King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:21 Mean?

Matthew 25:21 in the King James Version says “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will mak... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 25:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

His lord said unto him, Well done, 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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes the Parable of the Talents, where a master commends his faithful servant. 'Well done' (εὖ/eu) expresses approval and satisfaction. 'Good and faithful' (ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ/agathe kai piste) describes the servant's character—morally excellent and consistently trustworthy. The commendation focuses on faithfulness 'over a few things' (ἐπὶ ὀλίγα/epi oliga), not success measured by worldly standards. God values faithful stewardship of whatever He entrusts, whether much or little. The reward is greater responsibility: 'I will make thee ruler over many things' (ἐπὶ πολλῶν/epi pollon). This reflects Jesus' principle that those faithful in small matters prove trustworthy with greater (Luke 16:10). The ultimate reward is relational: 'enter thou into the joy of thy lord' (εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν/eiselthe eis ten charan)—sharing intimately in the master's celebration, joy, and fellowship. Heaven is not merely reward but relationship with Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This parable appears in Jesus' Olivet Discourse about His return and final judgment (Matthew 24-25). 'Talents' were enormous sums—one talent equaled roughly 20 years' wages for a laborer. The master's extended absence mirrors Christ's ascension and the church age between His first and second comings. Early Christians faced the challenge of remaining faithful during this 'delay' (2 Peter 3:3-9). The parable warned against passive waiting (the unprofitable servant, vv. 24-30) and encouraged active stewardship of gospel opportunities, spiritual gifts, and resources.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that God values faithfulness more than measurable success change your ministry approach?
  2. What 'few things' has God currently entrusted to you, and how faithfully are you stewarding them?
  3. How does the promise of entering the Master's joy motivate your service compared to other potential rewards?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἔφη1 of 26

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

δέ2 of 26
G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ3 of 26

His

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

4 of 26
G3588

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

κυρίου5 of 26

lord

G2962

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

αὐτοῦ6 of 26

His

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

Εὖ7 of 26

Well done

G2095

(adverbially) well

δοῦλε8 of 26

servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀγαθὲ9 of 26

thou good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

καὶ10 of 26

and

G2532

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

πιστός,11 of 26

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἐπὶ12 of 26

over

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

ὀλίγα13 of 26

a few things

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἦς14 of 26

thou hast been

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πιστός,15 of 26

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἐπὶ16 of 26

over

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

πολλῶν17 of 26

many things

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

σε18 of 26

thee

G4571

thee

καταστήσω·19 of 26

I will make

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

εἴσελθε20 of 26

enter thou

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς21 of 26

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν22 of 26
G3588

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

χαρὰν23 of 26

the joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

τοῦ24 of 26
G3588

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

κυρίου25 of 26

lord

G2962

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

σου26 of 26

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy


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 25:21 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 25:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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