Matthew 25:15

Authorized King James Version

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ᾧ
G3739
to another
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
μὲν
G3303
unto one
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#4
ἔδωκεν
G1325
he gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#5
πέντε
G4002
five
"five"
#6
τάλαντα
G5007
talents
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
#7
ᾧ
G3739
to another
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#9
δύο
G1417
two
"two"
#10
ᾧ
G3739
to another
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#12
ἕν,
G1520
one
one
#13
ἑκάστῳ
G1538
to every man
each or every
#14
κατὰ
G2596
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#15
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἰδίαν
G2398
to his several
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#17
δύναμιν
G1411
ability
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἀπεδήμησεν
G589
took his journey
to go abroad, i.e., visit a foreign land
#20
εὐθέως
G2112
straightway
directly, i.e., at once or soon

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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