Matthew 25:22

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

{G1161} He also {G2532} that had received {G2983} two {G1417} talents {G5007} came {G4334} and said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, thou deliveredst {G3860} unto me {G3427} two {G1417} talents {G5007}: behold {G2396}, I have gained {G2770} two {G1417} other {G243} talents {G5007} beside {G1909} them {G846}.

Also the one who had received two came forward and said, `Sir, you gave me two talents; here, I have made two more.'

The servant who had received the two talents also came and said, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more.’

And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents.

Commentary

Matthew 25:22 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Talents, illustrating the response of the second servant. This servant, who received two talents, faithfully invested and doubled his master's resources, demonstrating diligence and a profitable return on what was entrusted to him.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching in the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives shortly before His crucifixion. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) immediately follows the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and precedes the description of the final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). All three parables in this chapter emphasize the importance of readiness, faithfulness, and accountability in anticipation of the master's — or Christ's — return.

The parable itself describes a master entrusting varying sums of money (talents) to his servants before going on a long journey. Upon his return, he settles accounts with them, evaluating their stewardship.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Accountability: The core message is that God entrusts His followers with various resources, abilities, and opportunities. This verse highlights the expectation that these will be managed wisely and productively for His glory.
  • Faithfulness with What Is Given: The servant with two talents is not judged by the amount he received, but by his faithfulness in multiplying what he had. His commendation (Matthew 25:23) is identical to that of the servant who received five talents, underscoring that God values faithfulness and effort relative to the gift, not just the absolute quantity.
  • Productivity and Growth: The master expects a return on his investment. This signifies that believers are called not merely to preserve what they have been given, but to actively use it to produce spiritual fruit and further God's kingdom.

Linguistic Insight

The term "talent" (Greek: talanton) in this context was a large unit of weight or money, typically equivalent to about 6,000 denarii. A denarius was a day's wage for a common laborer, so one talent represented an immense sum, perhaps 15 to 20 years' wages. This emphasizes that the master entrusted significant resources to his servants, highlighting the profound trust God places in His people with their time, spiritual gifts, material wealth, and opportunities.

Significance and Application

Matthew 25:22 offers profound insights for believers today. It teaches us that every individual, regardless of their perceived "amount" of talents or abilities, is called to be a diligent steward. The servant's prompt and positive report ("behold, I have gained two other talents beside them") illustrates a joyful and productive response to the master's trust.

This verse encourages us to reflect on how we are utilizing the gifts and resources God has given us, whether they are spiritual gifts, financial means, time, influence, or natural abilities. The master's approval in the subsequent verse (Matthew 25:23) reveals that God delights in seeing His children faithfully developing and deploying what they have received, not burying it out of fear or idleness. Our ultimate accountability is to Him for how we have stewarded His blessings.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:3 (2 votes)

    For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 (2 votes)

    For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8 (2 votes)

    I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

  • Luke 19:18 (2 votes)

    And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

  • Luke 19:19 (2 votes)

    And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.