Matthew 20:7

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

Matthew 20:7 (KJV)

Context

Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard to teach about the kingdom of heaven. A landowner hires laborers throughout the day, agreeing to pay each a denarius, the usual wage for a day’s work. In verse 7, he finds workers still idle in the marketplace and asks why they have not been hired. They answer, “Because no man hath hired us,” and he sends them into the vineyard with the same promise he made to earlier workers: “whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.“

Meaning

The workers’ reply is honest and without complaint. They do not claim entitlement or demand work; they simply state their situation. The landowner’s response shows that his invitation is gracious, extended to those who had waited all day. His promise of “whatsoever is right” echoes his earlier assurance to workers hired at the third hour (Matthew 20:4), showing a consistent commitment to fair dealing. The call to enter the vineyard is a call to serve in God’s kingdom, and the landowner goes out to hire—the workers do not come to him.

Biblical connections

This verse illustrates that God’s call is not based on human merit but on His grace and good will. The immediate context (Matthew 20:8-10) shows that even those hired last receive a full denarius, highlighting the landowner’s generosity. The parable also foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles, who were long neglected but later called into God’s vineyard. God is debtor unto no man, and His generosity surpasses human expectations of fairness.

Application

This verse reassures believers that salvation is available to all who respond to God’s call, no matter how late in life they come to Him. It also teaches that God rewards each person according to His justice and generosity. Those who have served long and those who come late can trust that God will deal rightly with them, for His promise is sure.

Reflection

Consider the workers’ honest reply: “Because no man hath hired us.” They were willing and available, yet overlooked. God sees those who wait and invites them in. His ways are not bound by human notions of merit or timing. We can rest in the certainty that what He promises is right, and He will fulfill it.