Matthew 25:14

Matthew 25:14, in plain English

Jesus tells another story: a man going on a trip entrusts his servants with his money while he's away. It's a picture of what God expects you to do with what He's given you.

Why it's here

This parable shifts the focus from waiting to working. Jesus doesn't just want you to be ready for His return; He wants you to be productive while you wait.

Who's speaking

Jesus introduces a new parable that moves from 'be prepared' to 'get to work.'

Where it sits in the story

The master is leaving, and he's trusting his servants with something valuable. What will they do with it? That's the question this story is going to answer.

The scholarly reading

Jesus introduces the Parable of the Talents: a man (anthrōpos) going on a journey (apodemōn) entrusts his servants (doulois) with his possessions (hyparchonta). This mirrors the master-servant dynamic of 24:45-51 and the waiting-bridegroom of 25:1-13.

Language and setting

This third eschatological parable shifts focus to stewardship and productivity during the master's absence. Where the virgins parable emphasized preparedness, this one emphasizes active investment of God-given resources.

Voice

Jesus begins the third and final parable of the Olivet Discourse, moving from readiness to responsible action.

Significance

Jesus tells another story about a master leaving on a journey. This time the focus is on what the servants do with what they're given. Waiting isn't passive; it demands active stewardship.

12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

14For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.

15To 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.

16The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more.

Read all of Matthew 25 — Ten bridesmaids, three servants, and a flock of sheep and goats. Jesus paints the final judgment in vivid, unsettling detail.