Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Matthew 20:2
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, etc.] These labourers were of that sort that were called µwy rykç, “hired for a day”; concerning whom is the following rule f1051: “he that is hired for a day, may demand it all the night; and he that is hired for a night may demand it all the day: he that is hired for hours, may demand it all the night, and all the day; he that is hired for a week, he that is hired for a month, he that is hired for a year, he that is hired for seven, if he goes out in the day, may demand all the day; and if he goes out in the night, he may demand it all the night, and all the day.” And the wages of a day were usually rnyd “a penny”; which, if understood of a Roman penny, was seven pence halfpenny of our money. One of their canons runs thus f1052: “he that hires a labourer in the winter, to work with him in the summer, µwy lkb, “for a penny every day”, and he gives him his hire; and, lo! his hire is alike to that in the winter, a “sela” every day, this is forbidden; because it looks as if he chose that time to lessen his wages; but if he says to him, work with me from this day, to such a time, “for a penny every day”, though his hire is the same, a “sela” every day, this is lawful.” By the penny a day agreed for with the labourers, may be meant external privileges; or the free promise made, whether to ministers, or private believers, of a sufficient supply of grace daily, that as their day is, their strength shall be; together with that of eternal life and happiness at last. He sent them into his vineyard; to labour there: for none have any business there, but such who are called and sent by the owner of it; and where sons are sent, and work, as well as servants; (see <402128>Matthew 21:28,29).
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