What Is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard?
What Is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard? The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard teaches that God's grace is generous and equal—salvation is a gift, not payment based on merit.
Key verse: Matthew 20:15-16 (KJV)
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard teaches that God's grace is generous and equal—salvation is a gift, not payment based on merit.
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard teaches that God's grace is generous and equal—salvation is a gift, not payment based on merit.
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last." — Matthew 20:15-16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 20:1-16, a landowner hires workers at various times throughout the day—early morning, mid-morning, noon, and late afternoon. At day's end, he pays everyone the same wage, starting with the last hired. Those hired first grumble, but the owner responds: 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?' This parable teaches that God's kingdom operates on grace, not merit. A deathbed convert receives the same eternal life as a lifelong believer. This offends human notions of fairness but reveals God's extravagant generosity. The parable warns against comparing ourselves with others and reminds us that salvation is always an undeserved gift.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last."
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?
It means salvation is God's free gift, not earned by good works — received through personal trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Parable of the Vineyard Workers
Matthew 20:1-16 • Grace and Generosity
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:16 • Forgiveness & Grace
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
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Theology & Doctrine
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Quiz
The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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