What Is the Parable of the Talents?
What Is the Parable of the Talents? Jesus taught that God entrusts each person with gifts and abilities, and He expects faithful stewardship — rewarding those who invest wisely and judging those who waste their potential.
Key verse: Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Jesus taught that God entrusts each person with gifts and abilities, and He expects faithful stewardship — rewarding those who invest wisely and judging those who waste their potential.
Jesus taught that God entrusts each person with gifts and abilities, and He expects faithful stewardship — rewarding those who invest wisely and judging those who waste their potential.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 25:14-30, a master gave three servants talents (large sums of money) before traveling. One received five, another two, another one — 'to every man according to his several ability.' The five-talent and two-talent servants doubled their investments. The one-talent servant buried his in the ground out of fear. When the master returned, he praised the faithful servants: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord' (v.21,23). But to the one who buried his talent: 'Thou wicked and slothful servant... cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness' (v.26,30). The parable teaches several truths: God gives different gifts to different people, but all are accountable. Faithfulness, not quantity, determines reward — the two-talent servant received the same praise as the five-talent servant. Fear is no excuse for inaction. God expects His gifts to be used for His kingdom. The parable challenges every believer: What are you doing with what God has given you?
Key Scripture References
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance."
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Everything belongs to God, and believers are stewards entrusted with managing His resources — time, money, talents, and the earth itself.
What Does the Bible Say About Laziness?
Proverbs repeatedly warns against laziness ('slothfulness'), commending diligent work and warning that idleness leads to poverty and ruin.
What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for building up the church, including teaching, prophecy, service, mercy, and many others.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Parable of the Talents Quiz
A master, his servants, and stewardship of what is entrusted (Matthew 25).
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Talents?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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