Matthew 25:21

KJV

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} His {G846} lord {G2962} said {G5346} unto him {G846}, Well done {G2095}, thou good {G18} and {G2532} faithful {G4103} servant {G1401}: thou hast been {G2258} faithful {G4103} over {G1909} a few things {G3641}, I will make {G2525} thee {G4571} ruler {G2525} over {G1909} many things {G4183}: enter thou {G1525} into {G1519} the joy {G5479} of thy {G4675} lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His master said to him, `Excellent! You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master's happiness!'

Berean Standard Bible

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

American Standard Version

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 25:21, the master commends his diligent servant in the Parable of the Talents, declaring "Well done, good and faithful servant." This pivotal verse encapsulates the principles of faithful stewardship, divine approval, and the eschatological promise of increased responsibility and profound joy for those who wisely manage the resources and opportunities entrusted to them by God. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's recognition of humble obedience and diligent service, culminating in an invitation to share in the master's ultimate delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), one of three eschatological parables (alongside the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and the [Parable of the Sheep and Goats](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")) that form a significant portion of Jesus' [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). Delivered on the Mount of Olives, this discourse primarily addresses the signs of the end times, the necessity of vigilance, and the importance of faithful living in anticipation of Christ's second coming. The Parable of the Talents specifically illustrates the principle of accountability and stewardship, where a master entrusts varying sums of money (talents, a large unit of currency) to his servants before departing, expecting them to manage these resources productively until his return. Matthew 25:21 records the master's commendation for the first two servants who doubled their master's investment, setting a clear contrast with the unfaithful servant later in the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a master entrusting wealth to servants for management was common in the ancient Near East. A "talent" (Greek: *talanton*) was not a natural ability, but a significant unit of weight or currency, typically silver or gold, representing an immense sum—perhaps equivalent to 15-20 years of a laborer's wages. This highlights the substantial trust the master placed in his servants. The master-servant relationship in this context was often one of significant responsibility and mutual expectation, not merely forced labor. Servants (or slaves, *douloi*) could hold positions of great authority and trust within a household or business, managing considerable assets. The master's expectation was not merely to guard the money but to invest it and generate profit, reflecting the economic realities and entrepreneurial spirit of the time. The commendation "Well done" and the promise of increased responsibility would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with such social and economic structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Faithful Stewardship**, emphasizing that God expects His followers to diligently manage all resources—spiritual gifts, material possessions, time, opportunities, and even relationships—He has entrusted to them. The amount given is secondary to the faithfulness in its management, as seen in the equal commendation for servants who received different initial amounts but showed equal diligence. Another crucial theme is **Divine Approval and Reward**, where the master's "Well done" signifies God's ultimate affirmation of a life lived in obedience and service. This approval is not an end in itself but leads to increased responsibility and profound blessing, illustrating that faithfulness in the present life has eternal consequences and leads to greater honor and service in God's kingdom. Finally, the phrase "enter thou into the joy of thy lord" introduces the theme of **Eschatological Joy and Fellowship**, pointing to the ultimate, transcendent blessedness that awaits the faithful in the presence of God, a stark contrast to the judgment faced by the unfaithful servant in [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Fate of the Unfaithful Servant"). This joy is a participation in the Lord's own triumph and rest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Well done (Greek, _eû'_):** This adverb serves as an exclamation of hearty approval and commendation. It signifies that the servant's actions were not merely acceptable but excellent, meeting and exceeding the master's expectations. It's a direct and enthusiastic affirmation of the servant's performance.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** While often translated as "servant," *doûlos* literally means "slave" or "bond-man." In this context, it denotes someone fully subjected to the will of another, whether literally or figuratively. Here, it emphasizes the absolute ownership and authority of the master, and the servant's complete dependence and obligation to him. It highlights the servant's role as one who acts entirely on behalf of the master.
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** This adjective describes someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and loyal. It implies that the servant's actions were consistent, dependable, and aligned with the master's instructions and expectations. It's not just about competence, but about character—a steadfast commitment to the master's interests.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** This noun signifies deep gladness, delight, or cheerfulness. In the New Testament, *chará* often describes a spiritual, abiding joy rooted in God's presence, salvation, and kingdom. Here, it represents the ultimate reward for the faithful servant, a participation in the master's own blessedness and celebration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the master's positive judgment. The direct address "Well done" (Greek: *eû*) is a powerful commendation, indicating complete satisfaction with the servant's performance. The master then affirms the servant's character, calling him "good" (Greek: *agathós*, denoting moral excellence and intrinsic worth) and "faithful" (Greek: *pistós*, emphasizing trustworthiness and reliability). This highlights that the master values not just results, but the character and integrity that produced those results.
* **"thou hast been faithful over a few things,"** This segment underscores the principle of stewardship. The "few things" refer to the initial amount of talents entrusted to the servant, which, though substantial in real terms, are described as "few" in comparison to the greater responsibilities to come. The emphasis is on the *faithfulness* demonstrated in managing these initial resources, regardless of their quantity. It teaches that diligence in seemingly small matters is what truly matters to the master.
* **"I will make thee ruler over many things:"** This clause reveals the nature of the reward for faithfulness: increased responsibility and authority. The master's promise to "make thee ruler over many things" (Greek: *kathístēmi*, to appoint or set over) indicates a promotion, a greater sphere of influence and trust. This reward is not merely a passive enjoyment but an active participation in the master's affairs, signifying honor and a deeper partnership in his enterprise.
* **"enter thou into the joy of thy lord."** This culminating phrase points to the ultimate and most profound reward. The "joy of thy lord" (Greek: *chará tou kyriou sou*) is not merely a human emotion but a spiritual, transcendent delight. It implies sharing in the master's triumph, celebration, and ultimate blessedness, a state of profound communion and satisfaction found in his presence. This is the ultimate invitation, a sharing in the master's own happiness and rest after his successful return and reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
The verse and its surrounding parable employ several significant literary devices. The entire narrative is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that uses familiar earthly scenarios to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of Heaven and God's relationship with humanity. The "talents" themselves function as a **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, representing not just money but any resource, gift, opportunity, or responsibility God entrusts to individuals (e.g., time, abilities, spiritual gifts, the Gospel message). The master's commendation and the subsequent rewards for the faithful servants, contrasted with the condemnation of the unfaithful servant in [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Fate of the Unfaithful Servant"), create a powerful **Contrast**, highlighting the consequences of diligent stewardship versus negligence. The phrase "enter thou into the joy of thy lord" is rich with **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, evoking a sense of intimate fellowship, celebration, and ultimate blessedness that transcends mere material reward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:21 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian stewardship and eschatological hope. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty and His expectation that humanity will faithfully manage the gifts and responsibilities He bestows. It reveals that God delights in the diligent and productive use of what He has given, valuing faithfulness over the sheer quantity of initial endowment. The promise of "ruler over many things" and "the joy of thy lord" points to a future reality where faithful service in this life is recognized and rewarded in the kingdom of God, leading to greater participation in His purposes and profound communion with Him. This verse powerfully teaches that our present actions have eternal significance, motivating believers to live with a kingdom-minded perspective, always aware of the coming reckoning and the ultimate reward of sharing in God's own joy.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirement of Faithfulness in Stewards")
* [Luke 19:17](/luke/19-17 "Luke 19:17 - Parable of the Minas, Reward for Faithfulness")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:21 offers profound encouragement and a clear challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our lives are not our own, but we are stewards of all that God has graciously entrusted to us—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and even our very breath. The key takeaway is not the magnitude of what we possess, but the faithfulness with which we manage it. Whether we perceive our gifts as "few" or "many," God's commendation hinges on our diligence, trustworthiness, and willingness to invest what He has given us for His kingdom purposes. This verse motivates us to identify our unique callings and capacities, to cultivate them with excellence, and to serve Him wholeheartedly, knowing that our efforts, however humble, are seen and valued by our Master. It shifts our focus from earthly accolades to divine approval, promising that a life of faithful service culminates in an invitation to share in the profound, eternal "joy of our Lord," a reward far surpassing any earthly gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "few things" (talents, resources, opportunities, time) has God entrusted to me, and how am I currently stewarding them?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater faithfulness, even in seemingly small or mundane tasks?**
* **How does the promise of "entering into the joy of my Lord" motivate my daily decisions and long-term goals?**
* **Am I living with an awareness that my actions today have eternal significance and will be accounted for before my Master?**

### FAQ
**What does "talent" mean in this parable, and how does it relate to our modern understanding of the word?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Talents, a "talent" (Greek: *talanton*) was a significant unit of currency, not an inherent skill or ability. It represented a large sum of money, often equivalent to many years of a laborer's wages. For example, one talent of silver was about 6,000 denarii, and a denarius was a typical day's wage. So, a talent was an immense amount of wealth. Over time, the story's emphasis on the *use* of this entrusted wealth led to the modern English word "talent" evolving to mean a natural aptitude or skill. However, in the original context of [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), it refers to entrusted resources, which can certainly include our abilities, but extends to all that God has given us—time, opportunities, material possessions, and spiritual gifts.

**Is the "joy of thy lord" a literal place or a spiritual state?**

Answer: The "joy of thy lord" (Greek: *chará tou kyriou sou*) is best understood as a profound spiritual state of blessedness and intimate communion with God, rather than a literal geographical place. It signifies the ultimate reward for faithful service, a participation in the master's own delight and triumph. This joy is a deep, abiding gladness that comes from being in the Lord's presence, sharing in His ultimate victory, and experiencing the fulfillment of His kingdom. It contrasts sharply with the "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth" that await the unfaithful servant in [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Fate of the Unfaithful Servant"). It speaks to the ultimate satisfaction and rest found in God's presence, a foretaste of the eternal fellowship believers will experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:21, while seemingly a straightforward parable about stewardship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfectly "good and faithful servant" (cf. [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")), who perfectly stewarded the Father's will and accomplished His mission on earth. He was faithful "over a few things"— His earthly ministry, His perfect obedience, His suffering, and His death on the cross—which, though seemingly limited in scope, were of infinite value. Because of His absolute faithfulness, the Father has "made Him ruler over many things," exalting Him to the highest place, giving Him "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Christ has fully "entered into the joy of His Lord," the Father's delight and glory, having completed the work given to Him ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). For believers, our ability to be "good and faithful" servants is not inherent but is a result of our union with Christ. We are empowered by His Spirit to live faithfully, and our "entering into the joy of our Lord" is a participation in *His* joy, *His* victory, and *His* shared inheritance. Our faithfulness is a response to His prior faithfulness, and our reward is to share in the blessedness that is uniquely His, as we are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, Matthew 25:21 points us to the One who perfectly embodied its principles and through whom all true faithfulness and ultimate joy are made possible.

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

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

John 12:26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.