[Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,
Matthew 20:1 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a farmer who went out early one morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 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. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition FOR THE kingdom of heaven is like the owner of an estate who went out in the morning along with the dawn to hire workmen for his vineyard. American Standard Version (1901) For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. Common English Bible “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. Catholic Public Domain Version "The kingdom of heaven is like the father of a family who went out in early morning to lead workers into his vineyard. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version THE kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. |
[Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,
Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field.
Then He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it].”
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a dragnet [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish].
When he had agreed with the workers [on wages] for the usual farm laborer’s pay for a day’s work, he [then] sent them to work in his vineyard. [Note: The coin mentioned here would amount to about $9.00, based on the average farm laborer’s hourly wage in 2005. [National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Feb. 2005]. This coin also forms the basis for calculating all other monetary references in the New Testament].
But what do you think [about this]? A man had two sons; He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go to work in my vineyard today.’
“The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son.
“O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [you people] who murdered the prophets and stoned those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather you people together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]
“For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him].
“You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”
It is like a man who left his house on a trip to another country. [Before leaving] he put his servants in charge of his affairs, giving each one a [particular] job to do, then he ordered the gatekeeper to stay alert [i.e., while he was gone].
[Jesus continued], “I am the real vine, and my Father is the owner of the vineyard.
Therefore, my dearly loved brothers, stand firm [in the faith]; do not be moved [from your commitment] Always do your best to work for the Lord, since you know that your labor in the Lord’s [service] is not for nothing.
equip you with every good deed for doing God’s will. [May He] work in us [to accomplish] what is very pleasing in His sight through [the power of] Jesus Christ. May there be praise to Him forever and ever. May it be so.