Matthew 25:19

KJV

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G1161}{G3326} a long {G4183} time {G5550} the lord {G2962} of those {G1565} servants {G1401} cometh {G2064}, and {G2532} reckoneth {G4868}{G3056} with {G3326} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"After a long time, the master of those servants returned to settle accounts with them.

Berean Standard Bible

After a long time the master of those servants returned to settle accounts with them.

American Standard Version

Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:19, a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Talents, marks the master's inevitable return to settle accounts with his servants after a significant absence. This moment signifies a divine reckoning, where the master evaluates how each servant has stewarded the resources entrusted to them, underscoring the themes of accountability, stewardship, and the certainty of future judgment for all who have been given gifts and opportunities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:19 is situated within the "Olivet Discourse," a significant block of Jesus' teaching on the end times, judgment, and the necessity of watchfulness and readiness. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) immediately follows the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), both of which emphasize vigilance and preparation for the Master's return. While the Virgins parable focuses on readiness for the wedding feast (salvation/entry into the kingdom), the Talents parable shifts the focus to faithful stewardship and productivity in the interim. Verse 19 specifically signals the climax of the narrative, moving from the initial entrustment and the servants' actions to the moment of accountability, setting the stage for the master's evaluation and subsequent rewards or condemnation. It directly contrasts with the master's departure in [Matthew 25:15](/matthew/25-15 "Matthew 25:15 - Master's Departure") and precedes the detailed accounting in [Matthew 25:20-27](/matthew/25-20-27 "Matthew 25:20-27 - Servants' Accounting").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the relationship between a master and his servants (doûloi) often involved significant trust and responsibility, especially for those managing the master's finances or property. A "talent" (talanton) was not merely an innate ability but a substantial unit of currency, representing an immense sum of money (e.g., equivalent to many years' wages for a laborer). Masters would often travel for extended periods, leaving their affairs in the hands of trusted stewards. The expectation upon their return was a detailed account of how the entrusted assets had been managed. The phrase "after a long time" reflects the reality of such extended absences and also subtly hints at the Jewish expectation of a delayed Messiah or the early Christian understanding of the interim period before Christ's Second Coming, as seen in passages like [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Ascension and Promised Return"). This context highlights the seriousness of the entrusted responsibility and the inevitability of a thorough audit upon the master's return.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **accountability**, emphasizing that every individual will ultimately give an account for their lives and actions before God, as echoed in [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account"). Secondly, the "long time" underscores the theme of **delayed but certain return**, a concept crucial for understanding eschatology and the need for patient endurance and persistent labor while awaiting Christ's return, as seen in [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8-9 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - The Lord's Patience and Day of the Lord"). Thirdly, the entire parable, with this verse as its turning point, is a profound teaching on **stewardship**. Believers are not owners but managers of God's resources—time, talents, spiritual gifts, material wealth, and opportunities—and are called to faithfully invest and multiply these for His kingdom, a principle found throughout the epistles, such as in [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewardship of God's Grace"). Finally, the "reckoning" foreshadows the theme of **divine judgment**, where faithfulness and diligence will be assessed, leading to either commendation and reward or condemnation, a concept central to the teachings in [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the End Times").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." In this context, it denotes the absolute authority and ownership of the individual who entrusted the talents. Biblically, _kýrios_ is frequently used for God or Christ, signaling His ultimate sovereignty and rightful claim over all things, including the lives and resources of His servants.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos_):** From G1401, meaning "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary); frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency." This term highlights the complete dependence and obligation of the individuals to their master. In a spiritual sense, believers are _doûloi_ of Christ, willingly submitting to His will and serving His purposes.
* **reckoneth (Greek, _synaírō_):** From G4868, meaning "to make up together," or "to compute (an account)." This verb, when used with _lógos_ (G3056, "account, computation"), forms the phrase "to settle accounts" or "to take up an account." It implies a thorough, precise, and formal audit of financial or administrative dealings, emphasizing the seriousness and exactitude of the master's evaluation of his servants' stewardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After a long time":** This phrase establishes a significant temporal gap between the master's departure and his return. It suggests a period of waiting, testing, and opportunity for the servants to act. The "long time" is deliberately indefinite, preventing complacency and emphasizing the need for sustained faithfulness rather than short-term bursts of effort. It also mirrors the New Testament's teaching on the unknown timing of Christ's second coming.
* **"the lord of those servants cometh":** This signifies the inevitable and certain return of the master. The use of "lord" (kýrios) reasserts his authority and ownership over the servants and their entrusted resources. His coming is not a casual visit but a purposeful arrival for a specific, crucial task. This clause underscores the certainty of Christ's return, a foundational tenet of Christian eschatology.
* **"and reckoneth with them":** This is the core action of the verse, indicating a formal process of accountability. The Greek phrase _synaírō lógon_ conveys the idea of "settling accounts" or "taking up an account." It implies a detailed examination, an audit of how the servants managed what was given to them. This "reckoning" is not merely an inquiry but a judgment, where performance is evaluated against the master's expectations, leading to consequences.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parable** is the overarching device, as this verse is part of the larger Parable of the Talents, using an earthly story to convey a heavenly truth about God's kingdom and judgment. **Symbolism** is central: the "master" symbolizes God or Christ; the "servants" represent believers; the "talents" symbolize gifts, resources, and opportunities; and the "long time" symbolizes the period between Christ's ascension and His second coming. The act of "reckoning" serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the future divine judgment and accountability that all believers will face. The narrative structure itself creates **Suspense**, building anticipation for the master's return and the inevitable confrontation and evaluation of the servants' actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:19 serves as a profound theological anchor, connecting the Christian life to the reality of future accountability. It underscores that our present actions, particularly how we manage the spiritual and material resources God has entrusted to us, are not without eternal consequence. The "long time" between the master's departure and return is not an excuse for idleness but a divinely appointed period for faithful and productive stewardship. This verse powerfully links the concept of God's sovereignty over time with human responsibility, reminding us that while the timing of Christ's return is unknown, the certainty of that return and the subsequent evaluation of our lives is absolute. It challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective, investing their lives for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom, knowing that a day of reckoning awaits.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account to God")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:19 calls us to a profound self-examination regarding our stewardship of God's gifts. The "long time" mentioned in the parable is a gracious period of opportunity, not a license for complacency. It compels us to consider how we are actively deploying our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and material resources for the Master's glory. Are we merely holding onto what has been given, or are we diligently investing and multiplying it for the kingdom? This verse reminds us that every believer, regardless of the quantity of "talents" received, is expected to be faithful and productive. Our faithfulness in the "little" things prepares us for greater responsibilities and demonstrates our love and devotion to the Master. The certainty of His return and the subsequent reckoning should motivate us not out of fear, but out of a deep desire to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "talents" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God specifically entrusted to me?**
* **How am I currently "investing" these talents for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom?**
* **Does the certainty of Christ's return and a future reckoning motivate me to live more faithfully and productively? If so, how?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to better steward the resources God has given me?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "after a long time" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "after a long time" (Greek: _meta polyn chronon_) is highly significant for several reasons. Literarily, it creates a period of suspense and opportunity within the parable, allowing the servants to act on the master's entrustment. Theologically, it symbolizes the period between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised Second Coming. This "long time" emphasizes that while the Master's return is certain, its exact timing is unknown and may seem delayed from a human perspective, as highlighted in [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8-9 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - A Day is Like a Thousand Years"). It serves to test the faithfulness and diligence of the servants (believers), ensuring that their stewardship is not merely a short-term burst of activity but a sustained commitment. The delay is not an excuse for idleness but an extended opportunity for faithful service and growth, preparing us for the inevitable day of reckoning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:19, while part of a parable concerning future judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the returning "Lord" and the perfect "Servant." Jesus Himself is the Master who has ascended to heaven, entrusting His disciples with the Great Commission (see [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), spiritual gifts (see [Ephesians 4:7-13](/ephesians/4-7-13 "Ephesians 4:7-13 - Gifts for the Church")), and the message of the Gospel. His "long time" away is a period of grace, allowing for the spread of His kingdom through the Holy Spirit's empowerment (see [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). When He "cometh" again, it will be as the righteous Judge, the one who "reckoneth with them," but also as the one who has already settled the ultimate account for His faithful servants through His atoning sacrifice on the cross (see [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins")). For those in Christ, the reckoning is not about earning salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith (see [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), but about the assessment of faithful stewardship, leading to rewards and commendation for works done in His name and by His power (see [1 Corinthians 3:12-15](/1_corinthians/3-12-15 "1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Building on the Foundation")). Thus, the terrifying prospect of reckoning for the unfaithful in the parable is transformed into a joyful anticipation for those who are found in Christ, whose perfect obedience and sacrifice have already secured their standing before the returning Lord.

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

1 Corinthians 3:12

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

1 Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Romans 14:7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

Romans 14:12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Matthew 24:48

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

Matthew 18:23

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.