Matthew 25:25

And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine.

And {G2532} I was afraid {G5399}, and went {G565} and hid {G2928} thy {G4675} talent {G5007} in {G1722} the earth {G1093}: lo {G2396}, there thou hast {G2192} that is thine {G4674}.

I was afraid, so I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here! Take what belongs to you!'

So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’

and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own.

Commentary

Matthew 25:25 is a pivotal verse within the well-known Parable of the Talents, highlighting the third servant's explanation for his inaction. This servant, entrusted with one talent, confesses to hiding it out of fear, presenting it back to his master exactly as he received it.

Context

This verse is spoken by the servant who received the least amount of money in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The parable describes a master entrusting varying sums of money (talents) to three servants before going on a long journey. A "talent" (Greek: talanton) was a significant unit of weight and, by extension, a very large sum of money, often equivalent to many years' wages for a common laborer. It represented a substantial investment. While the first two servants diligently invested their talents and doubled them, the third servant chose to bury his. His explanation in verse 25 reveals his motivation: fear and a misunderstanding of his master's character, leading to a complete lack of initiative or growth.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Inaction: The servant explicitly states, "I was afraid." This fear, whether of failure, risk, or misjudging his master, paralyzed him and prevented him from engaging with the opportunity given to him. It contrasts sharply with the diligence and boldness of the other servants.
  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The parable fundamentally teaches about stewardship. The master entrusted resources, expecting them to be managed and increased. The servant's act of merely preserving the talent, rather than growing it, demonstrates a failure of responsible stewardship.
  • Missed Opportunity: By hiding the talent, the servant squandered the chance for growth, profit, and the master's commendation. His approach was risk-averse to the point of being unproductive, leading to severe consequences (Matthew 25:26-30).
  • Accountability: Despite his inaction, the servant was still held accountable for what he was given. The verse underscores that even a lack of doing can have significant spiritual implications.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I was afraid" comes from the Greek verb ephobēthēn (ἔφοβήθην), which means "I feared" or "I became afraid." This is not the reverential fear of the Lord (phobos Theou) that leads to wisdom and obedience, but rather a paralyzing dread or apprehension that stifles initiative and leads to sloth. The servant's statement, "lo, there thou hast that is thine," highlights his mistaken belief that simply returning the original amount was sufficient, showing a lack of understanding regarding the master's expectations for productive investment.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:25 serves as a powerful warning and encouragement for believers today:

  • Overcoming Fear: Often, fear can hinder us from using the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given us. This verse challenges us to confront such fears and act in faith, trusting God with the outcomes.
  • Active Stewardship: We are called to be active, productive stewards of all that God entrusts to us—our time, financial resources, spiritual gifts, and natural abilities. The expectation is not merely to maintain, but to multiply for His glory. Every believer has received a gift and is expected to use it in service.
  • Risk and Responsibility: Spiritual growth and kingdom work often involve stepping out in faith, which can feel like taking risks. This parable encourages faithful engagement rather than passive preservation.
  • The Danger of Inaction: The servant was condemned not for wrongdoing, but for doing nothing. This highlights that spiritual sloth and a failure to utilize God-given potential are serious matters in the eyes of the Master.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 (3 votes)

    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  • Romans 8:15 (3 votes)

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • 2 Samuel 6:9 (2 votes)

    And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?

  • 2 Samuel 6:10 (2 votes)

    So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

  • Proverbs 26:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

  • Revelation 21:8 (2 votes)

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.