Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:15

What does Matthew 25:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:15 means

The master distributes his wealth, giving five talents to one servant, two to another, and one to a third, each "according to his several ability." A talent was a large sum of money, indicating significant trust and resources. This distribution highlights that God gives different gifts and capacities to different individuals. It underscores the principle that our responsibilities are proportionate to what we have been given. The master's subsequent departure emphasizes the period of waiting during which these talents are to be managed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to everyone as he was able; and he went on his journey.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to each according to his several ability, went abroad immediately.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to each according to his particular ability, and immediately went away out of the country.

Context

This verse details the crucial act of the master's distribution of talents, specifying the varying amounts given to each servant "according to his several ability." This differential allocation is central to the parable and immediately sets up the diverse outcomes of their stewardship. It directly follows verse 14's introduction of the master and servants, creating the conditions for the subsequent actions and judgments of the servants.

v.14Forit isaswhena man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

v.15This passage

v.16Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 12:48

    but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.

  • Matthew 18:24

    And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents.

  • Luke 19:13

    And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.

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