Bible Commentaries
Matthew 20

Introduction

Overview

Matthew 20:1, Christ, by the similitude of the labourers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man; Matthew 20:17, foretells his passion; Matthew 20:20, by answering the mother of Zebedee’s children, teaches his disciples to be lowly; Matthew 20:29, and gives two blind men their sight.

Verse 1

the kingdom: This parable was intended to illustrate the equity of God's dealings, even when "the first are placed last, and the last first." Matthew 3:2, Matthew 13:24, Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 13:44, Matthew 13:45, Matthew 13:47, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 25:1, Matthew 25:14

a man: Matthew 9:37, Matthew 9:38, Matthew 21:33-43, Song of Solomon 8:11, Song of Solomon 8:12, Isaiah 5:1, Isaiah 5:2, John 15:1

early: Matthew 23:37, Song of Solomon 8:11, Song of Solomon 8:12, Jeremiah 25:3, Jeremiah 25:4

labourers: Mark 13:34, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 13:21, 2 Peter 1:5-10

Reciprocal: Job 7:1 - like the days Job 14:6 - as an hireling Matthew 22:1 - General Luke 10:2 - the labourers Romans 4:4 - General Romans 10:21 - All day long 1 Corinthians 3:9 - ye are God's 2 Timothy 2:6 - husbandman

Verse 2

he had: Matthew 20:13, Exodus 19:5, Exodus 19:6, Deuteronomy 5:27-30

a penny: "The Roman penny is the eighth part of an ounce, which after five shillings the ounce is sevenpence halfpenny." Matthew 18:28, Matthew 22:19, *marg. Luke 10:35, Revelation 6:6

he sent: 1 Samuel 2:18, 1 Samuel 2:26, 1 Samuel 3:1, 1 Samuel 3:21, 1 Samuel 16:11, 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Kings 3:6-11, 1 Kings 18:12, 2 Chronicles 34:3, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Luke 1:15, 2 Timothy 3:15

Reciprocal: Matthew 20:9 - they received Luke 20:24 - a penny John 12:5 - three hundred

Verse 3

the third: Mark 15:25, Acts 2:15

standing: Matthew 20:6, Matthew 20:7, Matthew 11:16, Matthew 11:17, Proverbs 19:15, Ezekiel 16:49, Acts 17:17-21, 1 Timothy 5:13, Hebrews 6:12

Reciprocal: 2 Peter 1:8 - barren

Verse 4

Go: Matthew 9:9, Matthew 21:23-31, Luke 19:7-10, Romans 6:16-22, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 Timothy 1:12, 1 Timothy 1:13, Titus 3:8, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:2, 1 Peter 4:3

and whatsoever: Colossians 4:1

Verse 5

sixth: Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Mark 15:34, Luke 23:44-46, John 1:39, John 4:6, John 11:9, Acts 3:1, Acts 10:3, Acts 10:9

and did: Genesis 12:1-4, Joshua 24:2, Joshua 24:3, 2 Chronicles 33:12-19, Hebrews 11:24-26

Reciprocal: Matthew 21:28 - sons

Verse 6

the eleventh: Ecclesiastes 9:10, Luke 23:40-43, John 9:4

Why: Proverbs 19:15, Ezekiel 16:49, Acts 17:21, Hebrews 6:12

Reciprocal: Joshua 18:3 - How long are Matthew 20:3 - standing Matthew 20:9 - they received 2 Peter 1:8 - barren

Verse 7

Because: Acts 4:16, Acts 17:30, Acts 17:31, Romans 10:14-17, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:12, Ephesians 3:5, Ephesians 3:6, Colossians 1:26

Go: Matthew 22:9, Matthew 22:10, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Luke 14:21-23, John 9:4

and: Ephesians 6:8, Hebrews 6:10

Reciprocal: Matthew 20:3 - standing Matthew 20:9 - they received

Verse 8

when: Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 25:19, Matthew 25:31, Romans 2:6-10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 20:11, Revelation 20:12

unto: Genesis 15:2, Genesis 39:4-6, Genesis 43:19, Luke 10:7, Luke 12:42, Luke 16:1, Luke 16:2, 1 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 4:10

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 24:15 - At his Ruth 2:6 - the servant

Verse 9

they received: Matthew 20:2, Matthew 20:6, Matthew 20:7, Luke 23:40-43, Romans 4:3-6, Romans 5:20, Romans 5:21, Ephesians 1:6-8, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Timothy 1:14-16

Verse 10

Reciprocal: Matthew 19:27 - what

Verse 11

they murmured: Luke 5:30, Luke 15:2, Luke 15:28-30, Luke 19:7, Acts 11:2, Acts 11:3, Acts 13:45, Acts 22:21, Acts 22:22, 1 Thessalonians 2:16, Jude 1:16

Reciprocal: Job 40:2 - he that reproveth Proverbs 7:19 - the goodman Isaiah 58:3 - have we fasted Ezekiel 18:25 - way Matthew 24:43 - goodman Mark 14:5 - And they Philippians 2:14 - without

Verse 12

wrought but one hour: or, continued one hour only

equal: Luke 14:10, Luke 14:11, Romans 3:22-24, Romans 3:30, Ephesians 3:6

borne: Isaiah 58:2, Isaiah 58:3, Zechariah 7:3-5, Malachi 1:13, Malachi 3:14, Luke 15:29, Luke 15:30, Luke 18:11, Luke 18:12, Romans 3:27, Romans 9:30-32, Romans 10:1-3, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, 1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

Reciprocal: Numbers 23:4 - I have prepared Job 34:33 - whether thou refuse Matthew 25:24 - I knew

Verse 13

Friend: Matthew 22:12, Matthew 26:50

I do: Genesis 18:25, Job 34:8-12, Job 34:17, Job 34:18, Job 35:2, Job 40:8, Romans 9:14, Romans 9:15, Romans 9:20

Reciprocal: Matthew 20:2 - he had Luke 15:31 - General

Verse 14

thine: Matthew 6:2, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:16, 2 Kings 10:16, 2 Kings 10:30, 2 Kings 10:31, Ezekiel 29:18-20, Luke 15:31, Luke 16:25, Romans 3:4, Romans 3:19

I will: John 17:2

Reciprocal: Acts 11:17 - as God

Verse 15

it: Matthew 11:25, Exodus 33:19, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, 1 Chronicles 28:4, 1 Chronicles 28:5, Jeremiah 27:5-7, John 17:2, Romans 9:15-24, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5, James 1:18

Is thine: Matthew 6:23, Deuteronomy 15:9, Deuteronomy 28:54, Proverbs 23:6, Proverbs 28:22, Mark 7:22, James 5:9

because: Jonah 4:1-4, Acts 13:45

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:5 - wroth Genesis 4:6 - General Genesis 31:9 - General Exodus 11:2 - borrow Exodus 20:17 - is thy neighbour's Numbers 33:53 - General Joshua 2:9 - that the Lord Joshua 8:27 - the cattle 1 Samuel 18:9 - eyed David Job 1:21 - taken away Job 9:12 - What Job 33:13 - giveth not account Proverbs 22:9 - He that hath a bountiful eye Jeremiah 18:6 - General Ezekiel 48:1 - Dan Jonah 4:4 - Doest thou well to be angry Luke 4:25 - many Luke 23:43 - To day John 4:26 - I that Acts 8:6 - with one Acts 11:17 - as God Romans 9:20 - who art Romans 11:35 - General 1 Corinthians 12:11 - as

Verse 16

the last: Matthew 8:11, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 19:30, Matthew 21:31, Mark 10:31, Luke 7:47, Luke 13:28-30, Luke 15:7, Luke 17:17, Luke 17:18, John 12:19-22, Romans 5:20, Romans 9:30

for: Matthew 7:13, Matthew 22:14, Luke 14:24, Romans 8:30, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, James 1:23-25

Reciprocal: Numbers 4:48 - General Judges 7:3 - twenty Esther 2:4 - let the maiden Isaiah 48:12 - my called Jeremiah 38:7 - Ethiopian Ezekiel 48:1 - Dan Matthew 7:14 - and few Mark 15:43 - and went Luke 7:39 - would Luke 12:32 - little Luke 13:23 - are Luke 13:30 - General Luke 23:43 - To day John 4:30 - General Acts 8:6 - with one Acts 17:34 - certain Romans 10:20 - I was made Romans 16:13 - chosen 2 Timothy 4:11 - for

Verse 17

Jesus: Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34, John 12:12

took: Matthew 13:11, Matthew 16:13, Genesis 18:17, John 15:15, Acts 10:41

Reciprocal: Matthew 16:21 - began Matthew 17:22 - The Son Mark 8:31 - he began Mark 10:33 - and the Son Luke 12:50 - I have

Verse 18

and the: Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22, Matthew 17:23, Matthew 26:2, Psalms 2:1-3, Psalms 22:1-31, Psalms 69:1-36, Isaiah 53:1-12, Daniel 9:24-27, Acts 2:23, Acts 4:27, Acts 4:28

they: Matthew 26:66, Matthew 27:1, Mark 14:64, Mark 14:65, Luke 22:71

Reciprocal: Mark 9:31 - The Son Mark 15:1 - and delivered Mark 15:19 - they smote Luke 9:44 - for Luke 13:33 - for Luke 17:25 - must Luke 24:6 - remember Luke 24:44 - These John 18:4 - knowing Acts 21:11 - and shall 1 Corinthians 15:3 - I delivered Hebrews 12:2 - endured

Verse 19

shall deliver: Matthew 27:2-10, Mark 15:1, Mark 15:16-20, Luke 23:1-5, John 18:28-38, Acts 3:13-16, 1 Corinthians 15:3-7

to mock: Matthew 26:67, Matthew 26:68, Matthew 27:27-31, Psalms 22:7, Psalms 22:8, Psalms 35:16, Isaiah 53:3, Mark 14:65, Mark 15:16-20, Mark 15:29-31, Luke 23:11, John 19:1-4

the third: Matthew 12:40, Matthew 16:21, Isaiah 26:19, Hosea 6:2, Luke 24:46, 1 Corinthians 15:4

Reciprocal: Matthew 10:17 - scourge Matthew 26:2 - betrayed Matthew 26:32 - I am Matthew 27:26 - scourged Matthew 27:29 - platted Matthew 27:31 - and led Matthew 27:63 - After Matthew 28:6 - as Mark 9:31 - The Son Mark 15:15 - when Mark 15:19 - they smote Luke 9:44 - for Luke 17:25 - must Luke 23:33 - they crucified Luke 24:6 - remember Luke 24:44 - These John 18:4 - knowing John 18:32 - the saying Acts 4:27 - the people Acts 21:11 - and shall Hebrews 11:36 - mockings Hebrews 12:2 - endured

Verse 20

came: Mark 10:35

the mother: Matthew 4:21, Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40, Salome

worshipping: Matthew 2:11, Matthew 8:2, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 15:25, Matthew 28:17

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 2:20 - I desire Esther 5:3 - What Matthew 9:18 - worshipped Matthew 10:2 - James Matthew 18:1 - Who Matthew 26:37 - Peter Luke 5:10 - James Luke 9:46 - General Luke 22:24 - General Hebrews 12:2 - endured 3 John 1:9 - who loveth

Verse 21

What: Matthew 20:32, 1 Kings 3:5, Esther 5:3, Mark 6:22, Mark 10:36, Mark 10:51, Luke 18:41, John 15:7

Grant: Matthew 18:1, Matthew 19:28, Jeremiah 45:5, Mark 10:37, Luke 22:24, Romans 12:10, Philemon 1:2, Philemon 1:3

the one: 1 Kings 2:19, Psalms 45:9, Psalms 110:1, Mark 16:19, Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1

in thy: Luke 17:20, Luke 17:21, Luke 19:11, Acts 1:6

Reciprocal: Numbers 16:10 - and seek 1 Kings 1:16 - And the 1 Kings 2:20 - I desire 1 Kings 3:11 - hast not Job 35:13 - God Matthew 4:21 - other Matthew 23:6 - General Matthew 27:56 - the mother Mark 9:34 - they had Mark 10:38 - Ye know not Romans 12:16 - Mind 2 Corinthians 12:8 - I besought

Verse 22

Ye know not: Mark 10:38, Romans 8:26, James 4:3

the cup: Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42, Psalms 75:3, Jeremiah 25:15-38, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42, John 18:11

baptized with the: Mark 10:39, Luke 12:50

We: Matthew 26:35, Matthew 26:56, Proverbs 16:18

Reciprocal: Numbers 16:10 - and seek Deuteronomy 3:26 - Let it 1 Kings 2:22 - why dost 1 Kings 3:11 - hast not Job 35:13 - God Psalms 110:7 - He shall Ezekiel 23:32 - drink Luke 14:28 - counteth Luke 18:41 - What Luke 22:33 - I am 1 Corinthians 15:29 - what 2 Corinthians 12:8 - I besought Hebrews 6:2 - the doctrine Revelation 14:10 - into

Verse 23

Ye: Acts 12:2, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 1:7, Colossians 1:24, 2 Timothy 2:11, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 1:9

to sit: Rather, "to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, except to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."

for: Matthew 25:34, Mark 10:40, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Hebrews 11:16

Reciprocal: Joshua 19:51 - These are Ezekiel 23:32 - drink Daniel 11:33 - yet Zechariah 4:12 - What be Matthew 26:35 - Though Luke 14:28 - counteth Acts 1:7 - which Philippians 3:10 - and the fellowship Hebrews 6:2 - the doctrine

Verse 24

they: Proverbs 13:10, Mark 10:41, Luke 22:23-25, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Philippians 2:3, James 3:14-18, James 4:1, James 4:5, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5

Reciprocal: Matthew 26:35 - Likewise

Verse 25

called: Matthew 11:29, Matthew 18:3, Matthew 18:4, John 13:12-17

the princes: Mark 10:42, Luke 22:25-27

exercise dominion: Daniel 2:12, Daniel 2:13, Daniel 2:37-45, Daniel 3:2-7, Daniel 3:15, Daniel 3:19-22, Daniel 5:19

Reciprocal: Matthew 6:32 - after Mark 9:35 - If 2 Corinthians 4:5 - and 1 Peter 5:3 - as

Verse 26

it: Matthew 23:8-12, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43, Mark 10:45, Luke 14:7-11, Luke 18:14, John 18:36, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 10:4-10, 1 Peter 5:3, 3 John 1:9, 3 John 1:10, Revelation 13:11-17, Revelation 17:6

minister: Matthew 25:44, Matthew 27:55, Ezekiel 24:13, Acts 13:5, 2 Timothy 1:18, Philemon 1:13, Hebrews 1:14, 1 Peter 4:11

Reciprocal: Joshua 1:1 - Moses' minister 2 Kings 6:15 - servant Matthew 5:19 - great Matthew 6:32 - after Matthew 18:4 - greatest Matthew 23:11 - General Luke 4:20 - and he John 13:14 - I then Romans 12:10 - in honour 1 Corinthians 9:19 - I made Philippians 2:5 - General

Verse 27

whosoever: Matthew 18:4, Mark 9:33-35, Luke 22:26, Acts 20:34, Acts 20:35, Romans 1:14, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 11:5, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, 2 Corinthians 12:15

Reciprocal: Joshua 1:1 - Moses' minister Psalms 85:13 - shall set Matthew 23:11 - General Mark 10:43 - whosoever

Verse 28

came: Luke 22:27, John 13:4-17, Philippians 2:4-8, Hebrews 5:8

and to: Job 33:24, Psalms 49:7, Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:8, Isaiah 53:10, Isaiah 53:11, Daniel 9:24-26, John 10:15, John 11:50-52, Romans 3:24-26, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 5:2, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:9

for: Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Romans 5:15-19, Hebrews 9:28, 1 John 2:2

Reciprocal: Exodus 30:12 - a ransom Leviticus 4:21 - a sin offering Leviticus 17:11 - I have Numbers 3:41 - General Numbers 3:50 - General Numbers 7:15 - General Deuteronomy 12:23 - the blood is Psalms 85:13 - shall set Isaiah 35:10 - the ransomed Isaiah 49:7 - to a Jeremiah 31:11 - redeemed Ezekiel 45:22 - the prince Matthew 16:21 - began Matthew 27:50 - yielded Mark 9:31 - The Son Mark 10:45 - came Luke 7:6 - Jesus Luke 9:56 - the Son Luke 10:37 - He that John 1:29 - which John 6:38 - not John 6:51 - my flesh John 10:10 - I am John 11:51 - that Jesus John 12:47 - for John 19:30 - and he Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 8:34 - It is Christ Romans 15:8 - Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:14 - one 2 Corinthians 8:9 - he became Galatians 1:4 - gave Galatians 2:20 - who Galatians 4:5 - redeem Ephesians 5:25 - loved Philippians 2:7 - the form Colossians 1:14 - whom 1 Thessalonians 5:10 - died 1 Timothy 1:15 - that 1 Timothy 3:13 - used Hebrews 9:14 - offered Hebrews 12:2 - endured 1 Peter 4:10 - minister 1 John 3:16 - perceive

Verse 29

Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43

Reciprocal: Matthew 8:1 - great

Verse 30

two: Matthew 9:27-31, Matthew 12:22, Matthew 21:14, Psalms 146:8, Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5, Isaiah 35:6, Isaiah 42:16, Isaiah 42:18, Isaiah 59:10, Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:2, Mark 10:46, Luke 4:18, Luke 7:21, John 9:1-12

Have: Matthew 12:23, Matthew 15:22, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 22:42, Acts 2:30, Romans 1:3, Romans 1:4

Reciprocal: Mark 10:47 - thou Luke 17:13 - have Luke 18:35 - as

Verse 31

rebuked: Matthew 15:23, Matthew 19:13

but they cried: Matthew 7:7, Matthew 7:8, Genesis 32:25-29, Luke 11:8-10, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 18:39, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 4:27 - thrust Matthew 9:27 - Thou Matthew 15:22 - son Matthew 15:25 - came Mark 10:48 - many Luke 17:13 - have Luke 18:40 - General

Verse 32

What: Matthew 20:21, Ezekiel 36:37, Acts 10:29, Philippians 4:6

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:16 - And the Mark 10:49 - stood

Verse 33

Lord: Psalms 119:18, Ephesians 1:17-19

Verse 34

Jesus: Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32, Psalms 145:8, Luke 7:13, John 11:33-35, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Peter 3:8

touched: Matthew 9:29, Mark 7:33, Luke 22:51, John 9:6, John 9:7

and they: Matthew 8:15, Psalms 119:67, Psalms 119:71, Luke 18:43, Acts 26:18

Reciprocal: Mark 8:2 - compassion Mark 9:22 - have Luke 8:44 - immediately