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Matthew 20:15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
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Or are you envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Or is it not lawful for me to do what I will with that which <i>is</i> mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Am I not lawfully permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous? ’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my business? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’ <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Why should you be jealous, if I want to be generous?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Can't I do what I want with my own money? Or do you resent my generosity towards others?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I am allowed to do what I want with my own money, am I not? Or are you envious because I'm generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Am I not permitted to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? is thy eye evil because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have I not a right to do what I choose with my own property? Or are you envious because I am generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />is it not lawful to me to do what I will in my own? Is your eye evil because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Or is it not lawful for me to do what I will with that which <i>is</i> mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> is it not lawful to me to do what I will in mine own? is thine eye evil because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my things? Or is thine eye evil because I am good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Or is your eye wicked because I am good?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />[Or] am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Have I no right to do what I wish with mine own? Or are you jealous because I am generous?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Or is it illegal for me to do whatever I want to do with my own? Is your eye evil because I am good?'<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Is it not allowed me to do what I will with my own? Or, is your eye envious, because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Is it not lawful for me to do as I wish with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />can't I do what I will with my own? because I am bountiful, are you invidious?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have I not a right to do what I choose with my own property? Or are you envious because I am generous?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?'<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and may I not do what I will with my own?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/20-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5753" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/20.htm">The Parable of the Workers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Take your pay and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1832.htm" title="1832: exestin (V-PIA-3S) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">Do I not have the right</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to do</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">as</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I please</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/1699.htm" title="1699: emois (PPro-DN1P) -- My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.">mine?</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">Or</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are you</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmos (N-NMS) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy."></a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponēros (Adj-NMS) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">envious</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathos (Adj-NMS) -- A primary word; good.">generous?’</a> </span> <span class="reftext">16</span>So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20-21</a></span><br />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?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a></span><br />For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a></span><br />He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a></span><br />Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/33-13.htm">Job 33:13</a></span><br />Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-13.htm">Job 34:13</a></span><br />Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a></span><br />“I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a></span><br />A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a></span><br />Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good?</p><p class="hdg">it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></b></br> At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a></b></br> And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6-8</a></b></br> For thou <i>art</i> an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that <i>are</i> upon the face of the earth… </p><p class="hdg">Is thine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Matthew 6:23</a></b></br> But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great <i>is</i> that darkness!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Deuteronomy 15:9</a></b></br> Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-54.htm">Deuteronomy 28:54</a></b></br> <i>So that</i> the man <i>that is</i> tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:</p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jonah/4-1.htm">Jonah 4:1-4</a></b></br> But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Acts 13:45</a></b></br> But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/matthew/19-8.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Generosity</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/20-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Property</a> <a href="/matthew/20-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">Affairs</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/romans/5-15.htm">Generosity</a> <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/21-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Property</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/7-43.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Jesus, by the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/20-17.htm">foretells his passion;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">by answering the mother of Zebedee's children, teaches his disciples to be humble;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/20-29.htm">and gives two blind men their sight.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the landowner represents God, who exercises His divine prerogative. This echoes the biblical theme of God's ownership over all creation (<a href="/psalms/24.htm">Psalm 24:1</a>). The rhetorical question emphasizes God's freedom to dispense grace and blessings according to His will, without human interference or judgment. It challenges the listener to recognize God's ultimate authority and the concept of divine justice, which may differ from human expectations.<p><b>Or are you envious because I am generous?</b><br>This phrase addresses the human tendency towards jealousy and resentment when others receive what we perceive as unearned favor. The Greek word for "envious" can also be translated as "evil eye," a term used in ancient cultures to describe jealousy or covetousness. This reflects the cultural context where envy was seen as a destructive force. The landowner's generosity symbolizes God's grace, which is freely given and not based on human merit. This mirrors the biblical principle found in <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, where salvation is described as a gift from God, not a result of works. The phrase challenges believers to rejoice in God's generosity towards others and to trust in His just and loving nature.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/landowner.htm">Landowner</a></b><br>Represents God, who is sovereign and generous in His dealings with humanity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/laborers.htm">Laborers</a></b><br>Symbolize believers or followers of Christ, each called to work in God's vineyard (kingdom).<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/vineyard.htm">Vineyard</a></b><br>Represents the kingdom of heaven, where God's work is carried out.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/denarius.htm">Denarius</a></b><br>The wage agreed upon, symbolizing the reward of eternal life or God's grace.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/parable_of_the_workers_in_the_vineyard.htm">Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard</a></b><br>An event where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven and God's grace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority over His creation and dispenses His grace according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_of_god.htm">Generosity of God</a></b><br>God's grace is abundant and not limited by human standards of fairness or merit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_envy.htm">Avoiding Envy</a></b><br>Believers should guard against envy and rejoice in the blessings and grace given to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_grace.htm">Understanding Grace</a></b><br>Salvation and blessings are gifts from God, not earned by human effort, reflecting His generous nature.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_provision.htm">Contentment in God's Provision</a></b><br>Trust in God's provision and timing, knowing that He is just and generous in His dealings with us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_patience_boost_faith_in_god.htm">How can you give generously without expecting anything back?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_evil_eye_mean.htm">What does the evil eye mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_equal_pay_for_latecomers_in_matthew_20.htm">Matthew 20:1–16 – If God is perfectly just, why would He reward latecomers the same as those who worked all day? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_can't_jesus_choose_who_sits_by_him.htm">Matthew 20:23 - If Jesus is fully divine, why does He imply He has no authority over who sits at His right and left?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Is it not lawful</span> . . .?--The question is not that of one who asserts an arbitrary right; it appeals tacitly to a standard which none could question. As far as the labourer was concerned, the householder had a right to give freely of what was his own. He was responsible to God only. In the interpretation of the parable, God was Himself the Householder, and men ought to have sufficient faith in Him to accept the gifts to some which wrought no wrong to others as in harmony with absolute righteousness.<p><span class= "bld">Is thine eye evil</span>?--The "evil eye" was, as in <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm" title="He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come on him.">Proverbs 28:22</a>, that which looked with envy and ill will at the prosperity of others. In <a href="/mark/7-22.htm" title="Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:">Mark 7:22</a>, it appears among the "evil things" that come from the heart. Popularly, as the derivation of the word "envy" (from <span class= "ital">invidere</span>) shows, such a glance was thought to carry with it a kind of magic power to injure, and was to be averted, in the superstitious belief which still lingers in the East and many parts of Europe, by charms and amulets.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">With mine own;</span> <span class="greek">ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς</span>: <span class="accented">in the case of what is mine own</span>. These words are omitted by the Vulgate, which has, <span class="accented">Aut</span> (<span class="greek">η}</span>) <span class="accented">non licet mihi quod volo facere?</span> <span class="cmt_word">Is thine eye evil?</span> The evil eye is here expressive of envy, as <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Proverbs 28:22</a>. The Latin word <span class="accented">invidia</span>, Cicero informs us ('Tusc. Disp..' 3:9), "ductum est a nimis intuendo fortunam alterius." For <span class="accented">nimis</span> Bentley conjectures <span class="accented">limis</span>, "with sidelong glances." The idea is the same, envy being indicated by the look of the eye. <span class="cmt_word">Good</span>; generous. Why should you view with disfavour my liberality? The master says no more; he gives no further account of his determination. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/20-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Do I not have the right</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔξεστίν</span> <span class="translit">(exestin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> </span><span class="str2">It is permitted, lawful, possible. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιῆσαι</span> <span class="translit">(poiēsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I please</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλω</span> <span class="translit">(thelō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what [is]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mine?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(emois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1699.htm">Strong's 1699: </a> </span><span class="str2">My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Or</span><br /><span class="grk">ἢ</span> <span class="translit">(ē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are you</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">envious</span><br /><span class="grk">πονηρός</span> <span class="translit">(ponēros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰμι</span> <span class="translit">(eimi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">generous?’</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθός</span> <span class="translit">(agathos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 20:15 Isn't it lawful for me to do (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/20-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 20:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/20-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 20:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 20:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>