King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:24 Mean?

Matthew 18:24 in the King James Version says “And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. talents: a talent is 750...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. talents: a talent is 750.ounces of silver, which after five shillings the ounce is 187.li. 10.s.”

Matthew 18:24 · KJV

Context

22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. talents: a talent is 750.ounces of silver, which after five shillings the ounce is 187.li. 10.s.

25

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. worshipped him: or, besought him

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents (μύρια τάλαντα)—an impossible debt of approximately 60 million denarii (a denarius = day's wage). The Greek myria means 'ten thousand,' the highest Greek numeral, and talanton (talent) was the largest monetary unit, worth 6,000 denarii. This astronomical sum—equivalent to 200,000 years' wages—represents the infinite debt of sin before God.

The passive voice was brought (προσηνέχθη) suggests involuntary confrontation with debt, as sinners cannot willingly face the magnitude of their guilt. This servant likely held a position of high authority (satrap or tax collector) to accumulate such debt through embezzlement or mismanagement. The sum exceeds the annual tribute of entire provinces—Judea, Idumea, and Samaria paid 600 talents combined.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the Roman Empire's eastern provinces (including Judea), debt bondage was legal and common. Talent values varied by region: Attic talent = 60 minae = 6,000 drachmas. Ten thousand talents would equal the entire tax revenue of Herod the Great's kingdom for 15-20 years. Debt servitude lasted until repayment, often becoming hereditary—children born into the master's household as slaves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the impossibility of this debt mirror your inability to satisfy God's justice through personal effort?
  2. What does the involuntary accounting ('was brought') teach about the inescapability of divine judgment?
  3. How do you tend to minimize the magnitude of sin in your life compared to God's holy standard?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἀρξαμένου1 of 10

“had begun”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ3 of 10

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

συναίρειν4 of 10

“to reckon”

G4868

to make up together, i.e., (figuratively) to compute (an account)

προσηνέχθη5 of 10

“was brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ6 of 10

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἷς7 of 10

“one”

G1520

one

ὀφειλέτης8 of 10

“which owed”

G3781

an ower, i.e., person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against god)

μυρίων9 of 10

“ten thousand”

G3463

ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many

ταλάντων10 of 10

“talents”

G5007

a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 18:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 38:4Psalms 130:3-4Luke 13:4Luke 16:5Ezra 9:6Psalms 40:12

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