Matthew 25 19

Matthew 25:19 kjv

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

Matthew 25:19 nkjv

After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 25:19 niv

"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 25:19 esv

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 25:19 nlt

"After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 19 Meaning

Matthew 25:19 signifies the return of the master (representing Jesus Christ) after a significant period of absence, initiating a time of reckoning or judgment. This verse, part of the Parable of the Talents, highlights the delayed but certain return of Christ and the subsequent divine assessment of how His servants (believers) have stewarded the resources and opportunities entrusted to them. It underscores the principles of stewardship, accountability, and the eventual reward or consequence based on faithful service.

Matthew 25 19 Context

Matthew chapter 25 is part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24-25). This discourse provides extensive teaching on the end times, the Second Coming of Christ (the parousia), and the judgment that accompanies it. Chapter 25 specifically presents three parables that emphasize the theme of readiness and active diligence in anticipation of the Lord's return: the Parable of the Ten Virgins (vv. 1-13), highlighting spiritual preparedness; the Parable of the Talents (vv. 14-30), focusing on faithful stewardship and accountability; and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vv. 31-46), describing the final judgment of the nations based on their compassionate deeds towards "the least of these." Verse 19 directly precedes the master's demand for accountability from his servants, setting the stage for the crucial evaluation of their service during his "long time" away. The historical context for the original Jewish audience included an expectation of Messiah's coming, but the delay, as presented in this parable, served as a new emphasis, challenging them to live responsibly in the interim. The delay might have also indirectly countered immediate apocalyptic expectations that lacked the call to persistent ethical action.

Matthew 25 19 Word analysis

• Now (Greek: `De`, δὲ): This particle functions as a connective, often meaning "but," "and," or "now," serving to transition the narrative. Here, it signals a progression in time and the unfolding of the parable's events.
• after a long time (Greek: `polyn chronon`, πολὺν χρόνον): `polyn` means "much" or "many," and `chronon` means "time" or "period." This phrase is crucial as it emphasizes the master's prolonged absence, allowing ample opportunity for his servants to demonstrate their faithfulness or negligence. In the spiritual context, this points to the duration of the "church age" or the time between Christ's ascension and His Second Coming. This period tests patience, faith, and diligence. The "long time" signifies God's patience and forbearance, yet it also implies a testing period for humanity before the final reckoning (cf. 2 Pet 3:8-9).
• the master (Greek: `ho kyrios ekeinōn`, ὁ κύριος ἐκείνων): `Kyrios` means "Lord" or "master," referring here to the one who owns the talents and has authority over the servants. In the parable, this master unequivocally represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who ascended to heaven and will return to establish His kingdom and judge the living and the dead.
• of those servants (Greek: `ekeiinon doulon`, ἐκείνων δούλων): `ekeiinon` is "those," and `doulon` is "servants" or "slaves." It identifies the individuals who were entrusted with the talents. They are not independent agents but obligated to their master, highlighting the Christian's position as a bondservant of Christ (e.g., Rom 1:1, Tit 1:1).
• came (Greek: `erchetai`, ἔρχεται): Present tense, implying an arrival that is definite and expected, almost like "he is coming." It highlights the certainty of the master's return, mirroring the certainty of Christ's return (e.g., Rev 22:12).
• and settled accounts with them (Greek: `synairei logon met’ autōn`, συναίρει λόγον μετ’ αὐτῶν): This phrase translates literally to "took up an account with them" or "reckoned with them." `Synairei logon` (`συναίρει λόγον`) is a commercial term meaning to calculate or reconcile a balance sheet. This signifies an ultimate day of judgment or accountability where stewardship is assessed. It's not just a review but a settling of what is due. This action is definitive and conclusive, mirroring the final judgment of believers and non-believers, though specifically addressing believers' use of their spiritual and material resources. It emphasizes divine justice and accountability for all entrusted responsibilities.

• "After a long time the master": This grouping points to the period of absence and the authority of the one who eventually returns. It suggests that while the return may be delayed from a human perspective, the master's ownership and authority over his servants never waver. This "long time" can feel indefinite, which tests the faith and resolve of the servants (Lk 12:45).
• "came and settled accounts with them": This phrase encapsulates the core message of ultimate accountability. The return is not merely a social visit but a purposeful one, for the express purpose of evaluating what transpired during the absence. It highlights the serious implications of stewardship – that every gift and opportunity will be subject to a final reckoning before the Giver. This resonates with the New Testament theme of the "Bema Seat" judgment for believers, where works are assessed for rewards (2 Cor 5:10, 1 Cor 3:12-15).

Matthew 25 19 Bonus section

The "long time" mentioned in the verse has often been a point of theological reflection concerning the timing of the Second Coming. It implies that followers of Christ should not be idle or complacent due to the delay, but rather maintain constant vigilance and productive labor. The master's specific act of "settling accounts" is not a casual inquiry but a demand for full accountability, reflecting the Old Testament prophetic concept of God as a judge who requires His people to answer for their actions. This specific financial metaphor was relatable to the Jewish audience, who were accustomed to such transactional terms in everyday life. Furthermore, this verse sets up the contrasting outcomes for the servants, highlighting the difference between fruitful diligence and unfaithful inaction, thus preparing the listener for the coming dialogue about the returns on the entrusted talents.

Matthew 25 19 Commentary

Matthew 25:19 marks the pivotal turn in the Parable of the Talents. After an unspecified but "long time" away, the master, a clear figure of Christ, returns. This prolonged absence emphasizes that Christian life is not just about awaiting an immediate end but faithfully laboring in the interim. The purpose of his return is explicit: to "settle accounts." This term (synairei logon) is drawn from the commercial world, signifying a meticulous financial reckoning where every investment, profit, or loss is brought to light. For believers, this foretells the judgment seat of Christ, not for condemnation, but for evaluation of faithful stewardship of God-given abilities, opportunities, and resources (spiritual and material) received during His earthly absence. It serves as a stark reminder that procrastination and neglect have consequences, while diligent effort in His service is observed and will be justly rewarded or condemned.