Matthew 20:10 Meaning and Explanation
“But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The first-hired workers expect more because of what the others received, but they too are each paid a penny.
What Does Matthew 20:10 Mean?
Seeing the latecomers paid a full denarius, the first workers reason that they themselves should receive proportionally more. But when their turn comes, they likewise receive every man a penny, exactly what they had agreed to that morning. Their expectation rose, but the master simply keeps his word to them.
Their disappointment is born not of being cheated but of comparison. They got precisely what was promised, a fair and generous day's wage; what stung was watching others receive the same for less. This is a mirror held up to the human heart, which can turn another's blessing into a personal grievance. Grace shown to someone else takes nothing from us, yet we are tempted to feel poorer the moment we measure ourselves against them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 20:10
What does Matthew 20:10 mean?
The first-hired workers expect more because of what the others received, but they too are each paid a penny.