Matthew 20:1 - 16
20:1 -
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in
the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
20:2 -
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his
vineyard.
20:3 -
And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
20:4 -
And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.
And they went their way.
20:5 -
Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
20:6 -
And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto
them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
20:7 -
They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the
vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
20:8 -
So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers,
and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
20:9 -
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a
penny.
20:10 -
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they
likewise received every man a penny.
20:11 -
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
20:12 -
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which
have borne the burden and heat of the day.
20:13 -
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree
with me for a penny?
20:14 -
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
20:15 -
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
20:16 -
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.