Matthew 25:15

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

And {G2532} unto one {G3739}{G3303} he gave {G1325} five {G4002} talents {G5007},{G1161} to another {G3739} two {G1417}, and {G1161} to another {G3739} one {G1520}; to every man {G1538} according {G2596} to his several {G2398} ability {G1411}; and {G2532} straightway {G2112} took his journey {G589}.

To one he gave five talents [equivalent to a hundred years' wages]; to another, two talents; and to another, one talent -- to each according to his ability. Then he left.

To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.

Commentary

Matthew 25:15 is a foundational verse within the well-known Parable of the Talents, recounted by Jesus. This parable, found in Matthew 25:14-30, is part of Jesus' teaching on readiness and faithfulness in anticipation of His second coming, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse.

Context of the Parable of the Talents

Preceding this parable, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing vigilance. The Parable of the Talents shifts the focus to active stewardship. Here, a master entrusts his servants with significant sums of money—"talents"—before going on a long journey. The distribution of these talents (five, two, and one) is crucial, as it highlights the master's discernment and the varying capacities of his servants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The core message is about responsible management of what has been entrusted. The "talents" represent not just monetary wealth, but all resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts God gives to individuals.
  • Varying Capacities: The phrase "to every man according to his several ability" underscores that God distributes resources and opportunities according to each person's unique capacity and strength. This is not about equality of distribution, but equity based on what one can handle. It encourages individuals to focus on their own entrusted portion rather than comparing themselves to others.
  • Faithfulness and Diligence: The parable sets the stage for the servants' actions and subsequent accountability upon the master's return. It emphasizes that faithfulness in using what has been given is paramount, regardless of the quantity. This ties into the broader theme of faithfulness in small things leading to faithfulness in greater things.
  • Anticipation of Accountability: The master's departure and eventual return signify Christ's ascension and His future return for judgment and reckoning, as detailed later in Matthew 25:19. This verse sets up the expectation of an accounting for how entrusted resources were managed.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talent" here comes from the Greek word talanton (τάλαντον). In ancient times, a talent was not a natural skill, but a very substantial unit of weight, typically of silver or gold, representing an immense sum of money (e.g., equivalent to many years' wages for a laborer). This emphasizes the significant trust and valuable resources the master placed in his servants. The phrase "according to his several ability" translates the Greek kata ten idian dynamin (κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν), highlighting the master's thoughtful distribution based on each servant's inherent strength, capacity, or potential.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 25:15 serves as a powerful reminder of our role as stewards. We are called to identify and actively use the "talents" God has given us—whether they are spiritual gifts (such as those mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 or 1 Corinthians 12:4-11), financial resources, time, influence, or natural aptitudes. The verse encourages us not to despair if we feel we have "only one talent," but to be diligent and productive with what we do possess, knowing that God's distribution is wise and just. Our ultimate accountability is to Him, and faithfulness in the present prepares us for His return.

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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 18:24 (7 votes)

    And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

  • Luke 19:13 (4 votes)

    And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

  • Luke 19:14 (4 votes)

    But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

  • Luke 12:48 (2 votes)

    But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.