Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

MATTHEW 20:5KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 20:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:5 mean?

Matthew 20:5 describes how the landowner in Jesus’ parable went out again at about noon (“the sixth hour”) and 3 p.m. (“the ninth hour”) and hired more workers for his vineyard, just as he had done earlier in the day. The verse shows that the landowner continued to invite people to work at different times throughout the day.

In this part of the parable, Jesus is telling a story to his disciples about a vineyard owner who repeatedly seeks out laborers. The setting is a typical workday in ancient Israel, where the “hours” refer to times counted from sunrise. The verse highlights the landowner’s ongoing effort to bring in workers, which sets up the later point about how all workers, no matter when they started, are treated generously.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:5

  • “Again” (πάλιν, palin) signals that the landowner’s actions are repeated, emphasizing his persistence in seeking workers.
  • “Sixth” (ἕκτη, hektē) and “ninth” (ἐνάτη, enatē) refer to hours counted from sunrise, so these are about noon and 3 p.m., showing that the invitation to work comes even late in the day.
  • “Did likewise” (ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως, epoiēsen hōsautōs) means the landowner acted in the same way as before, making clear that each group of workers was approached and hired under similar terms.

Why Matthew 20:5 matters

  • Matthew 20:5 helps clarify that the opportunity to join the work was not limited to those who started early; the landowner kept inviting new workers throughout the day.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the surprise later in the parable, where all workers receive the same wage, regardless of when they started.
  • The detail about hiring at multiple times underscores the landowner’s generosity and the inclusive nature of his invitation, which is a key point in Jesus’ teaching.

Where else these words appear

“ninth” Greek G1766 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
  • Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

“sixth” Greek G1623 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
  • Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.