Matthew 20:10

10 and when the first came, they expected to get more, but they also each got the shilling.

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 "When evening came, the master said to his steward, "`Call the men and pay them their wages. Begin with the last set and finish with the first.'

9 "When those came who had begun at five o'clock, they received a shilling apiece;

10 and when the first came, they expected to get more, but they also each got the shilling.

11 So when they had received it, they grumbled against the employer, saying,

12 "`These who came last have done only one hour's work, and you have put them on a level with us who have worked the whole day and have borne the scorching heat.'