Matthew 25 22

Matthew 25:22 kjv

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

Matthew 25:22 nkjv

He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'

Matthew 25:22 niv

"The man with two bags of gold also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.'

Matthew 25:22 esv

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.'

Matthew 25:22 nlt

"The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.'

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 22 Meaning

Matthew 25:22 depicts the second servant in the Parable of the Talents reporting to his master. Having received two talents, he presents an equal gain of two more talents. This servant demonstrates faithful stewardship by diligently using what was entrusted to him, producing a 100% return. The verse highlights the principle that all individuals are accountable for the resources, gifts, and opportunities God has given them, and that faithfulness in proportion to what is received is highly valued by the Master.

Matthew 25 22 Context

Matthew 25:22 is a crucial part of the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30), which is delivered by Jesus as a key component of His Olivet Discourse. This discourse, spanning Matthew 24-25, focuses on the signs of His return, the end of the age, and the urgent necessity for His disciples to be prepared, watchful, and diligent until He comes again. The parable itself immediately follows the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13), both emphasizing readiness for the Master's unexpected return. Historically and culturally, a "talent" (Greek: talanton) represented an enormous sum of money, typically 6,000 denarii, which could be equivalent to 15-20 years' wages for a laborer. This emphasizes the substantial value of the entrustment. Masters commonly entrusted their wealth to trusted servants to invest and increase their fortunes. The expectation was for active management and a profitable return. The narrative speaks to a familiar societal dynamic of delegated authority and required accountability.

Matthew 25 22 Word analysis

• He also who had received: (Greek: Ho de kai ho labōn - ὁ δὲ καὶ ὁ λαβὼν) - This phrase points to the next servant in line, indicating that the process of reckoning is orderly and applies to everyone entrusted with the master's resources. The addition of "also" (kai) links him to the first servant, showing the universality of the call to accountability, regardless of the initial amount received.
• the two talents: (Greek: ta duo talanta - τὰ δύο τάλαντα) - The specific amount underscores that each servant received according to their perceived ability (Matt 25:15). A "talent" was a measure of weight, particularly for precious metals, making it an extremely large monetary unit. It signifies significant resources, opportunities, gifts, and responsibilities entrusted by God to His people.
• came forward: (Greek: proselthōn - προσελθὼν) - Literally, "having approached." This indicates a direct, intentional coming before the Master, signaling readiness to give an account. It is a formal, respectful presentation.
• saying: (Greek: eipen - εἶπεν) - Simply "he said." Introduces the servant's direct speech, a clear report of his actions and their outcome.
• Master: (Greek: Kyrie - Κύριε) - A respectful address for one in authority; equivalent to "Lord." It acknowledges the absolute ownership and authority of the master, in this context representing Christ's divine lordship.
• you delivered to me: (Greek: paredōkas moi - παρέδωκάς μοι) - "You handed over to me" or "You entrusted to me." This clarifies the origin of the talents: they were not earned by the servant but were a gracious entrustment from the master. It highlights divine initiative and the concept of stewardship—managing something belonging to another.
• two talents: Repetition for clarity, confirming the initial entrustment.
• here I have made: (Greek: ide alla... ekerdeisa - ἴδε ἄλλα... ἐκέρδησα) - "Behold, other... I gained/profited." "Here" (ide) is an emphatic exclamation, drawing attention to the results. "I have made" or "I gained" (ekerdeisa) indicates productive activity and successful investment, showing diligence and a beneficial outcome.
• two talents more: (Greek: duo talanta - δύο τάλαντα) - Specifically notes the doubling of the initial investment. This shows a 100% return, reflecting productive effort proportionate to the original entrustment. It's not about achieving the highest numerical total, but about demonstrating diligence with what was given.

Word-groups Analysis:

• He also who had received the two talents came forward, saying: This grouping highlights the personal accountability of each servant. Regardless of the initial amount, everyone is expected to step forward and present their actions to the Master.
• Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more: This statement is a model of faithful stewardship. It clearly acknowledges the source of the assets ("you delivered to me") and then presents the fruits of diligence ("here I have made two talents more"). It signifies transparency, honesty, and success in the entrusted task. The exact mirroring of the initial amount in the gain shows effective, proportional diligence.

Matthew 25 22 Bonus section

• This servant's response demonstrates an understanding of the Master's business philosophy – active investment and profitability are expected. This aligns with Christ's teaching elsewhere about making good use of one's resources.
• The commendation for this servant (Matt 25:23) is identical to that for the five-talent servant (Matt 25:21), "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." This emphasizes that the reward is based on faithfulness and proportional productivity, not the absolute quantity of increase.
• The parables of the Talents and the Minas (Lk 19:12-27) teach that all believers, regardless of their starting capacity, are responsible for engaging with and multiplying the spiritual capital entrusted to them until the Lord returns. This involves utilizing spiritual gifts, developing abilities, sharing the Gospel, and engaging in acts of service.

Matthew 25 22 Commentary

Matthew 25:22 vividly portrays the expectation of the Master for diligent and fruitful stewardship from His servants. The servant who received two talents is commendable not for outperforming the servant with five, but for exercising equal diligence by doubling his initial entrustment. This demonstrates that God values faithful effort and proportional fruitfulness over mere quantity. It underscores that spiritual and material resources, time, gifts, and opportunities are not given for idle preservation, but for active use and growth. This servant's readiness to report and his successful increase serve as a direct example of being prepared for the Master's return, fulfilling the call to live purposefully with what has been given, anticipating the day of reckoning. It implicitly contrasts with the fear-driven, unproductive action of the servant with one talent, emphasizing the principle that all talents, whether great or small, are meant to be used for the Master's glory and increase.