Matthew 25:17
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
he that had received
G3588
τὰ
he that had received
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
he that had received
G3588
τὰ
he that had received
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
G846
αὐτὸς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Cross References
Historical Context
In the ancient economy, doubling an investment in a single venture was considered excellent stewardship. The two-talent servant's achievement was proportionally identical to the five-talent servant's—both took similar risks and demonstrated similar competence. The master's economy rewarded proportional faithfulness, not absolute wealth creation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you despise 'small' ministries or 'lesser' gifts because they lack the visibility of five-talent servants?
- How does knowing that God rewards proportional faithfulness free you from envy of others' giftedness?
- Are you faithful with the 'two talents' you have, or paralyzed wishing for five?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two—The Greek hōsautōs (ὡσαύτως, likewise) emphasizes that the two-talent servant receives identical commendation as the five-talent servant (v.23). Both doubled their master's investment; both are called 'good and faithful.' God measures faithfulness relative to opportunity, not absolute results.
This destroys the prosperity gospel's lie that greater blessing indicates greater faith. The two-talent servant wasn't penalized for receiving less initially. Both servants were equally faithful within their assigned capacities, proving that Christ evaluates stewardship proportionally, not competitively.