Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 20:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 20:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 20:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus tells a story about a man looking for workers to help with a job. When he sees people with nothing to do, he kindly offers them work so they can also earn something.

Matthew 20:3: And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Contradiction with James 2:24

This verse suggests that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone, which contradicts the idea of being called to work later in the day and receiving the same reward in Matthew 20:3.

James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Contradiction with Matthew 20:16

This verse states that "the last shall be first, and the first last," which might contradict the implied equality in the calling and payment of workers at different times in Matthew 20:3.

Matthew 20:16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Contradiction with Luke 18:14

This verse indicates that those who humble themselves will be exalted, whereas Matthew 20:3 presents a call to work without noting humility or exaltation.

Luke 18:14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Contradiction with Romans 9:16

This verse states that it is not of him that willeth or runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy, opposing the active seeking of laborers to enter the vineyard as seen in Matthew 20:3.

Romans 9:16: So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11

This verse notes that "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," contrasting the idea of a timed call to labor as seen at the third hour in Matthew 20:3.

Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
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