Matthew 20:15
New International Version
Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

New Living Translation
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?’

English Standard Version
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’

Berean Standard Bible
Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

Berean Literal Bible
Or is it not lawful for me to do what I will with that which is mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?'

King James Bible
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

New King James Version
Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

New American Standard Bible
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?’

NASB 1995
‘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?’

NASB 1977
‘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?’

Legacy Standard Bible
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?’

Amplified Bible
Am I not lawfully permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous? ’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my business? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’

American Standard Version
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Contemporary English Version
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?"

English Revised Version
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Can't I do what I want with my own money? Or do you resent my generosity towards others?'

Good News Translation
Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?'"

International Standard Version
I am allowed to do what I want with my own money, am I not? Or are you envious because I'm generous?'

Majority Standard Bible
Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous??

NET Bible
Am I not permitted to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

New Heart English Bible
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?'

Webster's Bible Translation
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? is thy eye evil because I am good?

Weymouth New Testament
Have I not a right to do what I choose with my own property? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

World English Bible
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?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
is it not lawful to me to do what I will in my own? Is your eye evil because I am good?

Berean Literal Bible
Or is it not lawful for me to do what I will with that which is mine? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?'

Young's Literal Translation
is it not lawful to me to do what I will in mine own? is thine eye evil because I am good?

Smith's Literal Translation
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my things? Or is thine eye evil because I am good.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Or is your eye wicked because I am good?’

New American Bible
[Or] am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’

New Revised Standard Version
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Have I no right to do what I wish with mine own? Or are you jealous because I am generous?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Or is it illegal for me to do whatever I want to do with my own? Is your eye evil because I am good?'
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Is it not allowed me to do what I will with my own? Or, is your eye envious, because I am good?

Godbey New Testament
Is it not lawful for me to do as I wish with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Haweis New Testament
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Mace New Testament
can't I do what I will with my own? because I am bountiful, are you invidious?

Weymouth New Testament
Have I not a right to do what I choose with my own property? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

Worrell New Testament
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?'

Worsley New Testament
and may I not do what I will with my own?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Workers
14Take your pay and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. 15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”…

Cross References
Romans 9:20-21
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?

Matthew 25:14-30
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. ...

Luke 15:11-32
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. ...

1 Corinthians 4:7
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?

James 1:17
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.

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Isaiah 45:9
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’?

Job 33:13
Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?

Job 34:13
Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?

Daniel 4:35
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?’”

Exodus 33:19
“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.”

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“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.

Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.


Treasury of Scripture

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good?

it.

Matthew 11:25
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.

Exodus 33:19
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.

Deuteronomy 7:6-8
For thou art 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 are upon the face of the earth…

Is thine.

Matthew 6:23
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 is that darkness!

Deuteronomy 15:9
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.

Deuteronomy 28:54
So that the man that is 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:

because.

Jonah 4:1-4
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry…

Acts 13:45
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.

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Affairs Allowed Belongs Choose Envious Evil Eye Generosity Generous Good House Lawful Money Property Right Seems Want Wish
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Affairs Allowed Belongs Choose Envious Evil Eye Generosity Generous Good House Lawful Money Property Right Seems Want Wish
Matthew 20
1. Jesus, by the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man;
17. foretells his passion;
20. by answering the mother of Zebedee's children, teaches his disciples to be humble;
29. and gives two blind men their sight.














Do I not have the right
The phrase "Do I not have the right" underscores the sovereignty and authority of God. In the Greek, the word for "right" is "exousia," which conveys a sense of power and authority. This reflects the divine prerogative of God to act according to His will. Historically, this would resonate with the audience of Jesus' time, who understood landowners' rights over their property. Spiritually, it reminds believers of God's ultimate authority over creation and His plans for humanity.

to do as I please
The phrase "to do as I please" emphasizes God's freedom and autonomy. The Greek word "thelo" is used here, meaning to will or to wish. This highlights the concept that God's actions are not bound by human expectations or limitations. In a biblical context, it reassures believers that God's will is perfect and just, even when it is beyond human understanding. It encourages trust in His divine plan.

with what is mine?
"With what is mine?" speaks to the ownership and stewardship of God over all things. The Greek word "emos" for "mine" indicates possession. This phrase reminds us that everything in the world belongs to God, and He is the ultimate owner. Historically, this would have been understood in the context of land and resources, but spiritually, it extends to all aspects of life, including blessings and opportunities.

Or are you envious
"Or are you envious" addresses the human tendency towards jealousy and comparison. The Greek word "ophthalmos" is used here, often translated as "eye," but in this context, it refers to an "evil eye," a metaphor for envy. This phrase challenges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes towards others' blessings. It calls for a spirit of contentment and gratitude, recognizing that envy can lead to spiritual blindness.

because I am generous?
"Because I am generous?" highlights the nature of God's grace and generosity. The Greek word "agathos" is used here, meaning good or benevolent. This phrase encapsulates the parable's message that God's grace is abundant and freely given, not earned by human merit. It serves as a reminder of the boundless love and mercy of God, encouraging believers to reflect this generosity in their own lives.

(15) Is it not lawful . . .?--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.

Is thine eye evil?--The "evil eye" was, as in Proverbs 28:22, that which looked with envy and ill will at the prosperity of others. In Mark 7:22, it appears among the "evil things" that come from the heart. Popularly, as the derivation of the word "envy" (from invidere) 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.

Verse 15. - With mine own; ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς: in the case of what is mine own. These words are omitted by the Vulgate, which has, Aut (η}) non licet mihi quod volo facere? Is thine eye evil? The evil eye is here expressive of envy, as Proverbs 28:22. The Latin word invidia, Cicero informs us ('Tusc. Disp..' 3:9), "ductum est a nimis intuendo fortunam alterius." For nimis Bentley conjectures limis, "with sidelong glances." The idea is the same, envy being indicated by the look of the eye. Good; generous. Why should you view with disfavour my liberality? The master says no more; he gives no further account of his determination.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Do I not have the right
ἔξεστίν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

to do
ποιῆσαι (poiēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

as
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I please
θέλω (thelō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

what [is]
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mine?
ἐμοῖς (emois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1699: My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.

Or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

are you
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

envious
πονηρός (ponēros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

generous?’
ἀγαθός (agathos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.


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