Matthew 20:2

French Bible (BBB) Bible Bovet Bonnet (1900)

Et étant convenu avec les ouvriers d'un denier pour la journée, il les envoya à sa vigne.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a landowner agreeing to pay workers one penny for a day's work in his vineyard. The key message is about the agreement made between the owner and the laborers.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're helping your neighbor take care of their garden for a whole day, and they promise to give you an ice cream at the end of it. That's kind of like what happened here, but instead of ice cream, these workers got paid one penny for working all day in someone else’s grape field.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD, directed primarily to a Jewish audience. In the cultural setting of first-century Palestine, vineyards were common and labor was often hired on a daily basis with clear agreements about pay and work expectations.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, think of negotiating your salary for a new job; this verse reminds us of the importance of being clear about our agreements in any kind of employment. Just like these workers had a set agreement, so should we when starting or continuing a role.

Topics

• employment
• agreements
• fairness
• work ethic
• salvation parables
• vineyard imagery

Related Verses

• Genesis 29:15
• Exodus 20:8-11
• Luke 10:7
• Mark 6:34
• James 5:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the owner agree on a penny per day?

In ancient times, a penny was considered fair pay for a day's work. The owner likely wanted to ensure he had enough workers without overpaying.

What can we learn from this agreement about fairness?

This teaches us that it’s important to honor agreements and ensure they are fair to both parties involved in the transaction.

How does this relate to modern employment practices?

It highlights the importance of clear contracts and mutual respect between employers and employees, ensuring both sides understand their roles and compensations.

What is the significance of the vineyard imagery here?

The vineyard often symbolizes God’s kingdom in biblical texts. The workers represent people serving in God's kingdom, emphasizing fair rewards for labor.