What Does Matthew 20:14 Mean in the King James?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The person at the far edge of the line receives from the same open hand, and their place does not diminish what is yours.
THE MEANING
What is yours remains yours even as another receives the same measure. The verse holds the giver’s freedom alongside the agreed payment: the last person’s place in line does not set a lesser measure of generosity.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
A person’s share must be greater if they have worked longer or stand higher in the line.
THE ROOT
τῷ ἐσχάτῳ
tō eschatō
GROWS FROM
ἐσχατ-
eschat-
Last, farthest, at the outermost point.
“last” in this verse is tō eschatō. The Greek word places this person at the end of the line, but the ending does not make them lesser in the giver’s eyes. The verse holds the farthest position and the same measure of giving together.
ALSO GROWS
eschaton: The last or ultimate thing.
ἔσχατον
The same word family can describe the end of a sequence, echoing the worker who arrives at the end of the day.
ta eschata: The ends or farthest parts.
τὰ ἔσχατα
This form carries the image of what lies at the outermost reach, like the person at the end of the line.
δοῦναι
dounai
GROWS FROM
δο-/δω- (do-/dō-)
To give or grant.
The verse frames the payment through the giver’s act: “I will give.” Even with an agreed wage, the last person’s position does not determine a smaller measure.
ALSO GROWS
dosis: Giving or a gift.
δόσις
It keeps the focus on the act of giving, which the verse places in the speaker’s hands.
doma: A gift or present.
δόμα
This related word makes visible the giving within the payment, without erasing the agreement that precedes it.
THE PATTERN
The giver’s generosity does not measure a person’s worth by rank, appearance, or standing.
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.THE THREAD
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.“The last” here and “the last” in verse 16 share the Greek root ἐσχατ- (eschat-), meaning last or farthest. Verse 16 turns the line itself around: position at the end does not define a person’s standing with the giver.
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