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.

His {G846} lord {G2962} said {G5346} unto him {G846}, Well done {G2095}, 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}.

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!'

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!’

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

Matthew 25:23 is a pivotal verse from the Parable of the Talents, spoken by Jesus as part of His teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven and the readiness required for His return. It encapsulates the master's commendation and promise to the two faithful servants who diligently used what they were given.

Context

This verse is found within Jesus' extensive discourse on the Mount of Olives (the Olivet Discourse), which addresses the end times, His second coming, and the need for constant vigilance and preparedness. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the principle of stewardship: a master entrusts different amounts of money (talents, a significant sum in that era) to his servants before departing. Upon his return, he demands an accounting. The first two servants, having doubled their talents, receive this exact commendation, while the third, who buried his talent, is rebuked.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faithful Stewardship: The core message is about using the gifts, resources, and opportunities God has given us, no matter how great or small, for His purposes. It's not about the quantity received, but the faithfulness in managing it.
  • Divine Commendation: The phrase "Well done, good and faithful servant" is the ultimate verbal reward, signifying God's approval and pleasure in one's diligent service.
  • Increased Responsibility and Reward: The promise, "I will make thee ruler over many things," highlights a principle of spiritual growth and divine promotion. Faithfulness in "a few things" leads to greater opportunities and blessings, both in this life and eternally. This echoes the sentiment found in Luke 16:10.
  • Entering the Joy of the Lord: This is the ultimate reward, signifying not just a physical inheritance but a deep, intimate communion and celebration with God. It speaks to the fulfillment and delight found in His presence, a foretaste of the eternal joy promised to believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Well done" is eu doule agathe, meaning "good servant, well" or "good and excellent servant." The word pistos, translated as "faithful," carries the meaning of being trustworthy, reliable, and believing. The promise to "make thee ruler over many things" uses the verb katasteso, implying an appointment or setting over, indicating a significant increase in authority and responsibility. The "joy of thy lord" (Greek: chara) signifies profound delight and gladness, not merely happiness but a deep, spiritual contentment that comes from the Master's approval and presence.

Practical Application

This verse challenges every believer to consider how they are stewarding their God-given talents—whether they are spiritual gifts, material wealth, time, or influence. It teaches that God values faithfulness and diligence over spectacular results. Even seemingly small acts of service, done with a faithful heart, are noticed and greatly rewarded by God. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our present efforts contribute to future blessings and, most importantly, lead us into the profound and lasting joy of our Lord's presence, as promised in passages like Revelation 21:4 where God will wipe away all tears.

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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

  • Matthew 25:21 (15 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 12:41 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

  • Mark 12:44 (5 votes)

    For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

  • Mark 14:8 (5 votes)

    She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

  • Mark 14:9 (5 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.