King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:11 Mean?

Matthew 20:11 in the King James Version says “And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 20:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house (λαβόντες δὲ ἐγόγγυζον κατὰ τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου, labontes de egonguzon kata tou oikodespotou)—The verb γογγύζω (gonguzō, to murmur, grumble) is the same used for Israel's wilderness complaints against God (Exod. 16:7-8, LXX). Their murmuring is not against fellow workers but against the goodman (κατὰ τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου, kata tou oikodespotou), the master of the house. This exposes the heart issue: their quarrel is with God's sovereign grace, not merely wage distribution.

The tragedy is that when they had received it (λαβόντες, labontes)—having obtained precisely what was promised—they complain. Receipt of covenant blessing doesn't guarantee a grace-shaped heart. Like the Pharisees who resented Jesus eating with sinners (Luke 15:2), these workers reveal that long tenure can breed entitlement rather than gratitude. Their murmuring demonstrates that time served doesn't automatically produce mature faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Murmuring (γογγυσμός, gongusmos) was Israel's characteristic sin in the wilderness, expressing distrust of God's provision and character. Jesus's original audience would hear echoes of their ancestors' faithlessness. The parable confronts first-century Jewish believers tempted to resent God's grace to Gentiles and sinners, viewing it as injustice rather than mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does murmuring reveal that the root sin is not merely ingratitude but theological objection to God's character and sovereign grace?
  2. What does this verse teach about the danger of long-term religious service breeding entitlement rather than deepening dependence on grace?
  3. In what ways do you find yourself murmuring against God when He blesses others in ways that seem disproportionate or undeserved?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
λαβόντες1 of 6

“when they had received”

G2983

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

δὲ2 of 6

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγόγγυζον3 of 6

“it they murmured”

G1111

to grumble

κατὰ4 of 6

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ5 of 6
G3588

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

οἰκοδεσπότου6 of 6

“the goodman of the house”

G3617

the head of a family

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 20:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:71 Thessalonians 2:16Luke 5:30Luke 15:2Acts 11:2-3Acts 22:21-22

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