HIRELING,

A labourer employed on hire for a limited time (Job 7:1; 14:6; Mark 1:20). His wages were paid as soon as his work was over (Lev. 19:13). In the time of our Lord a day’s wage was a “penny” (q.v.) i.e., a Roman denarius (Matt. 20:1-14).

HIRE'LING, one who is employed on hire for a limited time, as a day or year, Job 14:6. By the Levitical law such a one was to be paid his wages daily. Lev 19:13. "The years of a hireling" were years exactly reckoned, since the hireling would know the day of his release, and the master would not let him go a day too soon. Isa 16:14; Josh 21:16. The little interest which would be felt by such a temporary laborer, compared with that of the shepherd orpermanent keeper of the flock, furnishes a striking illustration in one of our Lord's discourses, John 10:12-13. HIS is often used in the A.V. instead of its. In one sentence this fact has misled many. Thus: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," Matt 6:33. The "his" refers to God, not to kingdom.

HIRE'LING, one who is employed on hire for a limited time, as a day or year, Job 14:6. By the Levitical law such a one was to be paid his wages daily. Lev 19:13. "The years of a hireling" were years exactly reckoned, since the hireling would know the day of his release, and the master would not let him go a day too soon. Isa 16:14; Josh 21:16. The little interest which would be felt by such a temporary laborer, compared with that of the shepherd orpermanent keeper of the flock, furnishes a striking illustration in one of our Lord's discourses, John 10:12-13.

HIS is often used in the A.V. instead of its. In one sentence this fact has misled many. Thus: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," Matt 6:33. The "his" refers to God, not to kingdom.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

One who is hired, or who serves for wages; esp., one whose motive and interest in serving another are wholly gainful; a mercenary. "Lewd hirelings." Milton.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Serving for hire or wages; venal; mercenary. "Hireling mourners." Dryden.