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Matthew 20:12

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

They're saying, 'These people only worked for one hour, and you're paying them the same as us? We've been out here carrying the heavy load through the hottest part of the day.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes life feels unfair when others get the same reward for way less work.

📚 Historical Context

In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20, Jesus tells a story about a landowner who hires laborers at various times throughout the day, from early morning to late afternoon, and pays them all the same wage at the end. The workers who started early complain that those hired last, who only worked one hour, are treated equally despite their own long hours of toil under the sun. This parable reflects Jesus' teaching on the unexpected generosity of God in the kingdom of heaven, challenging human notions of fairness based on effort.

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