So when the original workers came, they assumed they would receive more. But each of them also received a denarius.
Parallel translations
- WEB When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.
- KJV But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
- NKJV But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
- NASB And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.
- NLT When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The first workers expected more but also received a denarius each. Their expectation of extra reward exposes a merit-based mindset.
Overview
Seeing the latecomers paid generously, the all-day workers assume they will receive proportionally more—but they get exactly what they agreed to. Their disappointment arises from comparing themselves to others rather than honoring the contract. The scene exposes how a heart trusting in its own merit resents grace shown to others.
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 20:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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