They received every man a penny - There was no agreement how much they should receive, but merely that justice should be done, Matthew 20:4-5, Matthew 20:7. The householder supposed they had earned it, or chose to make a present to them to compensate for the loss of the first part of the day, when they were willing to work, but could not find employment.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 20:9
Matthew 20:9
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.