14 (A)[a]For the kingdom of heaven is as a man that going into a strange country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every man after his own [b]ability, and straightway went from home.

16 Then he that had received the five talents, went and occupied with them, and gained other five talents.

17 Likewise also he that received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that received that one, went and dug it in the earth, and hid his master’s money.

19 But after a long season, the master of those servants came, and reckoned with them.

20 Then came he that had received five talents, and brought other five talents, saying, Master, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained with them other five talents.

21 Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: [c]enter into thy master’s joy.

22 Also he that had received two talents, came, and said, Master, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents more.

23 His master said unto him, It is well done good servant, and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master’s joy.

24 Then he that had received the one talent, came, and said, Master, I knew that thou wast an hard man, which reapest where thou sowedst not, and gatherest where thou strawedst not:

25 I was therefore afraid, and went, and hid thy talent in the earth: behold, thou hast thine own.

26 And his master answered, and said unto him, Thou evil servant, and slothful, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not.

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

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 (B)For unto every man that hath, it shall be given, and he shall have abundance, and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away.

30 Cast therefore that unprofitable servant into utter (C)darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 25:14 Christ witnesseth that there shall be a long time between his departure to his father, and his coming again to us, but yet notwithstanding that, he will at that day take an account not only of the rebellious and obstinate, how they have bestowed that which they received of him, but also of his household servants, which have not through slothfulness employed those gifts which he bestowed upon them.
  2. Matthew 25:15 According to the wisdom and skill in dealing, which was given them.
  3. Matthew 25:21 Come, and receive the fruit of goodness, now the Lord’s joy is doubled, John 15:11, that my joy may remain in you, and your joy be fulfilled.
  4. Matthew 25:27 Table mates which have their shop bulks or tables set abroad, where they let out money to usury.

Bible Gateway Recommends