King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:5 Mean?

Matthew 20:5 in the King James Version says “Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 20:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4

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

5

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

6

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour (πάλιν ἐξελθὼν περὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν, palin exelthōn peri hektēn kai enatēn hōran)—The master's repeated going out (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai) emphasizes his active, persistent seeking of laborers. The sixth hour (noon) and ninth hour (3 PM) represent half-day and late-afternoon hirings, still offering substantial work time. Each successive hiring represents God's ongoing invitation throughout redemptive history.

And did likewise (ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως, epoiēsen hōsautōs)—The master's consistent pattern of seeking workers demonstrates divine persistence in calling people into Kingdom labor. This repetition underscores grace's initiative: God doesn't wait passively for workers to find Him but actively seeks them in the marketplace. The varying hours represent different life stages or historical epochs when God calls individuals to His service—childhood, youth, middle age, or even life's final hour.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century agrarian Palestine, the marketplace served as a labor exchange where landless workers gathered hoping for day-wage employment. Harvest time was urgent—grapes had to be picked quickly before spoiling. The master's multiple trips reflect a large harvest requiring maximum labor. This parable's original hearers would recognize the urgency and the master's generosity in continuing to hire when the workday was substantially completed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the master's repeated seeking challenge the notion that God's call comes once and, if rejected, is withdrawn permanently?
  2. What does the varying hours of hiring teach about God's sovereignty in calling people at different life stages or historical periods?
  3. In what ways does this parable encourage those who came to faith later in life or feel they've wasted years outside Kingdom service?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
πάλιν1 of 9

“Again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐξελθὼν2 of 9

“he went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

περὶ3 of 9

“about”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἕκτην4 of 9

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

καὶ5 of 9

“and”

G2532

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

ἐννάτην6 of 9

“ninth”

G1766

ninth

ὥραν7 of 9

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐποίησεν8 of 9

“and did”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὡσαύτως9 of 9

“likewise”

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

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 20:5 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 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:24-26Mark 15:33-34Acts 10:32 Chronicles 33:12-19John 4:6Genesis 12:1-4

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