What Is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 20:15-16, sits inside Matthew 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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