Bible Strands
Matthew 20:13
But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The landowner addresses one of the first-hour workers who is protesting the equal pay given to the late hires. He responds immediately to the complaint that final workers received the same wage despite working only one hour.
The words — ἑταῖρε (hetaire) translates literally to “Friend,” and οὐκ (ouk) negates the accusation of injustice. These terms frame the master’s direct rebuttal to the worker’s grievance about fairness.
The thread — The address “Friend” appears in Matthew 22:12 and 26:50 during moments of confrontation and arrest. The defense of divine fairness parallels Paul’s argument in Romans 9:14 that God is not unjust.
Why it lands — The text records the master denying unfairness and citing the explicit agreement on one denarius. It requires the reader to evaluate whether honoring a contract justifies resentment toward unmerited generosity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Cross-references
- Matthew 22:12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.
- Matthew 26:50 “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
- Romans 9:14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
- Genesis 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
- Job 34:8 He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men.
- Job 34:17 Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,
- Job 35:2 “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’
- Job 40:8 Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?
- Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”