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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 25:15 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/25-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/40_Mat_25_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 25:15 - The Parable of the Talents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/25-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/25-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm" title="Matthew 25:14">◄</a> Matthew 25:15 <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm" title="Matthew 25:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/25.htm">New International Version</a> To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. <a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. <a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. <a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And indeed to one he gave five talents; and to one, two; and to one, one; to each according to his own ability. And he left the region immediately. <a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a> And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. <a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And to one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. <a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And to one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. <a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey. <a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately <a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately <a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The man knew what each servant could do. So he handed 5,000 coins to the first servant, 2,000 to the second, and 1,000 to the third. Then he left the country. <a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He gave one man ten thousand dollars, another four thousand dollars, and another two thousand dollars. Each was given money based on his ability. Then the man went on his trip. <a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> He gave to each one according to his ability: to one he gave five thousand gold coins, to another he gave two thousand, and to another he gave one thousand. Then he left on his trip. <a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> To one man he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, based on their ability. Then he went on his trip. <a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. <a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. <a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and forthwith took his journey. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one--to each according to his individual capacity; and then started from home. <a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to each according to his several ability, went abroad immediately. <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And indeed to one he gave five talents; and to one, two; and to one, one; to each according to his own ability. And he left the region immediately. <a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to each according to his several ability, went abroad immediately. <a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to one he truly gave five talents, and to one, two, and to one, one; to each according to his own power; and he quickly went abroad.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out. <a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a> To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> To one he gave five talents, to one two, to another one; to each one according to his ability; and immediately he went on a journey. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/25.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> To one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, each man according to his power, and he immediately went abroad.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one; to each one, according to his own ability, and immediately left his country. <a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each one according to his own ability; and departed.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his several capacity; and immediately went abroad. <a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his respective ability, and then set out on his journey. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one--to each according to his individual capacity; and then started from home. <a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>and to one, indeed, he gave five talents; and to another, two; and to another, one?to each according to his own ability; and he went abroad.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>to another two, and to another one; to each according to his ability: and then he took his journey.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/25-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7565" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">The Parable of the Talents</a> 14For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. 15<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">To one</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">he gave</a> <a href="/greek/4002.htm" title="4002: pente (Adj-ANP) -- Five. A primary number; five.">five</a> <a href="/greek/5007.htm" title="5007: talanta (N-ANP) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. a certain weight or talent.">talents,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">to another</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-ANP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two talents,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">to another</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-ANS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one talent—</a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastō (Adj-DMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">each</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">according to</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idian (Adj-AFS) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">his own</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynamin (N-AFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.">ability.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/589.htm" title="589: apedēmēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To be away from home, go into another country, be away, be abroad. From apodemos; to go abroad, i.e. Visit a foreign land.">he went on his journey.</a> 16The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/19-13.htm">Luke 19:13</a> Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7-11</a> Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ... <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a> For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? <a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5</a> What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-6</a> There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6</a> For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. <a href="/exodus/35-30.htm">Exodus 35:30-35</a> Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, / to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, ... <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12-13</a> behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. <a href="/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17</a> To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams. <a href="/genesis/39-3.htm">Genesis 39:3-4</a> When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. <a href="/exodus/31-3.htm">Exodus 31:3-5</a> And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, / to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, / to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And to 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.talents.<a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Matthew 18:24</a> And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.<a href="/luke/12-48.htm">Luke 12:48</a> 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.<a href="/luke/19-13.htm">Luke 19:13,14</a> And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Ability</a> <a href="/matthew/22-46.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm">Capacity</a> <a href="/matthew/25-2.htm">Five</a> <a href="/matthew/21-20.htm">Forthwith</a> <a href="/matthew/22-5.htm">Home</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Money</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">Particular</a> <a href="/daniel/11-13.htm">Several</a> <a href="/matthew/15-36.htm">Started</a> <a href="/matthew/21-3.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-7.htm">Talent</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Talents</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Ability</a> <a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/mark/4-33.htm">Capacity</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Five</a> <a href="/matthew/26-49.htm">Forthwith</a> <a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">Home</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Immediately</a> <a href="/romans/5-15.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/mark/6-8.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Money</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">Particular</a> <a href="/mark/2-1.htm">Several</a> <a href="/mark/8-6.htm">Started</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Straightway</a> <a href="/matthew/25-18.htm">Talent</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Talents</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 25</div>1. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">The parable of the ten virgins,</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">and of the talents.</a> 31. <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Also the description of the last judgment.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>To one he gave five talents In the context of the parable, a "talent" was a significant sum of money, often understood as a weight of silver or gold. Historically, a single talent was worth about 6,000 denarii, with a denarius being a day's wage for a laborer. This indicates the master's trust and the value of what he entrusted to his servants. Theologically, the talents can symbolize the gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities God gives to individuals. The number five suggests a substantial trust, indicating the servant's capability and the master's confidence in him.to another two talents The distribution of two talents to the second servant reflects the master's discernment in giving according to each servant's capacity. This allocation underscores the principle of stewardship, where each person is given resources in line with their ability to manage them. Biblically, this can be seen as a call to faithfulness, regardless of the amount entrusted. The number two, while less than five, still represents a significant trust and opportunity for service and growth.and to another one talent The servant receiving one talent still holds a considerable amount, emphasizing that even the least amount given is valuable. This highlights the idea that no gift or responsibility from God is insignificant. Theologically, it challenges believers to recognize and utilize whatever they have been given, no matter how small it may seem. The single talent serves as a test of faithfulness and initiative.each according to his own ability This phrase indicates the master's wisdom and fairness in distributing resources. It reflects the biblical principle that God knows each person's strengths and limitations and assigns responsibilities accordingly. This aligns with passages like <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a>, which speak of diverse gifts given by the Spirit for the common good. It emphasizes personal accountability and the expectation that one should work within their God-given capacity.And he went on his journey The master's departure signifies a period of testing and opportunity for the servants. It parallels the ascension of Christ and the current age where believers are entrusted with the gospel and the kingdom's work until His return. This time of absence is a test of faithfulness and diligence, as seen in other parables like the Parable of the Ten Virgins (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>). It underscores the importance of being prepared and active in service, anticipating the master's return.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/master.htm">Master</a> Represents God or Christ, who entrusts His servants with resources and responsibilities. 2. <a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a> Symbolize believers or followers of Christ, each given different amounts of resources or responsibilities. 3. <a href="/topical/t/talents.htm">Talents</a> A large sum of money in biblical times, symbolizing the gifts, abilities, and opportunities God gives to each person. 4. <a href="/topical/j/journey.htm">Journey</a> The master's departure represents Christ's ascension and the period before His return, during which believers are to be faithful stewards. 5. <a href="/topical/d/distribution_of_talents.htm">Distribution of Talents</a> The act of giving talents according to each servant's ability highlights God's wisdom and fairness in distributing gifts and responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_responsibility.htm">Stewardship and Responsibility</a> God entrusts each believer with specific gifts and responsibilities. We are called to be faithful stewards of what we have been given. <a href="/topical/d/diversity_of_gifts.htm">Diversity of Gifts</a> The distribution of talents according to ability shows that God knows us intimately and gives us what we can handle. We should not compare ourselves to others but focus on our unique calling. <a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a> Just as the master returned to settle accounts, we will one day give an account to God for how we have used our gifts and opportunities. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_over_quantity.htm">Faithfulness Over Quantity</a> The emphasis is on faithfulness, not the amount of talents. Whether given much or little, our responsibility is to use it wisely for God's glory. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_return.htm">Preparation for Christ's Return</a> The master's journey signifies the time we have to prepare for Christ's return. We should live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly matters.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25</a> <a href="/q/how_do_talents_differ_from_gifts.htm">How do talents differ from spiritual gifts?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_laziness.htm">What does the Bible say about laziness?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_parable's_setting.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence corroborating the setting implied in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)?</a> <a href="/q/why_complain_trust_god's_plan..htm">How are you using your God-given talents?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Unto one he gave five talents.--On the value of the talent see the Note on <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm" title="And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought to him, which owed him ten thousand talents.">Matthew 18:24</a>. The languages of modern Europe bear witness, in their use of the word, to the impression which the parable has made. A man's energies, gifts, capacities, are the "talents," for the use of which he will have to render an account. We speak, though in this case the word is hardly more than an ill-coined vulgarism, of him who possesses them as "talented." Common, however, as this use of the word is, it tends to obscure the true meaning of the parable. Here there is an "ability" presupposed in each case, prior to the distribution of the talents, and we are led accordingly to the conclusion that the latter stand here less for natural gifts than for external opportunities--for possessions, offices, what we call "spheres of duty." These, we are told, are, in the wisdom of God, given to men, in the long run, "according to their several ability." So taken, the parable does not repeat the lesson of that which precedes it, but is addressed, not as that is to all Christians, but specifically to those who hold any vocation or ministry in the Church of Christ, or have in their hands outward resources for working in it. It is, perhaps, not altogether fanciful to trace, as a first application, in the three-fold scale of distribution, a correspondence with the three groups, four in each, into which the twelve Apostles were divided. The sons of Jona and of Zebedee were as those who had received five talents; the less conspicuous middle group answered to those who received but two; while the "wicked and slothful servant" finds his representative in the only disciple in the third, or last group, who is at all conspicuous.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Unto one he gave five talents. The talent of silver (taking silver as worth a little over 5s. an ounce) was nearly equivalent to £400 of our money. It is from the use of the word "talents" in this parable that we moderns have derived its common meaning of natural gifts and endowments. The three principal slaves receive a certain amount of property to use for their master's profit. To every man. To all is given some grace or faculty which they have to employ to the glory of God. "Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ "(<a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Ephesians 4:7</a>). No one can justly say he is neglected in this distribution. Whatever natural powers, etc., we possess, and the opportunities of exercising and improving them, are the gift of God, and are delivered to us to be put out to interest. According to his several ability (κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν). The master apportioned his gifts in accordance with his knowledge of the slaves' capacity for business, and the probability of their rightly employing much or little capital. So God distributes his endowments, not to all alike, but in such proportions as men are able to bear and to profit by. The infinite variety in men's dispositions, intellects, will. opportunities, position, and so on, are all taken into account, and modify and condition their responsibility. Straightway took his journey (ἀπεδήμησεν εὐθέως). Immediately after the distribution he departed, leaving each slave, uncontrolled and undirected, to use the property assigned to him. So God gives us free will at the same time that he sets before us opportunities of showing our faithfulness. The Lord may be referring primarily to the apostles whom he left immediately after he had bestowed upon them authority and commission. The Revised Version, Westcott and Hort, Nosgen, and others transfer the adverb "straightway" to the beginning of the next verse (omitting δὲ in that verse). It is supposed to be superfluous here. The Vulgate accords with the Received Text; and there seems to be no sufficient reason for accentuating the first slave's activity above that of the second, who was equally faithful. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>To one ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. he gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. five πέντε (pente) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4002.htm">Strong's 4002: </a> Five. A primary number; 'five'. talents, τάλαντα (talanta) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5007.htm">Strong's 5007: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. a certain weight or 'talent'. to [another] ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. two [talents], δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. to [another] ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. one [talent]— ἕν (hen) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. each ἑκάστῳ (hekastō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. according to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). his own ἰδίαν (idian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. ability. δύναμιν (dynamin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1411.htm">Strong's 1411: </a> From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he promptly went on his journey. ἀπεδήμησεν (apedēmēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> To be away from home, go into another country, be away, be abroad. From apodemos; to go abroad, i.e. Visit a foreign land. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/25-15.htm">Matthew 25:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/25-15.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents (Matt. 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