King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:27 Mean?

Matthew 25:27 in the King James Version says “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own wi... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

Matthew 25:27 · KJV


Context

25

And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangersEdei se oun balein ta argyria mou tois trapezitais (ἔδει σέ οὖν βαλεῖν τὰ ἀργύριά μου τοῖς τραπεζίταις): 'You ought to have deposited my silver with the bankers.' Trapezitai (τραπεζίται) were money-changers/bankers who paid interest on deposits. Even the minimum effort—letting others invest the talent—would have been better than nothing.

And then at my coming I should have received mine own with usuryTokos (τόκος, usury/interest) wasn't sinful here (Deut 23:20 forbade charging interest to fellow Jews, but permitted it to foreigners; banking practices were evolving). The master's point: even risk-averse stewardship beats total inaction. If the servant truly feared risk, banking was available. His burial revealed not prudence but contempt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century banking (trapeza) offered relatively safe returns of 6-12% annually, far less than the 100% returns the active servants achieved through trade, but infinitely better than 0%. The master's rebuke shows that God expects some return proportional to risk tolerance—but zero return from any resource is unacceptable.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'minimum effort' stewardship could you do with your gifts if you're afraid of greater risks?
  2. Does this verse challenge the idea that God accepts total inaction if we lack confidence?
  3. Are you so paralyzed by fear of doing 'big' things for God that you refuse to do 'small' things?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἔδει1 of 18

oughtest

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

οὖν2 of 18

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

σε3 of 18

Thou

G4571

thee

βαλεῖν4 of 18

to have put

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

τὸ5 of 18
G3588

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

ἀργύριον6 of 18

money

G694

silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)

μου7 of 18

my

G3450

of me

τοῖς8 of 18
G3588

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

τραπεζίταις9 of 18

to the exchangers

G5133

a money-broker or banker

καὶ10 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἐλθὼν11 of 18

then at my coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐγὼ12 of 18

I

G1473

i, me

ἐκομισάμην13 of 18

have received

G2865

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

ἂν14 of 18

should

G302

whatsoever

τὸ15 of 18
G3588

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

ἐμὸν16 of 18

mine own

G1699

my

σὺν17 of 18

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τόκῳ18 of 18

usury

G5110

interest on money loaned (as a produce)


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 25:27 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 25:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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