Matthew 25:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾧ
to another
G3739
ᾧ
to another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
unto one
G3303
μὲν
unto one
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἔδωκεν
he gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
he gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τάλαντα
talents
G5007
τάλαντα
talents
Strong's:
G5007
Word #:
6 of 20
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
ᾧ
to another
G3739
ᾧ
to another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ᾧ
to another
G3739
ᾧ
to another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίαν
to his several
G2398
ἰδίαν
to his several
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
16 of 20
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
δύναμιν
ability
G1411
δύναμιν
ability
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
17 of 20
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The talent was both a unit of weight and currency in the Greco-Roman world. In Jesus's day, talents were used for large-scale transactions—royal treasuries, temple taxes, and major commercial ventures. Workers might never handle such sums, making the master's trust extraordinary and the responsibility proportionally severe.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you compare yourself to others' giftedness, or recognize that God distributes 'according to ability'?
- How does knowing that God measures faithfulness—not results—in proportion to what was given affect your evaluation of success?
- Are you paralyzed by receiving 'only' one talent when God expects you to use exactly what He gave?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—A talanton (τάλαντον) was roughly 75 pounds of silver, worth approximately 6,000 denarii (a denarius being a day's wage). Even one talent represented 16+ years of wages—staggering wealth entrusted to slaves. The unequal distribution refutes egalitarianism: God distributes gifts sovereignly.
To every man according to his several ability—The phrase kata tēn idian dynamin (κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν) means 'according to his own capacity.' God gives proportionally to what we can handle, making the stewardship test fair. Notice: ability precedes opportunity, suggesting God knows our capacity before testing us.