Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 20

For the kingdom of heaven, etc. The word "for" shows that this chapter should have been connected with the preceding. The parable was spoken expressly to illustrate the sentiment in the last verse of that chapter. The kingdom of heaven means here the church, including perhaps its state here and hereafter. See Barnes on Matthew 3:2.

It has reference to rewards; and the meaning may be expressed as follows: "Rewards will be bestowed in my kingdom, or on my followers, in the same manner as they were by a certain householder, in such a way that the last will be equal to the first, and the first last."

A householder. A master of a family. One at the head of family affairs.

His vineyard. No inconsiderable part of Judea was employed in the culture of the grape. Vineyards are often used, therefore, to represent a fertile or well-cultivated place; and hence the church, denoting the care and culture that God has bestowed on it (Isaiah 5:7; Jeremiah 12:10). For the manner of their construction, see Barnes on Matthew 21:33.

A penny a day. The coin referred to here was a Roman coin, equal in value to about 14 cents, [approximately 7 pence]. The original text denotes the Roman denarius (dhnariou, a silver coin), which was originally equivalent to ten asses (a Roman brass coin), from which it derived its name.

The consular denarius bore on one side a head of Rome, and an X or a star to denote its value in asses, and a chariot with either two or four horses. At a later period, the images of different deities were on the obverse, and these were finally superseded by the heads of the Caesars. Many specimens of this coin have been preserved. The accompanying illustrations show the usual appearance of these coins.

This amount was likely the price of a day's labor at that time . It was also the common wage for a Roman soldier.

In England, before the discovery of the gold and silver mines of South America and consequently before money became plentiful, the price of labor was at a similar proportional rate. For instance, in 1351, the price of labor was regulated by law at a penny a day. However, provisions were, of course, proportionally inexpensive, and the purchasing power of a man's labor in terms of food was nearly as much as it is today.

About the third hour. The Jews divided their days into twelve equal parts, or hours, beginning at sunrise, and ending at sunset. This was, therefore, about nine o'clock in the morning.

Standing idle in the marketplace. A place where provisions are sold in towns. Of course many frequent such places; and it would be the easiest place to meet people, and find employers. They were not, therefore, disposed to be idle, but were waiting in the proper place to find employers.

Whatever is right. Whatever it will appear you can earn. The contract with the first was definite; with this one it depended on the judgment of the employer.

The sixth and ninth hour. That is, about twelve and three o'clock.