Matthew 20:7

"About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 20:7, Jesus illustrates a parable where workers are hired late in the day, at the eleventh hour. This scene challenges first-century Jewish audiences by subverting their expectations of fairness and justice, as those who worked longer hours might reasonably expect to earn more. The verse highlights how God’s generosity extends even to those who join His work later in life, reflecting a broader theme of grace that is central to Jesus’ teachings.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 7. No Barnes text on this verse. {z} "unto them" Ec 9:10; Joh 9:4 __________________________________________________________________

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