Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:17

What does Matthew 25:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:17 means

Similarly, the servant who received two talents also went and gained another two talents, demonstrating the same diligence and faithfulness as the first servant, proportionate to what he was given. This reinforces the idea that faithful stewardship is not about the *amount* received, but about the *attitude* and *effort* applied to what God has entrusted. His success shows that everyone, regardless of the quantity of their gifts, is expected to use them productively for the Master's glory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

In like manner he also that received the two gained other two.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

In like manner he also that received the two gained other two.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the same way he who had been given the two got two more.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in like manner also he who <FI>received<Fi> the two, he gained, also he, other two;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in like manner he that had received the two gained other two.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

In like manner also he that [had received] the two, [he also] gained two others.

Context

This verse parallels verse 16, illustrating the second servant's equally faithful and productive stewardship with the two talents he received. It continues to build the positive examples of diligence after the master's distribution. This consistent faithful action by two servants accentuates the contrast that will follow with the third servant, whose response deviates significantly from their example.

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

v.17This passage

v.18But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 11:1

    Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:11

    ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

  • Acts 11:29

    And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judæa:

  • Job 29:11

    For when the ear heardme, then it blessed me; And when the eye sawme, it gave witness unto me:

  • Ephesians 5:16

    redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

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