King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:10 Mean?

Matthew 20:10 in the King James Version says “But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.”

Matthew 20:10 · KJV

Context

8

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11

And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

12

Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. have wrought: or, have continued one hour only

Read Matthew 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more (καὶ ἐλθόντες οἱ πρῶτοι ἐνόμισαν ὅτι πλεῖον λήμψονται, kai elthontes hoi prōtoi enomisan hoti pleion lēmpsontai)—The verb νομίζω (nomizō, to suppose, assume) indicates expectation based on human reasoning, not the master's promise. They had contracted for a denarius (v. 2), yet witnessing grace to others birthed covetousness. Their assumption of more (πλεῖον, pleion, greater quantity) reveals merit-based thinking: if one hour earns full pay, twelve hours should earn twelve-fold reward.

And they likewise received every man a penny (ἔλαβον καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀνὰ δηνάριον, elabon kai autoi ana dēnarion)—The master keeps his word exactly, neither more nor less. The early workers receive precisely what was promised, yet their response shifts from contentment to resentment. Grace shown to others didn't diminish their reward but exposed their hearts. This mirrors the elder brother's response to the prodigal's return (Luke 15:25-32)—years of faithful service reframed as joyless duty when grace is extended to the undeserving.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This parable addressed Jewish believers struggling with Gentile inclusion in the early church on equal terms without Torah observance. The early-hired workers represent Israel's covenant longevity and Torah faithfulness, which seemed devalued when eleventh-hour Gentiles received full Kingdom citizenship through faith alone. Paul addresses this identical tension in Romans 9-11.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the first workers' discontent reveal that comparison with others is the death of gratitude and contentment?
  2. What does this verse teach about how witnessing grace to others can expose our functional belief in merit-based salvation?
  3. In what ways might long-time Christians, like these early workers, view grace to new converts or notorious sinners as somehow cheapening their own faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἐλθόντες1 of 14

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

δὲ2 of 14

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρῶτοι4 of 14

“when the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐνόμισαν5 of 14

“they supposed”

G3543

properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard

ὅτι6 of 14

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πλεῖονα7 of 14

“more”

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

ἔλαβον8 of 14

“received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ9 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔλαβον10 of 14

“received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτοί12 of 14
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀνὰ13 of 14

“every man”

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

δηνάριον14 of 14

“a penny”

G1220

a denarius (or ten asses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 20:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 20 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes