And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

MATTHEW 20:4KJV
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Matthew 20:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:4 mean?

Matthew 20:4 shows the landowner inviting more workers to join those already in his vineyard, promising to pay them whatever is fair. The workers accept the offer and go to work, trusting the landowner’s word about their wages.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story where a landowner speaks to people standing idle in the marketplace. The landowner tells them to go work in his vineyard, assuring them that he will give them “whatsoever is right.” This moment highlights the landowner’s fairness and the workers’ willingness to trust him, even without a set wage.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:4

  • δίκαιον (dikaion, G1342): This word is translated as “right” and means just, fair, or righteous. The landowner’s promise to pay “whatever is right” emphasizes his commitment to fairness, not a fixed wage.
  • ὅ (ho, G3739) + ἐὰν (ean, G1437): Together, these words mean “whatever” or “whatsoever.” This open-ended phrasing shows that the workers are agreeing to trust the landowner’s judgment about their pay.
  • ἀμπελῶνα (ampelōna, G290): This word means “vineyard.” In the context of Jesus’ parable, the vineyard often symbolizes God’s work or kingdom, adding a layer of meaning to the invitation.

Why Matthew 20:4 matters

  • Matthew 20:4 clarifies that the workers are not promised a specific wage but are asked to trust the landowner’s sense of fairness, which sets up the lesson about God’s generosity later in the parable.
  • The verse highlights the character of the landowner as just and trustworthy, which is important for understanding the broader message of the parable about God’s justice and grace.
  • This invitation to work, regardless of the hour, connects to the theme that all are welcome to serve and receive from God, no matter when they come.

Where else these words appear

“vineyard” Greek G290 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 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.
  • Matthew 21:39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

“them” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“is” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“right” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;