Matthew 25:18
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαβὼν
he that had received
G2983
λαβὼν
he that had received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
5 of 17
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἀπελθὼν
went
G565
ἀπελθὼν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
6 of 17
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῇ
the earth
G1093
γῇ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 17
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέκρυψεν
hid
G613
ἀπέκρυψεν
hid
Strong's:
G613
Word #:
12 of 17
to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀργύριον
money
G694
ἀργύριον
money
Strong's:
G694
Word #:
14 of 17
silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish law (Mishnah, Baba Metzia 42a) held that burying money in the ground constituted reasonable care—if stolen, the guardian wasn't liable. However, this legal safety came at the cost of productivity. Professional bankers (trapezitai) offered interest-bearing deposits, making burial a choice of absolute security over profitable stewardship.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual gifts or opportunities have you 'buried' out of fear of failure or risk?
- How does risk-aversion masquerade as wisdom in your Christian life?
- Are you more concerned with preserving what you have or multiplying it for your Master's glory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money—The strong adversative de (δέ, but) signals a sharp contrast. While the others traded immediately, this servant ōryxen (ὤρυξεν, dug) and ekrypsen (ἔκρυψεν, hid) the argyrion (ἀργύριον, silver/money).
Burying valuables was common theft-prevention, considered legally prudent—but it was also utterly risk-averse. This servant chose absolute safety over faithful stewardship. His action reveals a heart problem: he feared loss more than he loved his master's interests. Zero risk meant zero growth, making him unprofitable (v.30). Fear masquerading as prudence is still disobedience.