Matthew 25:20

Matthew 25:20, in plain English

The servant with five bags comes forward and shows the master: 'You gave me five, and look — I earned five more!' He's proud to show what he's accomplished.

Why it's here

Notice the joy and confidence in his voice. He's not nervous. He worked hard, he has results, and he's excited to share them with the master.

Who's speaking

The first servant steps forward with confidence and joy, eager to show what he's accomplished.

Where it sits in the story

There's no fear in this moment, only joy. He gave it his all, and now he gets to show the master the results. That's the reward of faithfulness.

The scholarly reading

The five-talent servant presents his original five plus five more, saying 'See, I have gained (ekerdēsa) five more.' The verb kerdainō ('to gain, profit') reflects active, fruitful labor. His approach is transparent and joyful — he presents results, not excuses.

Language and setting

The servant's presentation mirrors a business partner giving an investment report. The doubling of the principal represents maximum faithful productivity.

Voice

The five-talent servant addresses his master with confidence and joy, presenting the fruits of his stewardship.

Significance

The first servant steps forward confidently, spreading out his gains. Here's what you gave me, and here's what I did with it. His report is simple and satisfying.

18But the servant who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

19After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

20The servant who had received the five talents came and presented five more. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’

21His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

22The servant who had received the two talents also came and said, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two 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.