What does Matthew 20:2 mean?

This is part of another parable Christ uses to explain an aspect of the kingdom of heaven. This is in response to Peter's question about what he and the other disciples will receive for leaving behind everything to follow Jesus. Jesus has assured them they will be richly rewarded, but He seems to be warning them with this story that others who have done less will also receive a reward (Matthew 19:27–30).

He is describing the master of a house, the owner of a vineyard, who has gone to the marketplace to hire temporary workers or day laborers. As farmers do today, it was common in this era for a vineyard owner to employ workers by the day, especially during the harvest.

The typical workday was divided into four three-hour blocks of time, beginning about 6 a.m. and ending around 6 p.m. The master of the house hires this first group of workers early in the morning. They agree to work the full day for a denarius, the typical wage of a laborer or soldier. He sends them to the vineyard to get to work.