Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the laborers in the vineyard, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 20:1 (KJV)
Who went out early in the morning to hire laborers?
Answer: A householder with a vineyard
Study note. 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. (Matthew 20:1)
Lesson 2 · Matthew 20:2 (KJV)
At what hour did he first hire laborers?
Answer: The first hour
Study note. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. (Matthew 20:2) — He went out early (about the first hour, i.e., 6 AM).
Lesson 3 · Matthew 20:5 (KJV)
At what other hours did he hire more workers?
Answer: The third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours
Study note. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others... Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. (Matthew 20:3-5)
Lesson 4 · Matthew 20:2 (KJV)
What did he agree to pay the first laborers?
Answer: A denarius (penny) a day
Study note. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. (Matthew 20:2)
Lesson 5 · Matthew 20:12 (KJV)
What did the eleventh-hour workers expect to receive?
Answer: Less than a penny
Study note. These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us... (Matthew 20:12)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 20:8 (KJV)
In what order did the householder pay the laborers?
Answer: Last hired first
Study note. Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. (Matthew 20:8)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 20:9 (KJV)
How much did each worker receive?
Answer: Each one a penny
Study note. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. (Matthew 20:9)
Lesson 8 · Matthew 20:11 (KJV)
How did the first-hired react?
Answer: They murmured against the goodman of the house
Study note. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house. (Matthew 20:10-11)
Lesson 9 · Matthew 20:15 (KJV)
What did the householder ask in response?
Answer: Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Study note. Is thine eye evil, because I am good? (Matthew 20:15)
Lesson 10 · Matthew 20:16 (KJV)
What is the closing lesson?
Answer: The last shall be first, and the first last
Study note. So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the laborers in the vineyard point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?