Matthew 25 14

Matthew 25:14 kjv

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:14 nkjv

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

Matthew 25:14 niv

"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

Matthew 25:14 esv

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.

Matthew 25:14 nlt

"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 14 Meaning

Matthew 25:14 introduces the Parable of the Talents, illustrating the responsibility believers have in utilizing the gifts and resources entrusted to them by God during Christ's temporary absence from earth. It signifies a divine delegation of authority and resources, highlighting that stewardship and productivity are expected from His servants, who will ultimately be held accountable for how they managed His possessions.

Matthew 25 14 Context

This verse is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), given on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. The discourse focuses on the signs of His return and the end of the age, culminating in parables that stress the need for readiness, vigilance, and faithfulness. Matthew 25 specifically contains three parables that elaborate on how to live in light of the Lord's anticipated return: the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13) emphasizing spiritual watchfulness, the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30) on responsible stewardship, and the description of the Sheep and Goats Judgment (Matt 25:31-46) detailing final separation based on deeds of charity. This specific verse (25:14) serves as the introduction to the Parable of the Talents, setting the stage for a story about a master's entrustment and his servants' subsequent accountability during his absence. Culturally, it reflects the common practice of wealthy landowners entrusting their estates to trusted slaves or managers when traveling.

Matthew 25 14 Word analysis

• For it is just like (ὥσπερ γὰρ)

  • This phrase acts as a transitional conjunction, linking this parable to the previous one and to the broader theme of the "kingdom of heaven" introduced in Matt 25:1.
  • "Just like" indicates that this is a similitude, illustrating a spiritual truth through a familiar earthly scenario. It suggests a direct comparison that clarifies the nature of God's Kingdom and expectations for His followers.

• a man (ἄνθρωπος)

  • In the parable, "the man" represents God or more specifically, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the master who holds ultimate ownership and authority.
  • This sets up the authoritative figure from whom delegation occurs and to whom accountability is due.

• about to go on a journey (ἀποδημῶν)

  • Greek: apodemōn, meaning "going abroad" or "departing to a distant land."
  • This refers symbolically to Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) following His resurrection. It signifies His physical absence from earth during the church age, implying a period of waiting for His return.
  • This temporary departure creates the necessity for responsible stewardship in His absence.

• who called (καλέσας)

  • Greek: kalēsas, a participle from kaleō, meaning "to call, summon, invite."
  • Signifies a deliberate, intentional action by the master to specifically choose and appoint these individuals for a task. This highlights the personal calling of God upon believers.

• his servants (τοὺς ἰδίους δούλους)

  • Greek: doulous, meaning "slaves" or "bond-servants." This denotes a relationship of absolute ownership and loyal obedience to the master.
  • "His own" (idious) emphasizes a specific, personal relationship. These are not strangers, but those bound to the master's household, implying trust and intimacy in the delegation.
  • Symbolically, these are the disciples of Christ and, by extension, all believers who are His bond-servants.

• and entrusted (παρέδωκεν)

  • Greek: paradedōken, meaning "handed over," "delivered over," "committed."
  • This verb implies a temporary transfer of responsibility and management, not outright giving away. What is entrusted remains the master's property.
  • It highlights the delegation of resources and responsibility by the Lord to His followers.

• his wealth (τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ)

  • Greek: ta hyparchonta autou, meaning "his possessions" or "the things he owned."
  • This general term precedes the specification of "talents" in the subsequent verses. It represents all that the Master possesses that He deems worthy of entrusting to His servants.
  • Symbolically, "his wealth" includes not just material possessions but spiritual gifts, time, opportunities, abilities, influence, and the Gospel itself—all resources God grants to His followers for the purpose of advancing His Kingdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey": This phrase establishes the central premise of the parable: a period of the Master's absence, which necessitates active and responsible management by those left behind. It clearly foreshadows Christ's ascension and the interim period before His return, challenging believers to live diligently in the "between times."
• "who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them": This crucial phrase highlights the deliberate divine choice of individuals ("called his servants") and the active delegation of divine resources ("entrusted his wealth"). It defines believers as stewards of God's kingdom assets, not mere idle bystanders, and lays the groundwork for accountability based on what has been given. The relationship is personal (his own servants) and entails significant trust.

Matthew 25 14 Bonus section

• The structure of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) progressively shifts from simply knowing about Christ's return (signs) to living responsibly in light of it (readiness, stewardship, judgment based on deeds). Matthew 25:14 marks a clear move into the active response required from those who await His return.
• The emphasis on "his own servants" (τοὺς ἰδίους δούλους) suggests an internal understanding within the parable of genuine believers—those intimately connected to the Master, differentiating them from the outside world or false claimants.
• The Master's decision to "entrust" His wealth, rather than merely give it, is foundational. This implies that the resources are not given as permanent gifts to be consumed, but as capital to be managed, invested, and increased for the Master's profit and glory, pointing towards a return on investment upon His return.
• While the verse mentions "wealth" generally, it implicitly carries the immense value of "talents" which would be specified in the following verse. A single "talent" was an enormous sum, often equivalent to many years' wages for a common laborer, emphasizing the significant trust placed in the servants.

Matthew 25 14 Commentary

Matthew 25:14 serves as the profound introduction to one of Jesus' pivotal parables on eschatological living and stewardship. It paints a picture of the Lord (the "man") who, before His departure (His "journey" and ascension), deliberately and personally chooses His "servants" (His followers) and invests in them by "entrusting his wealth" (all spiritual and material resources, opportunities, gifts). The key is "entrusted"—it underscores that nothing is truly ours, but rather God's, placed in our temporary care. This immediate context of absence implies a necessary period of diligent activity by the servants until the master's return, when accountability will be required. The verse bypasses an immediate discussion of quantity (which comes next with "talents") to establish the universal principle that all believers have been given something by God for the purpose of His Kingdom, and they are expected to manage it faithfully in His absence. It's a foundational statement on divine ownership, human stewardship, and ultimate accountability for all that God places in our hands.

• Example for practical usage: A Christian volunteer is given the responsibility to manage a specific outreach project for their church while the lead pastor is on sabbatical. This verse teaches them that the "project" (wealth) is God's, and their role is faithful stewardship during the pastor's (Master's) temporary absence.
• Example for practical usage: A student receives an inheritance. This verse reminds them that wealth is entrusted; they are stewards accountable to God, not owners for mere personal indulgence.