King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:15 Mean?

Matthew 25:15 in the King James Version says “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; an... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. talents: a talent is 187.pounds 10.ten shillings, chap.18.24

Matthew 25:15 · KJV


Context

13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

14

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. talents: a talent is 187.pounds 10.ten shillings, chap.18.24

16

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—A talanton (τάλαντον) was roughly 75 pounds of silver, worth approximately 6,000 denarii (a denarius being a day's wage). Even one talent represented 16+ years of wages—staggering wealth entrusted to slaves. The unequal distribution refutes egalitarianism: God distributes gifts sovereignly.

To every man according to his several ability—The phrase kata tēn idian dynamin (κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν) means 'according to his own capacity.' God gives proportionally to what we can handle, making the stewardship test fair. Notice: ability precedes opportunity, suggesting God knows our capacity before testing us.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The talent was both a unit of weight and currency in the Greco-Roman world. In Jesus's day, talents were used for large-scale transactions—royal treasuries, temple taxes, and major commercial ventures. Workers might never handle such sums, making the master's trust extraordinary and the responsibility proportionally severe.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you compare yourself to others' giftedness, or recognize that God distributes 'according to ability'?
  2. How does knowing that God measures faithfulness—not results—in proportion to what was given affect your evaluation of success?
  3. Are you paralyzed by receiving 'only' one talent when God expects you to use exactly what He gave?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

2 of 20

to another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν3 of 20

unto one

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἔδωκεν4 of 20

he gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πέντε5 of 20

five

G4002

"five"

τάλαντα6 of 20

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"

7 of 20

to another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ8 of 20

and

G1161

but, and, etc

δύο9 of 20

two

G1417

"two"

10 of 20

to another

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δὲ11 of 20

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἕν,12 of 20

one

G1520

one

ἑκάστῳ13 of 20

to every man

G1538

each or every

κατὰ14 of 20

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν15 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίαν16 of 20

to his several

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

δύναμιν17 of 20

ability

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ18 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπεδήμησεν19 of 20

took his journey

G589

to go abroad, i.e., visit a foreign land

εὐθέως20 of 20

straightway

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon


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 25:15 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 25:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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