being chosen.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after telling the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The story describes workers hired at different times of the day, yet all receiving the same wage. Jesus uses this statement to sum up the lesson: God’s way of rewarding people may not match human ideas of fairness or status, and not everyone who is called will end up among the chosen.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:16

• "last" (ἔσχατος, eschatos) and "first" (πρῶτος, prōtos): These words point to order or rank, not just time. Jesus is talking about people’s position or importance as seen by others or by God.
• "called" (κλητοί, klētoi) and "chosen" (ἐκλεκτοί, eklektoi): "Called" means invited or summoned, while "chosen" means selected or picked out. The verse draws a line between being invited to take part in God’s work and actually being selected for a special place or reward.

Why Matthew 20:16 matters

• Matthew 20:16 corrects the idea that those who appear most important or who arrive first are always favored; it shows God’s values are different from human expectations.
• The verse connects directly to the parable’s message that God’s generosity and choices are not based on human standards of fairness or effort.
• It warns against assuming that being called or included is the same as being chosen, encouraging humility and trust in God’s judgment.