Skip to main content
    Meaning

    What Is the Parable of the Talents — Meaning Explained

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    What "What Is the Parable of the Talents?" Actually Means

    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.

    Anchor Verses (KJV)

    Matthew 25:21

    "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 25:29

    "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."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library: