The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25

14 p "For q it will be like a man r going on a journey, who called his servants 1 and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five s talents, 2 to another two, to another one, t to each according to his ability. Then he r went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and u dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now v after a long time the master of those servants came and w settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and x faithful servant. 3 y You have been faithful over a little; z I will set you over much. Enter into a the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be b a hard man, reaping c where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here d you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You e wicked and e slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 f For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And g cast h the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place g there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

  1. Cross References
    Matthew 25:14 - 30
    For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
    Luke 19:12 - 27
    He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
  2. Cross References
    Mark 13:34
    It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.
  3. Cross References
    Matthew 21:33
    Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 18:24
    When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 12:6
    Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
    1 Corinthians 12:11
    All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
    Ephesians 4:7
    But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
    1 Peter 4:10
    As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 25:14
    For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 13:44
    The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 25:5
    As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 18:23
    Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
    Romans 14:12
    So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
    Luke 16:2
    And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 25:23
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
    Matthew 24:45
    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
  11. Cross References
    Luke 16:10
    One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
    1 Corinthians 4:2
    Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
    1 Timothy 3:13
    For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
  12. Cross References
    Matthew 24:47
    Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
  13. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
    John 15:11
    These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
  14. Cross References
    1 Samuel 25:3
    Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite.
  15. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:12
    For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
  16. Cross References
    Matthew 20:14
    Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 18:32
    Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
    Proverbs 20:4
    The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
    Romans 12:11
    Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 18:32
    Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
    Proverbs 20:4
    The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
    Romans 12:11
    Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
  19. Cross References
    Luke 12:48
    But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
    Matthew 13:12
    For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  22. Cross References
    Luke 17:10
    So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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