Matthew 25:27

KJV

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou {G4571} oughtest {G1163} therefore {G3767} to have put {G906} my {G3450} money {G694} to the exchangers {G5133}, and {G2532} then at my coming {G2064} I {G1473} should {G302} have received {G2865} mine own {G1699} with {G4862} usury {G5110}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, so that when I returned, I would at least have gotten back interest with my capital!

Berean Standard Bible

Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.

American Standard Version

thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:27 presents the master's sharp rebuke to the unfaithful servant in the Parable of the Talents. This verse encapsulates the master's expectation that even the most risk-averse form of stewardship—depositing money with bankers to earn interest—was a minimal requirement for the entrusted resources. It highlights the servant's inexcusable inaction, driven by fear and laziness, which resulted in no return on the master's investment, contrasting sharply with the diligence of the other two servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:27 is an integral part of the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), which immediately follows the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and precedes the description of the [Final Judgment](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). These three parables, delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, form a cohesive discourse on the themes of readiness, stewardship, and accountability in anticipation of His second coming. The parable itself details a master entrusting varying sums of "talents" (a large unit of currency) to three servants according to their ability. While two servants diligently invest and double their master's money, the third servant, out of fear, buries his single talent. Verse 27 represents the master's direct challenge to this third servant, exposing the profound inadequacy of his stewardship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman societies, the concept of lending money at interest was common, though often regulated. While the Old Testament prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36 - Law Against Usury")), it was permissible to charge interest to foreigners. By Jesus' time, money-lending and banking (through "exchangers" or "bankers") were established practices, allowing individuals to deposit money and earn a modest return. The master in the parable operates within this commercial reality, expecting a reasonable return on his capital. The master-servant relationship was also well-understood; servants were expected to manage their master's affairs faithfully and profitably, not merely to preserve assets without growth. The servant's failure to even take the minimal step of depositing the money with exchangers would have been seen as a clear dereliction of duty, demonstrating a lack of initiative and a profound misunderstanding of his role.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Stewardship and Accountability**, emphasizing that God entrusts resources, gifts, and opportunities to His people, expecting them to be used productively for His kingdom. The master's return and reckoning in [Matthew 25:19](/matthew/25-19 "Matthew 25:19 - The Master's Return") highlight the ultimate accountability believers will face. Secondly, it speaks to **Responsibility and Initiative**, revealing that passive preservation is insufficient; active engagement and growth are expected. The servant's fear-driven inaction is contrasted with the proactive diligence of the faithful servants. Thirdly, the verse touches on the **Consequences of Inaction**, showing that spiritual idleness and unfaithfulness lead to severe repercussions, culminating in the unprofitable servant being cast into "outer darkness" ([Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Fate of the Unprofitable Servant")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Expectation of Return**, illustrating that God, as the ultimate Master, has a rightful expectation of "usury" or increase from the "talents" (spiritual gifts, time, resources, influence) He bestows upon His followers, anticipating fruit from their lives until His [glorious return](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man's Coming").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **oughtest (Greek, _deî'_):** This word signifies a strong sense of necessity, obligation, what is proper and fitting. It conveys the master's firm conviction that the servant's action was not merely an option but a clear and undeniable duty. The master is expressing what *should* have been done, highlighting the servant's failure to meet a basic expectation.
* **money (Greek, _argýrion'_):** Literally meaning "silvery" or "cash," this refers to the silver coins (the talent) entrusted to the servant. While the parable uses a specific monetary unit, "money" here represents any resource, gift, or opportunity given by God. The master's emphasis is on the *value* of what was entrusted and the expectation of its productive use.
* **exchangers (Greek, _trapezítēs'_):** Derived from the word for "table" (referring to a money-changer's counter), this term denotes a money-broker or banker. These individuals would accept deposits and pay interest, offering a secure, albeit modest, return on investment. The master's point is that even if the servant was risk-averse, this minimal, passive investment option was available and expected, making his complete inaction inexcusable.
* **usury (Greek, _tókos'_):** This word literally means "birth" or "offspring," and by extension, "produce" or "interest" on money loaned. In this context, it simply refers to the legitimate and expected gain or interest from a financial investment. It does not carry the negative connotation of exploitative interest often associated with the English word "usury" in modern usage or in Old Testament prohibitions against charging excessive interest to the poor. The master expected a fair and typical return on his capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers,"**: The master directly addresses the unprofitable servant, using "oughtest" to convey a strong moral and practical obligation. The phrase "therefore" links this expectation to the servant's prior knowledge of the master's character and expectations (as stated by the servant in [Matthew 25:24](/matthew/25-24 "Matthew 25:24 - The Unprofitable Servant's Excuse")). The master implies that even if the servant was too fearful or unskilled to engage in more active investment, the most basic, low-risk option—depositing the money with professional bankers—was available. This highlights the servant's complete lack of initiative and his failure to generate even a minimal return on the entrusted capital.
* **"and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury."**: This clause states the expected outcome had the servant acted responsibly. The master's "coming" refers to his return and the time of reckoning. He anticipated receiving "his own" (his original investment) augmented "with usury" (with interest or profit). This underscores the master's legitimate expectation of growth and productivity from his assets, reinforcing the principle that divine entrustment comes with an expectation of faithful and fruitful stewardship, not mere preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Talents, of which this verse is a part, is a profound **Allegory** where the master represents God, the servants represent believers, the talents represent gifts/resources, and the master's return signifies Christ's second coming and the final judgment. Within this verse, there is a strong element of **Irony**: the servant claims to know the master as a "hard man" ([Matthew 25:24](/matthew/25-24 "Matthew 25:24 - The Servant's Fearful Assessment")), yet this supposed knowledge leads him to *inaction* rather than prudent risk-management, which the master demonstrates was the very minimum expected. The master's statement also functions as a **Rhetorical Question** (though phrased as a statement) implicitly asking, "If you knew this, why didn't you act accordingly?" This highlights the servant's illogical and inexcusable behavior. The "money" and "usury" serve as **Metaphors** for the spiritual and practical returns God expects from the gifts and opportunities He bestows upon His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:27 profoundly emphasizes the biblical principle of faithful stewardship, not merely as an option but as a divine expectation. It reveals that God, as the ultimate Master, entrusts His resources (whether spiritual gifts, time, material wealth, or opportunities) to His servants with the expectation of growth and productivity. The master's rebuke underscores that passive preservation, driven by fear or laziness, is insufficient and unacceptable. This passage challenges believers to actively invest what they have been given for the advancement of God's kingdom, understanding that a day of reckoning will come when an account of their stewardship will be required. It highlights that even minimal, low-risk efforts are better than complete inaction, and that God desires fruitfulness from His people.

* [Luke 19:23](/luke/19-23 "Luke 19:23 - The Parable of the Minas")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - We Shall All Give an Account")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:27 serves as a stark mirror for self-examination, urging believers to consider how they are stewarding the multifaceted "talents" God has entrusted to them. It challenges the common temptation to play it safe, to bury potential out of fear of failure, or to procrastinate in utilizing one's gifts for God's glory. The master's expectation of "usury" (interest) implies that God desires an increase, a return on His investment in us. This isn't about earning salvation, but about demonstrating genuine faith through fruitful obedience. We are called to be proactive, resourceful, and courageous in deploying our spiritual gifts, natural abilities, financial resources, and time for the kingdom. Even if we feel our contributions are small or our risks minimal, the call is to act faithfully and diligently, trusting that God will multiply our efforts. This verse compels us to move beyond spiritual complacency and embrace a life of active, purposeful service, knowing that our Master will return and expect an account of our stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "talents" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God entrusted to me?**
* **Am I actively investing these talents for God's kingdom, or am I "burying" them out of fear or apathy?**
* **What is one minimal, low-risk step I could take this week to begin or increase my "usury" for God?**
* **How does the master's expectation of a return challenge my understanding of Christian service and accountability?**

### FAQ
**What does "usury" mean in this context, given its negative connotations elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: In Matthew 25:27, "usury" (Greek: _tókos_) simply means "interest" or "gain" on money loaned or invested. It does not carry the negative connotation of exploitative or excessive interest that is often associated with the English word "usury" or with the Old Testament prohibitions against charging interest to impoverished fellow Israelites (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")). Here, it refers to the legitimate and expected return on an investment made through a financial institution like a bank or money-changer. The master's point is that even the most risk-averse method of investment would have yielded some profit, demonstrating the servant's complete lack of effort and responsibility.

**Does this parable imply that God expects us to be financially wealthy or to take financial risks?**

Answer: The Parable of the Talents, including [Matthew 25:27](/matthew/25-27 "Matthew 25:27 - The Master's Rebuke"), primarily uses financial terms as a metaphor for spiritual truths. While it certainly encourages wise and productive management of material resources, its core message extends far beyond mere finance. The "talents" represent all the gifts, abilities, opportunities, and resources—spiritual, intellectual, and material—that God entrusts to His people. The parable emphasizes faithful stewardship, diligence, and fruitfulness in all areas of life, not just financial. God expects us to use whatever He has given us, according to our ability, to advance His kingdom and glorify Him, whether that involves significant "risk" or simply consistent, humble effort. The key is active, obedient engagement rather than passive idleness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:27, within the Parable of the Talents, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The master's expectation of a return from his servants foreshadows Christ's own expectation of fruitfulness from His disciples, who are entrusted with the immeasurable "talent" of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, as the returning Lord, is the one who has gone away and will come again to reckon with His servants ([Matthew 25:19](/matthew/25-19 "Matthew 25:19 - The Master's Return")). His entire ministry was an embodiment of faithful stewardship, perfectly utilizing every divine resource and opportunity to fulfill the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate "investment" on the cross to redeem humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The "usury" God seeks from us is not for His own gain, but for the expansion of His kingdom and the flourishing of His people, reflecting the sacrificial and multiplying nature of Christ's work. Furthermore, the faithful servants are invited into the "joy of their master" ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Joy of the Master")), a joy that is ultimately found in union with Christ and participation in His eternal reign, a stark contrast to the unprofitable servant who failed to recognize the immense privilege of serving such a Master. Thus, the call to fruitful stewardship in [Matthew 25:27](/matthew/25-27 "Matthew 25:27 - The Master's Rebuke") is a call to live a life poured out in service to the One who first poured out His life for us, anticipating His glorious return and the ultimate reward of knowing and being known by Him ([Philippians 3:8-10](/philippians/3-8-10 "Philippians 3:8-10 - Knowing Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 23:19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

Deuteronomy 23:20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Luke 19:22

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Luke 19:23

Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.