What Is the Parable of the Talents — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 25:21, sits inside Matthew 25. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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A master, his servants, and stewardship of what is entrusted (Matthew 25).
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