Matthew 25:14

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:14 introduces the profound Parable of the Talents, a pivotal teaching by Jesus Christ that underscores the principles of divine entrustment, responsible stewardship, and vigilant readiness for the Master's return. This verse sets the stage by depicting a man, symbolizing God or Christ, who, before embarking on a journey, summons his servants and distributes his valuable possessions among them, thereby initiating a period of accountability for their management of these entrusted resources.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:14 is the opening verse of the Parable of the Talents, which forms a crucial part of Jesus's extensive eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives, commonly known as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "The Olivet Discourse"). This discourse, spanning [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24-25 - The Olivet Discourse"), focuses on the signs of the end times, the certainty of Christ's second coming, and the imperative for His followers to live in a state of preparedness. Immediately preceding this parable is the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and readiness for the bridegroom's arrival. The Parable of the Talents then shifts the focus from passive waiting to active, productive stewardship, illustrating how believers are to faithfully utilize the gifts and resources entrusted to them during the interim period between Christ's ascension and His glorious return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Parables were a common teaching method in ancient Jewish culture, allowing complex spiritual truths to be conveyed through relatable, everyday scenarios. The concept of a master entrusting his property to servants was a familiar one in the Roman and Jewish worlds, where large households often relied on trusted slaves or freedmen to manage estates in the owner's absence. The "far country" implies a significant absence, highlighting the extended period between Christ's ascension and His return. The "goods" or "talents" (introduced in the subsequent verses) were units of weight and, by extension, large sums of money, signifying substantial value. This cultural backdrop helps the audience understand the gravity of the master's trust and the expected diligence from the servants.

* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse establishes several key themes that permeate the entire parable and resonate throughout Christian theology. The primary theme is **Stewardship and Responsibility**, emphasizing that believers are not owners but managers of the abilities, resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts God has bestowed upon them. The master's departure "into a far country" subtly introduces the theme of **Anticipation of Christ's Return**, symbolizing Christ's ascension and the period of His absence, during which His followers are called to faithful service until His certain second coming, as promised in [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Ascension and Promised Return"). The act of "delivered unto them his goods" highlights **Divine Trust**, revealing God's incredible confidence in His servants to use His resources for His purposes. Finally, the implied return of the master in this verse lays the groundwork for the theme of **Future Accountability**, where each servant will be called to give an account of their stewardship, leading to either reward or judgment, a concept echoed in passages like [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, this term denotes a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. In the context of the New Testament, it frequently conveys a sense of subjection or subserviency to a master. Here, it highlights the relationship between humanity and God, where believers are called to willing submission and service to their divine Master.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e., yield up, intrust, transmit." This word emphasizes the act of the master entrusting his possessions to his servants. It signifies a deliberate act of handing over, implying both trust and the expectation of responsible management, rather than a mere temporary loan.
* **goods (Greek, _hypárchonta'_):** From G5224, referring to "things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions." This term broadly describes the valuable assets that the master gives to his servants. While the specific "talents" are named in the next verse, this word establishes the general concept of valuable resources or assets being entrusted, which can be interpreted broadly as spiritual gifts, abilities, time, and material blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country,"**: This opening clause connects the parable directly to the preceding discourse on the "kingdom of heaven," indicating that the following narrative illustrates its nature and principles. The "man travelling into a far country" is a central symbolic figure, representing Christ's departure from earth after His resurrection and ascension, initiating a period of absence before His ultimate return. This sets the stage for the interim period of the church age.
* **"who called his own servants,"**: This highlights the master's deliberate action of summoning those who belong to him. The term "his own servants" emphasizes a pre-existing relationship and ownership, signifying that those entrusted are not strangers but individuals under his authority and care. This can be understood as Christ calling His disciples and, by extension, all believers, into His service.
* **"and delivered unto them his goods."**: This crucial phrase describes the act of entrustment. The master, before his departure, actively hands over his valuable possessions to his servants, demonstrating significant trust and delegating responsibility. This signifies God's bestowal of various gifts, resources, and opportunities upon His people, not for their personal hoarding, but for productive use in His absence.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:14, as the introduction to the Parable of the Talents, primarily employs **Parable** as its overarching literary device, using a relatable earthly story to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. Within this, a **Simile** is explicitly used: "the kingdom of heaven is **as** a man travelling into a far country," directly comparing the nature of the kingdom to this scenario. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Symbolism**: the "man travelling into a far country" symbolizes Christ's ascension and the interim period of His physical absence; "his own servants" symbolize believers who are called to serve God; and "his goods" symbolize the various gifts, resources, and opportunities that God entrusts to His people. This symbolic language allows for a deeper, multi-layered interpretation of the parable's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse introduces the profound theological truth that God, as the ultimate Master, sovereignly entrusts His resources to humanity, particularly to His followers. It establishes a fundamental principle of Christian life: we are not owners but stewards of all that we possess—our time, talents, spiritual gifts, material wealth, and even our very lives. The master's departure signifies Christ's ascension and the period of the church, during which believers are expected to actively and fruitfully manage what has been given to them, living with an awareness of the Master's eventual return and the subsequent call to account. This concept of divine entrustment is foundational to understanding our purpose and responsibility in the Kingdom of God.

* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:14 serves as a powerful call to self-examination regarding our stewardship. It challenges us to move beyond passive faith to active, responsible engagement with the gifts and opportunities God has placed in our hands. Just as the master in the parable entrusted his valuable "goods" to his servants, God has entrusted each believer with unique abilities, spiritual gifts, financial resources, and spheres of influence. The question for us is not *if* we have been given something, but *how* we are utilizing it for the Master's purposes while He is "away." This verse compels us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our earthly actions have heavenly implications and that faithfulness in the present prepares us for a joyful accounting in the future. It encourages us to cultivate a mindset of diligent investment, seeking to multiply the blessings and opportunities God has provided, rather than burying them out of fear or apathy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "goods" or resources (talents, time, finances, spiritual gifts, relationships) do I believe God has specifically entrusted to me?**
* **Am I actively investing these resources for God's Kingdom, or am I "burying" them out of fear, complacency, or self-interest?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return motivate or challenge my current approach to stewardship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a **simile** that introduces the Parable of the Talents. It means that the principles and dynamics of the Kingdom of Heaven can be understood by observing the actions of a man who goes on a journey. In the parable, the "man" symbolizes God or, more specifically, Jesus Christ. His "travelling into a far country" symbolizes Christ's ascension to heaven after His earthly ministry and resurrection, initiating a period of physical absence from the earth. This period is the current church age, during which His followers are called to faithful service and stewardship while awaiting His promised second coming. It sets the stage for the subsequent themes of entrusted responsibility and future accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:14, though part of an Old Testament-style parable, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "man travelling into a far country" is none other than Christ Himself, who, after accomplishing His redemptive work on the cross and rising from the dead, ascended to His Father's right hand, as described in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Christ's Ascension"). His departure initiated the era of the church, a time when He, as the ascended Lord, has entrusted His "goods"—His Spirit, His gospel, spiritual gifts, and the mission of the Kingdom—to His "servants," the believers. This entrustment is not passive; it is an empowering commission for His followers to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The very purpose of this entrustment is for the expansion of His Kingdom and the glory of His name, until He returns in power and glory, just as the angels promised ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Return Promised")). Thus, the parable is not merely about general stewardship but about stewardship within the specific context of Christ's redemptive work and His ongoing reign from heaven, preparing His people for His glorious return as King and Judge, as prophesied in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 13:34

[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

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

Luke 19:27

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

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1 Peter 4:11

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

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

1 Corinthians 4:2

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