King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:20 Mean?

Matthew 25:20 in the King James Version says “And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me fiv... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

Matthew 25:20 · KJV


Context

18

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more—The servant's report emphasizes his master's initial entrustment (pente talanta moi paredōkas, πέντε τάλαντα μοι παρέδωκας) before claiming any credit. The word ekerdēsa (ἐκέρδησα, I gained) acknowledges effort but attributes opportunity to the master.

The phrase ep' autois (ἐπ' αὐτοῖς, beside/in addition to them) shows he returns the original five plus five more—transparency and honesty in accounting. He doesn't claim the original five as his own achievement. This models proper stewardship: recognize God's initial grace, work diligently, return all credit to Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient accounting required servants to distinguish between principal and profit clearly. Mixing the two could suggest embezzlement. By separating 'thy five' from 'five more I gained,' the servant demonstrates both honesty and competence—he can account for every talent, proving his stewardship was above reproach.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you acknowledge God's prior grace when reporting your spiritual accomplishments, or claim credit for yourself?
  2. How does this servant's transparency in accounting challenge any tendency toward spiritual pride?
  3. Can you clearly distinguish between what God gave you and what you've done with it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And so

G2532

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

προσελθὼν2 of 24

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

3 of 24
G3588

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

τὰ4 of 24
G3588

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

πέντε5 of 24

five

G4002

"five"

τάλαντα6 of 24

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"

λαβὼν7 of 24

he that had received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

προσήνεγκεν8 of 24

and brought

G4374

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

ἄλλα9 of 24

more

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

πέντε10 of 24

five

G4002

"five"

τάλαντα11 of 24

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"

λέγων,12 of 24

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Κύριε13 of 24

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πέντε14 of 24

five

G4002

"five"

τάλαντα15 of 24

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"

μοι16 of 24

unto me

G3427

to me

παρέδωκας·17 of 24

thou deliveredst

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

ἴδε18 of 24
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄλλα19 of 24

more

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

πέντε20 of 24

five

G4002

"five"

τάλαντα21 of 24

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"

ἐκέρδησα22 of 24

I have gained

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

ἐπ'23 of 24

beside

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοῖς24 of 24

them

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


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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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