Matthew 20:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:2 mean?

Matthew 20:2 describes how the owner of a vineyard made an agreement with some workers to pay them a "penny" (a denarius, a typical day's wage) for a day's work, and then sent them into his vineyard to begin their labor. The verse sets up the terms of the work and pay at the start of the parable.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story to His disciples about a landowner and hired laborers. The landowner is the one speaking, and he is arranging with day laborers to work in his vineyard for a set wage. This agreement is important because it establishes fairness and clarity before the work begins, which becomes significant as the parable unfolds.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:2

• δηνάριον (dēnarion): Translated as "penny" in the KJV, this word refers to a Roman silver coin that was the standard daily wage for a laborer. Knowing this helps modern readers understand that the pay was fair and typical for the time.
• συνεφώνησεν (synephōnēsen): Translated as "agreed," this word means to come to a mutual understanding or contract. The emphasis is on a clear, mutual agreement between the landowner and the workers, not just a command or assumption.
• ἐργάταις (ergatais): This word means "laborers" or "workers," highlighting that these were ordinary people hired for manual work, not servants or slaves.

Why Matthew 20:2 matters

• The verse clarifies that the workers knew exactly what they would be paid before they started, which is key to understanding their later reaction in the parable when others receive the same wage for less work.
• By specifying the agreed wage and the act of sending the workers into the vineyard, Matthew 20:2 sets the stage for the parable’s lesson about fairness, generosity, and expectations.
• The detail about a "penny a day" (a denarius) connects the story to everyday life in Jesus’ time, making the parable relatable to His original audience and helping modern readers grasp the economic context.