neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of (to bear; equivalent to φέρω); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent":--talent.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tálanton**, represented by `{{G5007}}`, refers to a unit of weight and, by extension, a sum of money. It appears **15 times** across **8 unique verses**, exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew. In its biblical usage, it functions as a significant measure of value, often employed in parables to symbolize a trust or responsibility given by a master.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary context for `{{G5007}}` is the Parable of the Talents. A master **delivers** `{{G3860}}` varying amounts—**five** `{{G4002}}`, **two** `{{G1417}}`, and **one** `{{G1520}}` **talents**—to his servants, each **according** `{{G2596}}` to his **ability** `{{G1411}}` [[Matthew 25:15]]. The servants who invested their **talents** **gained** `{{G2770}}` more ([[Matthew 25:20]], [[Matthew 25:22]]), while the servant who received one **talent** **hid** `{{G2928}}` it in the **earth** `{{G1093}}` out of **fear** `{{G5399}}` [[Matthew 25:25]]. The word is also used to depict an immense debt of **ten thousand** `{{G3463}}` **talents** in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, highlighting its great value [[Matthew 18:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of stewardship associated with the **talent**:
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This verb is crucial, as the master **gave** the **talents** to his servants, establishing the basis of their responsibility [[Matthew 25:15]].
* `{{G2770}}` **kerdaínō** (to gain): This word describes the fruitful outcome of the faithful servants, who **gained** an equal number of **talents** through their efforts ([[Matthew 25:20]], [[Matthew 25:22]]).
* `{{G2928}}` **krýptō** (to conceal): In contrast, the unfaithful servant chose to **hide** his **talent**, representing a failure of stewardship and a squandering of opportunity [[Matthew 25:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5007}}` centers on divine entrustment and human accountability.
* **Stewardship of Gifts:** The **talent** symbolizes any gift or resource entrusted by a **Lord** `{{G2962}}` to a person. The parables demonstrate that these gifts are not for personal keeping but for productive use until the master returns to **reckon** `{{G4868}}` with them [[Matthew 25:19]].
* **The Principle of Increase:** The servants who **made** `{{G4160}}` more **talents** were praised and given more responsibility, illustrating a spiritual principle where faithfulness in what is given leads to greater blessing ([[Matthew 25:20]], [[Matthew 25:22]]).
* **Judgment on Inaction:** The servant who **hid** his **talent** is judged not for a malicious act but for his inaction, which was rooted in a wrong perception of his master as a **hard** `{{G4642}}` man. The **talent** is ultimately taken **from** `{{G575}}` him and given to the one with **ten** `{{G1176}}` **talents** [[Matthew 25:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5007}}` **tálanton** is far more than an ancient monetary unit. Within scripture, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the responsibilities, gifts, and opportunities bestowed by God. Its use in parables teaches enduring lessons about accountability, the importance of using one's gifts fruitfully, and the consequences of fear-based inactivity. The **talent** is a measure of trust, and its story is a call to faithful stewardship.
TRV