Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:20

What does Matthew 25:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:20 means

The servant who received five talents joyfully returned, presenting not only the original five but an additional five talents he had gained. His clear, confident report demonstrates honest and faithful stewardship, as he had diligently used what was given to him. His ability to double his entrusted resources illustrates the fruitfulness that comes from exercising one's gifts and opportunities for the Master's benefit. He acknowledges the original gift, then highlights his fruitful labor.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he who had the five talents came with his other five talents, saying, Lord, you gave into my care five talents: see, I have got five more.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who did receive the five talents having come, brought other five talents, saying, `Sir, five talents thou didst deliver to me; lo, other five talents did I gain besides them.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents. Behold I have gained other five over and above.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he that had received the five talents came to [him] and brought five other talents, saying, [My] lord, thou deliveredst me five talents; behold, I have gained five other talents besides them.

Context

This verse details the first servant's report to the master, immediately following the master's return and call for reckoning in verse 19. His clear presentation of doubled talents establishes the positive example of faithful stewardship. This successful account sets the standard for the master's expectations and contrasts sharply with the eventual failure of the third servant, forming the first part of the master's judgment sequence.

v.19Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

v.20This passage

v.21His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 19:16

    And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  • James 2:18

    Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith.

  • Colossians 1:29

    whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

  • Acts 20:24

    But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • 2 Timothy 4:1

    I chargetheein the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

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