So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

MATTHEW 20:16KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G2822 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

“chosen” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
  • Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“few” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.