Parable of the Talents — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the talents, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 25:14 (KJV)
How many servants did the man call?
Answer: His own servants (three named)
Study note. Called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Lesson 2 · Matthew 25:15 (KJV)
How many talents did the first receive?
Answer: Five
Study note. Unto one he gave five talents.
Lesson 3 · Matthew 25:15 (KJV)
How many did the second receive?
Answer: Two
Study note. To another two.
Lesson 4 · Matthew 25:15 (KJV)
How many did the third receive?
Answer: One
Study note. And to another one.
Lesson 5 · Matthew 25:15 (KJV)
On what basis were the talents given?
Answer: According to his several ability
Study note. To every man according to his several ability.
Lesson 6 · Matthew 25:18 (KJV)
What did the servant with one talent do?
Answer: Hid it in the earth
Study note. Went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Lesson 7 · Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
What did the master say to the faithful servants?
Answer: Well done, thou good and faithful servant
Study note. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Lesson 8 · Matthew 25:24 (KJV)
What was the wicked servant's excuse?
Answer: I knew thee that thou art an hard man
Study note. I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown.
Lesson 9 · Matthew 25:28 (KJV)
To whom was the one talent given?
Answer: To him with five talents
Study note. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Lesson 10 · Matthew 25:30 (KJV)
Where was the unprofitable servant cast?
Answer: Into outer darkness
Study note. Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the talents point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?