Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "after a long time" hints that the Master's return, and the accounting for our stewardship, might not be as soon as we expect. This delay isn't an excuse for inaction, but rather ample time given to truly invest and multiply what He has entrusted to us.
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The parable is about a master entrusting his wealth to servants before going on a long journey, and the context here is the master's eventual return to settle accounts with them. This return is implied to happen after a significant period, highlighting that the servants have had ample time to use or misuse what was given to them. The master's arrival signals the end of their period of responsibility and the beginning of a judgment based on their stewardship.
Ever feel like God's return is taking ages? This parable explains why there's a 'long time' between the Master leaving and His return.
Jesus tells this parable of the talents to His disciples, who were expecting the immediate establishment of God's kingdom. The 'long time' before the master returns isn't just a plot device; it's a crucial part of the message. It signifies the extended period between Jesus' ascension and His second coming.
What happens when the Master finally comes back? This verse points to a moment of truth for everyone.
The core of this verse is the 'reckoning.' When the master returns, he doesn't just observe; he 'settles accounts.' This means a thorough, detailed examination of how each servant used what was entrusted to them.
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Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person who performs the will of another, often used to describe those in a position of humble service or total submission to a superior, particularly in relation to God.
synairō logon · Greek Verb phrase
To calculate or evaluate debts or obligations; it signifies the final judgment where individuals must give an account of their stewardship and faithfulness to God.
This parable, spoken by Jesus shortly before His crucifixion, addresses the disciples' expectation of an immediate visible kingdom. The 'long time' before the master's return highlights the extended period between Jesus' ascension and His second coming, during which believers are entrusted with spiritual 'talents' to be used faithfully.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples and then ascends into heaven, promising His return.
c. 30 AD - c. 33 AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin spreading the Gospel and leading the early Church, utilizing the spiritual gifts given to them.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment and Writings
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, writes letters like Philippians, reflecting on faithfulness and the delayed return of Christ, addressing similar themes of accountability.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem marks a significant turning point for Judaism and the early Christian community, underscoring the transition from the Old Covenant era.
c. 95 AD
Book of Revelation Written
The Apostle John writes Revelation, a book filled with apocalyptic imagery and prophecy, including visions of Christ's ultimate return and judgment.
Early 2nd Century AD
Early Church Fathers Reflect on Parables
Writings from figures like Ignatius and Justin Martyr begin to interpret Jesus' parables, including the Parable of the Talents, in light of the Church's ongoing mission and future hope.
This passage directly echoes the theme of accountability, stating, 'So then each of us will give an account of himself to God,' which aligns with the master's reckoning with his servants.
2 Corinthians 5:10This verse reinforces the idea of a future judgment where believers will be held accountable for their deeds done in the body, mirroring the master's return to settle accounts.
Luke 12:42-48This parable shares the core concept of servants entrusted with resources by their master, emphasizing the importance of faithful management and the consequences of negligence upon the master's return.
Hebrews 4:13This verse speaks to God's all-seeing nature and the inescapable accountability for our lives, highlighting that 'no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.'
Revelation 22:12This verse from Revelation points to Jesus' imminent return to give rewards, directly correlating with the master's arrival to 'settle accounts' and distribute what is due.
bensonMatthew 25:19: "After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them."
Matthew 25:19-20 . After a long time — Namely, of trial and long-suffering, and at an hour when they thought not of it; the lord of those servants cometh — Returned and summoned them to give an account of their several trusts. Thus, though the heavens have received the Lord Jesus till the time of the restitution of all things, he will surely come and reckon with his servants, and require of them a str…
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 phrase "after a long time" hints that the Master's return, and the accounting for our stewardship, might not be as soon as we expect. This delay isn't an excuse for inaction, but rather ample time given to truly invest and multiply what He has entrusted to us.
The parable is about a master entrusting his wealth to servants before going on a long journey, and the context here is the master's eventual return to settle accounts with them. This return is implied to happen after a significant period, highlighting that the servants have had ample time to use or misuse what was given to them. The master's arrival signals the end of their period of responsibility and the beginning of a judgment based on their stewardship.
The parable is about a master entrusting his wealth to servants before going on a long journey, and the context here is the master's eventual return to settle accounts with them. This return is implied to happen after a significant period, highlighting that the servants have had ample time to use or misuse what was given to them. The master's arrival signals the end of their period of responsibility and the beginning of a judgment based on their stewardship.
"Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them." — The phrase "after a long time" hints that the Master's return, and the accounting for our stewardship, might not be as soon as we expect. This delay isn't an excuse for inaction, but rather ample tim…
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Last reviewed October 2026