Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀποδημῶν
travelling into a far country
G589
ἀποδημῶν
travelling into a far country
Strong's:
G589
Word #:
4 of 14
to go abroad, i.e., visit a foreign land
ἐκάλεσεν
who called
G2564
ἐκάλεσεν
who called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
5 of 14
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίους
his own
G2398
ἰδίους
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 14
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
8 of 14
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 13:34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;1 Corinthians 12:4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.Matthew 21:33Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:1 Corinthians 3:5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?Luke 20:9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
Historical Context
In first-century Judea, wealthy landowners often traveled to Rome to secure political appointments or settle estates. During their absence, trusted slaves managed affairs with full authority but strict accountability. This practice explains why Jesus's audience would understand both the master's extended absence and the servants' responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'goods' has Christ entrusted to you—spiritual gifts, opportunities, resources—and how are you stewarding them?
- How does viewing yourself as a bond-servant rather than an owner change your relationship to your possessions and abilities?
- Does Christ's return being 'after a long time' tempt you to spiritual complacency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country—Jesus introduces His parable with basileía tōn ouranōn (βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν), marking this as eschatological teaching about Christ's ascension and return. The anthrōpos apodēmōn (ἄνθρωπος ἀποδημῶν, traveling man) represents Christ departing to receive His kingdom (cf. Luke 19:12).
Called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods—The term douloi (δοῦλοι, bond-servants) emphasizes ownership and obligation. The verb paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι, delivered/entrusted) indicates stewardship, not ownership. God's gifts (ta hyparchonta, τὰ ὑπάρχοντα) remain His property; we are merely stewards accountable for their use.