Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:19

What does Matthew 25:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:19 means

After a considerable period, the master returned and called his servants to account for the goods he had entrusted to them. This phrase "after a long time" emphasizes that there will be a divinely appointed day of reckoning, though its timing is unknown. The master's return symbolizes Christ's second coming, and the reckoning signifies the final judgment, where every believer will give an account of their stewardship. This re-entry of the master shifts the parable from the period of work and waiting to the moment of evaluation and reward or consequence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now after a long time the lord of those servants comes, and makes up his account with them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And after a long time cometh the lord of those servants, and taketh reckoning with them;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And after a long time the lord of those bondmen comes and reckons with them.

Context

This verse marks the end of the waiting period and the return of the master, an essential turning point in the parable. It sets the stage for the crucial "reckoning," which is the core of this section. This return directly precedes the servants presenting their accounts, moving the narrative from their individual actions in the master's absence to the final evaluation and judgment of their stewardship.

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

v.19This passage

v.20And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:12

    But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;

  • Luke 16:19

    Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:

  • Luke 16:1

    And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.

  • Matthew 24:48

    But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth;

  • Matthew 18:23

    Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

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