A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 20

For (γαρ). The parable of the house illustrates the aphorism in 19:30.A man that is a householder (ανθρωπω οικοδεσποτη). Just like ανθρωπω βασιλε (18:23). Not necessary to translate ανθρωπω, just "a householder."

Early in the morning (αμα πρω). A classic idiom. Hαμα as an "improper" preposition is common in the papyri. Πρω is just an adverb in the locative. At the same time with early dawn, break of day, country fashion for starting to work.

To hire (μισθωσασθα). The middle voice aorist tense, to hire for oneself.

For a penny a day (εκ δηναριου την ημεραν). See on 18:28. "Penny" is not adequate, "shilling" Moffatt has it. The εκ with the ablative represents the agreement (συνφωνησας) with the workmen (εργατων). "The day" the Greek has it, an accusative of extent of time.

Standing in the marketplace idle (εστωτας αγορα αργους). The market place was the place where men and masters met for bargaining. At Hamadan in Persia, Morier in Second Journey through Persia, as cited by Trench in his Parables, says: "We observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields."

Whatsoever is right (ο εαν η δικαιον). "Is fair" (Allen), not anything he pleased, but a just proportionate wage. Indefinite relative with subjunctive εαν=αν.

All the day idle (ολην την ημεραν αργο). Extent of time (accusative) again. Αργο is α privative and εργον, work, no work. The problem of the unemployed.