Matthew 25:14

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.

For {G1063} the kingdom of heaven is as {G5618} a man {G444} travelling into a far country {G589}, who called {G2564} his own {G2398} servants {G1401}, and {G2532} delivered {G3860} unto them {G846} his {G846} goods {G5224}.

"For it will be like a man about to leave home for awhile, who entrusted his possessions to his servants.

For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.

Forit isaswhena man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Commentary

Matthew 25:14 introduces the highly significant Parable of the Talents, a powerful teaching from Jesus Christ about stewardship, responsibility, and readiness for His return. This verse sets the scene for the entire parable, portraying a master entrusting his valuable possessions to his servants before embarking on a long journey.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's extensive discourse on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). In this section, Jesus speaks extensively about the signs of the end times, His second coming, and the importance of vigilance and preparedness for His followers. Following the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which emphasizes spiritual readiness and alertness (Matthew 25:13), the Parable of the Talents shifts focus to active stewardship and the productive use of resources entrusted by God while awaiting the master's return. It illustrates what faithful living looks like in the interim period between Christ's ascension and His glorious second coming.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The core message is that believers are entrusted with various "goods" – abilities, resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts – by God. We are not owners but managers, responsible for how we utilize what has been given to us.
  • Anticipation of Christ's Return: The master's departure "into a far country" symbolizes Christ's ascension to heaven after His earthly ministry. His eventual return, detailed in the subsequent verses of the parable, highlights the certainty of Jesus's second coming and the need for His followers to be found faithfully working.
  • Divine Trust: The master's act of "delivered unto them his goods" signifies God's incredible trust in His servants. He empowers them with resources to be used for His purposes, not just for personal gain or preservation.
  • Preparation for Accountability: This verse subtly introduces the theme of future accountability. The master's return implies a reckoning, where each servant will be called to give an account of their stewardship, leading to either reward or judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "delivered unto them his goods" translates the Greek word οὐσία (ousia), which refers to one's "substance," "property," or "possessions." While the specific amounts (talents) are introduced in the next verse, this initial word emphasizes the valuable nature of what was entrusted. A "talent" (Greek: τάλαντον, talanton) was a very large sum of money, indicating that the master's trust was significant, not trivial. This underscores that God's entrustment to us, whether in spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), time, or material blessings, is substantial and holds great potential for impact.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:14 challenges every believer to consider what "goods" God has entrusted to them. This could include:

  • Time: How are we investing our days?
  • Talents and Abilities: Are we using our unique skills and gifts to serve God and others?
  • Resources: How are we managing our finances, possessions, and opportunities?
  • Spiritual Gifts: Are we actively exercising the gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church and the advancement of the Kingdom?
This verse calls us to live with an awareness of Christ's certain return, motivating us to be faithful, productive stewards of all that God has graciously given. Our actions in this life are a demonstration of our faith and readiness for His coming.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 13:34 (21 votes)

    [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

  • Luke 19:12 (19 votes)

    He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

  • Luke 19:27 (19 votes)

    But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.

  • 1 Peter 4:9 (18 votes)

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • 1 Peter 4:11 (18 votes)

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 (14 votes)

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.