Matthew 25:16

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.

Then {G1161} he that had received {G2983} the five {G4002} talents {G5007} went {G4198} and traded {G2038} with {G1722} the same {G846}, and {G2532} made {G4160} them other {G243} five {G4002} talents {G5007}.

The one who had received five talents immediately went out, invested it and earned another five.

The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more.

Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents.

Matthew 25:16 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Parable of the Talents, illustrating the immediate and diligent action of the servant who received the most.

Context

This verse is part of a series of parables Jesus taught on the Mount of Olives, emphasizing preparedness for His second coming and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Following the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) focuses on faithful stewardship. A master entrusts varying sums of money—"talents," which were substantial units of currency (equivalent to many years of wages)—to his servants before a long journey. The expectation is that they will manage these resources wisely in his absence.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Stewardship: The servant with five talents immediately takes initiative. He doesn't wait or hesitate but actively "went and traded," demonstrating a commitment to his master's interests. This highlights the importance of using entrusted resources proactively.
  • Responsibility and Accountability: The master's trust implies an expectation of return. This servant understands his responsibility to not merely preserve, but to grow what he has been given.
  • Fruitfulness and Multiplication: The outcome of the servant's trading is a doubling of the initial investment. This emphasizes the theme of spiritual fruitfulness and the multiplication of God-given gifts and opportunities.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talents" (Greek: talanton) refers to a significant sum of money, not an innate ability as in modern English usage. This underscores the immense trust the master placed in his servants. The phrase "went and traded" (Greek: ergazomai, meaning to work, to do business) conveys active, purposeful engagement and labor, not passive holding of the resources.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:16 serves as a powerful call to action for believers today. Just as the master entrusted his servants with wealth, God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, abilities, time, and resources. This verse encourages us to be diligent and proactive in using what we have been given for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It challenges us to not bury our "talents" out of fear or idleness, but to invest them wisely, seeking to multiply their impact. This principle applies to spiritual gifts, financial resources, and every opportunity to serve others and honor God, knowing that we will one day give an account, as seen in Romans 14:12.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:6

    The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

  • Philemon 1:6

    That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

  • Philemon 1:7

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  • 3 John 1:5

    Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

  • 3 John 1:8

    We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

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