Matthew 25:21
What does Matthew 25:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 25:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 25:21 means
The master commendably replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant," praising his character and action. He acknowledged the servant's faithfulness "over a few things" and promised to set him "over many things," inviting him to "enter into the joy of thy lord." This response illustrates that God rewards faithful stewardship, not necessarily according to the quantity of increase, but according to the diligence and faithfulness shown with what was given. This entrance into joy signifies eternal blessedness and greater responsibility in Christ's eternal kingdom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His lord said to him, Well done, good and true servant: you have been true in a small thing, I will give you control over great things: take your part in the joy of your lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And his lord said to him, Well done, servant, good and faithful, over a few things thou wast faithful, over many things I will set thee; enter into the joy of thy lord.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His lord said to him, Well, good and faithful bondman, thou wast faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.
Context
This verse presents the master's commendation and reward for the first servant, directly following his successful report in verse 20. This positive response establishes the criteria for approval—faithfulness and diligence—and defines the blessed outcomes of such stewardship. It sets a pattern of praise and reward that will be largely replicated for the second servant, further isolating the negative example of the third servant.
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.
v.21This passage
v.22And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- 2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
- Revelation 2:26
And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:
- Psalms 16:10
For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption.
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
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