Van Eck, ErnestKloppenborg, John S., 1951-2015-08-252015-08-252015-05-08Van Eck, E. & Kloppenborg, J.S., 2015, ‘An unexpected patron: A social-scientific and realistic reading of the parable of the Vineyard Labourers (Mt 20:1–15)', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 71(1), Art. #2883, 11 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v71i1.2883.0259-9422 (print)2078-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v71i1.2883http://hdl.handle.net/2263/49572Many readings of the Parable of the Labourers in the vineyard want to treat the owner as representing God. Knowledge of actual agricultural practices relating to the management of vineyards suggest, on the contrary, that the details of the parable obstruct an easy identification of the owner with God, and that he displays unusual behaviour not only by paying all the labourers the same wage, but by his very intervention in the hiring process. The conclusion reached is that the parable constructs the vineyard owner, typically one of the nouveau riche who lived in cities, not only as a ‘good employer’ but also, contrary to expectation, as a patron who intervened well beyond the strict norms of economic exchange.en© 2015. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.GodOwnerPatronParable of the Vineyard Labourers (Mt 20 : 1-15)Parable of the LabourersAgricultural practicesEconomic exchangeTheology articles SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle