Matthew 20:10

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

Matthew 20:10 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 20:10

But when the first came
Who were early hired into the vineyard; and design either the first saints that were in the world; or the Jews that first believed in Christ, either really or nominally; or such, who were called by grace in their early days:

they supposed,
or "hoped", as the Syriac version renders it,

that they should have received more;
than a penny, a greater reward: not that they could expect it on the foot of their agreement, or on account of their work; but because they observed, that they that came last into the vineyard, had as much as they agreed for; and therefore hoped, from the goodness of their Lord to them, that they should receive more:

and they likewise received every man a penny;
the selfsame privileges of the Gospel, and a title to the selfsame reward of free grace, the selfsame glory and happiness.

Matthew 20:10 In-Context

8 So when evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, `Call the laborers 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 they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

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

12 saying, `These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'