- 1
The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
- 2
And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
- 3
And going about the third hour, he saw others standing in the market place idle.
- 4
And he said to them: Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
- 5
And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner.
- 6
But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: Why stand you here all the day idle?
- 7
They say to him: Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into my vineyard.
- 8
And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.
- 9
When therefore they were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
- 10
But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.
- 11
And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
- 12
Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
- 13
But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
- 14
Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
- 15
Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?
- 16
So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
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