“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The owner entrusted his "own" servants with his goods. This isn't just about randomly giving things away; it highlights that these individuals were already part of his household and under his authority, implying a prior relationship and responsibility.
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about readiness for his return, using parables to illustrate how they should live in the meantime. This parable, known as the Parable of the Talents, begins with a master entrusting his wealth to his servants before leaving on a long journey, setting the stage for how they will be held accountable for what they do with his possessions during his absence.
Jesus is about to paint a picture of accountability. But who are the 'servants,' and what does it mean to be 'his own'?
Jesus begins this parable by comparing the kingdom of heaven to a man going on a journey. He calls 'his own servants' and entrusts them with his property.
Who Belongs?
Calvin and others point out that the master calls 'his own' servants. This isn't just anyone; these are people recognized as belonging to him. This speaks to us about our identity in Christ. As Christians, we are not our own; we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are His by creation and, for those who believe, by redemption.
A Journey Begins
The master is 'travelling into a far country.' This phrase evokes Jesus' own departure from earth to heaven after His resurrection. His absence means His servants are left to manage His affairs. This absence highlights that our time on earth is a period of stewardship, not permanent residence.
The master doesn't give everyone the same amount. What does this uneven distribution tell us about God's dealings?
The parable quickly moves to the master entrusting his 'goods' to his servants. Crucially, he gives different amounts: 'to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his ability.'
What Are the 'Goods'?
Scholars identify these 'goods' as the 'talents' in the following verses. Benson notes these can include spiritual gifts, temporal resources, time, and opportunities. Barnes expands this to include offices, abilities, and opportunities for doing good.
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According to Ability
The phrase 'to each according to his ability' is key. This isn't about God being unfair; it's about Him entrusting responsibilities based on His knowledge of each person's capacity. Calvin explains that this 'ability' includes both natural gifts and the gifts of the Spirit, all of which are ultimately from God. It's a call to steward whatever we've been given, whether it seems like a lot or a little.
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person bound to service for another, often implying total devotion, obedience, and stewardship of the master's affairs. In biblical contexts, it describes the relationship between humanity and God, emphasizing service and accountability.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To deliver something into the care or protection of another; to commit or entrust. It implies a high degree of confidence and the expectation of faithful stewardship.
hyparchonta · Greek Noun
Possessions, goods, or wealth belonging to an owner. In a theological sense, it often refers to the gifts, resources, or spiritual responsibilities that God places under the care of believers.
This parable was spoken by Jesus shortly before his crucifixion and ascension, painting a picture of his heavenly reign and the responsibility he entrusts to his followers during his absence.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Ascension
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven, physically departing from his disciples and embarking on a spiritual 'journey' to his Father's right hand. This departure is the catalyst for the parable's events.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Final Instructions to Disciples
In the days before his ascension, Jesus gives his followers their final instructions, including parables like this one, which aim to prepare them for his absence and the responsibilities they will hold.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The period following Jesus' ascension sees the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles and early believers to spread the Gospel and establish the Church. This marks the beginning of 'trading' with the 'talents' entrusted to them.
c. 60-70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman-Jewish War culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, a significant event for the early Jewish followers of Jesus and a sign of judgment for those who did not 'trade' wisely.
c. 70-100 AD
Writing of the Gospels
The Gospels, including Matthew's, are written during this period, preserving Jesus' teachings and parables for future generations of believers. This makes the parable of the talents accessible to Christians throughout history.
This passage parallels Matthew 25:14 by describing a nobleman who also entrusts his resources to his servants before embarking on a journey to secure a kingdom, highlighting the theme of entrusted stewardship.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7This passage explains that various spiritual gifts are given to believers by the same Spirit for the common good, which directly relates to the 'goods' or 'talents' entrusted to the servants in Matthew 25:14, emphasizing diversity in enablement.
Romans 12:6-8Here, Paul lists various gifts given according to grace, such as prophecy, service, teaching, and generosity, echoing the principle in Matthew 25:14 that individuals are entrusted with different abilities and responsibilities to be used for God's purposes.
1 Peter 4:10This verse directly instructs believers to use their God-given gifts, stating that each person should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, which is the core application of the parable introduced in Matthew 25:14.
bensonMatthew 25:14: "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 25:14-15 . For, &c. — To show us more clearly the nature and duty of Christian watchfulness, to which he exhorts us in the preceding verse, our Saviour immediately subjoins another parable, wherein he represents to us the different characters of a faithful and slothful servant, and the difference of their future acceptation. Like the forme…
calvinMatthew 25:14-30: "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."
- For as a certain man, setting out on a journey, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every one according to his own ability; and immediately set out. 16. And he who had received five talents went away and traded with them, and amassed other five…
The owner entrusted his "own" servants with his goods. This isn't just about randomly giving things away; it highlights that these individuals were already part of his household and under his authority, implying a prior relationship and responsibility.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about readiness for his return, using parables to illustrate how they should live in the meantime. This parable, known as the Parable of the Talents, begins with a master entrusting his wealth to his servants before leaving on a long journey, setting the stage for how they will be held accountable for what they do with his possessions during his absence.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about readiness for his return, using parables to illustrate how they should live in the meantime. This parable, known as the Parable of the Talents, begins with a master entrusting his wealth to his servants before leaving on a long journey, setting the stage for how they will be held accountable for what they do with his possessions during his absence.
"“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property." — The owner entrusted his "own" servants with his goods. This isn't just about randomly giving things away; it highlights that these individuals were already part of his household and under his authori…
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Last reviewed October 2026