In the Bible, “hire” refers to the payment given to workers for their labor, typically reflecting a contractual agreement for employment (Matthew 20:1-7). It symbolizes the exchange of labor for monetary compensation and emphasizes the importance of fair treatment in work relationships.
Scripture
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”
14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
Biblical Meaning of “Hire”
The concept of “hire” in the Bible extends beyond simple financial transactions; it encapsulates the principles of justice, fairness, and stewardship in labor relations. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-7, the landowner hires laborers at different times of the day but pays them all the same wage, illustrating God’s generosity and challenging human notions of meritocracy. This story emphasizes that divine grace is not bound by human systems of reward and performance; rather, it highlights God’s sovereignty and the idea that our values should reflect compassion and equity.
Furthermore, biblical texts also stress the ethical dimensions of hiring and labor, as seen in practices like the instruction in Deuteronomy 24:14-15 to pay workers promptly and justly, showing care for their dignity and wellbeing. The role of hire in these contexts transcends mere economic transaction; it serves as a call to uphold community ethics, demonstrating that how we treat others in our work relationships speaks volumes about our own character and the faith we profess. Thus, “hire” serves as a multifaceted symbol of stewardship, justice, and divine grace, encouraging adherents to reflect on not only their labor but also the treatment of all workers in their care.
The word “hire” in Greek is translated as “μισθόω” (misthóō), which means to pay for work or to employ someone for a task. The root of this term comes from “μισθός” (misthos), meaning “wage” or “reward.” This etymological connection highlights the transactional nature of employment, where a worker is compensated for their labor. Scholars such as William Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich in their Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament have noted that the term encompasses both the act of hiring and the concept of remuneration associated with labor.
The usage of “μισθόω” can be found in various contexts within ancient Greek literature, where it often reflects the social and economic structures of the time. The term is not only limited to the act of hiring laborers but also extends to the broader implications of compensation and reward for services rendered. This duality is explored by scholars like John P. Meier, who emphasizes the importance of understanding the socio-economic backdrop of the New Testament to fully grasp the implications of terms like “hire.” Thus, “μισθόω” encapsulates both the practical aspect of employment and the ethical considerations surrounding fair compensation in the ancient world.
Employment and Labor Relations
In biblical contexts, “hire” often refers to the relationship between employers and workers. It signifies a contractual agreement where labor is exchanged for compensation. This concept emphasizes the importance of fair treatment and just wages, reflecting the moral obligation of employers to care for their employees. The notion of hire also highlights the dignity of work and the value of each individual’s contribution to society.
Divine Provision and Stewardship
The term “hire” can also be understood in a broader spiritual sense, representing God’s provision for His people. Just as workers are hired to fulfill specific tasks, believers are called to serve in various capacities within the community of faith. This perspective encourages stewardship of one’s gifts and resources, reminding individuals that their work is not only for personal gain but also for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
Accountability and Justice
In the biblical narrative, the concept of hire carries implications of accountability and justice. Employers are held responsible for their treatment of workers, and there is a strong emphasis on ethical conduct in business practices. This understanding serves as a reminder that all actions, including hiring and compensating laborers, are subject to divine scrutiny, urging individuals to act with integrity and fairness in their dealings with others.
How to Cultivate a Christlike Attitude in Service
Cultivating a Christlike attitude in service is a beautiful journey that begins with a heart open to love and humility. As you step into the shoes of Christ, remember that He served not out of obligation but from a deep well of compassion and grace. Start by seeking opportunities to serve in your community, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need. Approach each act of service with the mindset that you are doing it for Christ Himself, as He reminds us in Matthew 25:40. Pray for the strength to put others before yourself, and let the Holy Spirit guide your actions, helping you to see the value in every person you encounter. Embrace the small, everyday moments of service, for it is in these that you can truly reflect Christ’s love and kindness, transforming not only the lives of others but your own as well.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Hire”:
Deuteronomy 24:14-15: 14 “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.
15 You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.
Matthew 20:1-16: 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.”
2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And he said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’
5 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’
8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’
9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.
10 And when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.
11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,
12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’
16 So the last will be first, and the first last.
Luke 10:7-8: 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.
James 5:1-6: 5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
1 Timothy 5:17-18: 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
Jeremiah 22:13-14: 13 “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages,”
14 Who says, ‘I will build myself a great house
with spacious upper rooms,’
who cuts out windows for it,
paneling it with cedar
and painting it with vermilion.
Malachi 3:5-6: 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
Colossians 4:1-2: 1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Proverbs 22:22-23: 22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.