What Is the Parable of the Talents?
What Is the Parable of the Talents? Jesus told of a master who entrusted talents (money) to three servants. Two invested wisely and were rewarded; one buried his talent and was condemned for faithlessness.
Key verse: Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Jesus told of a master who entrusted talents (money) to three servants. Two invested wisely and were rewarded; one buried his talent and was condemned for faithlessness.
Jesus told of a master who entrusted talents (money) to three servants. Two invested wisely and were rewarded; one buried his talent and was condemned for faithlessness.
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells of a man traveling to a far country who entrusted his property to three servants: five talents, two talents, and one talent respectively. The first two doubled their master's money through faithful stewardship and heard 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' The third servant buried his talent out of fear and returned only the original amount. The master called him 'wicked and slothful' and cast him out. The parable teaches that God gives each person gifts, abilities, and opportunities. He expects faithful use of what He has given, and there will be an accounting. Faithfulness, not the amount, is what matters.
Key Scripture References
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Parable of the Sower Mean?
Jesus explained that the four soils represent four responses to God's Word — hard hearts, shallow faith, distracted lives, and fruitful reception.
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.
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.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
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).
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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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