Matthew 20:10

10 When those who had been hired first came, they expected to receive more. But each of them received a day's wages.

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 owner of the vineyard told the supervisor, 'Call the workers, and give them their wages. Start with the last, and end with the first.'

9 "Those who started working about 5 p.m. came, and each received a day's wages.

10 When those who had been hired first came, they expected to receive more. But each of them received a day's wages.

11 Although they took it, they began to protest to the owner.

12 They said, 'These last workers have worked only one hour. Yet, you've treated us all the same, even though we worked hard all day under a blazing sun.'