Matthew 25:19

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

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}.

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

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

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

Matthew 25:19 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), highlighting the inevitable return of the master and the subsequent demand for accountability from his servants.

Context

This verse marks the turning point in the parable. The master, who had entrusted his servants with varying amounts of "talents" (a significant sum of money in ancient times, representing gifts, abilities, and opportunities), departs for a "long time." This period symbolizes the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised second coming. The "cometh" signifies His certain return, and "reckoneth with them" indicates the time of evaluation and judgment for how they managed what was given to them.

Key Themes

  • Accountability: The central message is that all believers will ultimately be held accountable for how they have stewarded the resources, gifts, and opportunities God has given them.
  • Delayed but Certain Return: The phrase "After a long time" emphasizes God's sovereign timing, which may not align with human expectations, but assures that the return and reckoning are absolutely certain.
  • Stewardship: The parable underscores the principle that believers are temporary managers, not owners, of God's blessings. Our role is to faithfully invest and multiply what He has entrusted to us.
  • Divine Judgment: This verse foreshadows a future time of assessment, where faithfulness and diligence in service to God will be evaluated.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "reckoneth with them" is a translation of the Greek sunairō logon (συναιρω λογον), which literally means "to take up an account" or "to settle accounts." It implies a thorough, detailed examination and auditing of their management, not just a casual inquiry. This highlights the seriousness and precision of the upcoming evaluation.

Significance and Application

Matthew 25:19 serves as a profound reminder for all who claim faith in Christ. It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our time, talents, and treasures are on loan from God. The "long time" should not lead to spiritual laziness or complacency, but rather to diligent and productive service, eagerly anticipating the Master's return. This verse directly relates to the concept of the Bema Seat judgment for believers, where works done in the body will be assessed for rewards, not for salvation. It challenges us to consider: Are we wisely investing what God has given us for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom?

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.

  • 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.

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