Matthew 25:19
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Original Language Analysis
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
χρόνον
time
G5550
χρόνον
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
3 of 15
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
πολὺν
a long
G4183
πολὺν
a long
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the lord
G2962
κύριος
the lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλων
servants
G1401
δούλων
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
9 of 15
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκείνων
of those
G1565
ἐκείνων
of those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
10 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναίρει
reckoneth
G4868
συναίρει
reckoneth
Strong's:
G4868
Word #:
12 of 15
to make up together, i.e., (figuratively) to compute (an account)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
Wealthy Romans often spent years in distant provinces managing political careers or legal disputes. Servants operated with considerable autonomy during these absences, knowing that eventual return and accounting was certain. The 'long time' tested whether servants served from love or merely fear of immediate consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- Does Christ's delayed return tempt you to live as though there will be no accounting?
- How would your daily stewardship change if you knew Christ would return tomorrow?
- Are you prepared to give account for every resource, opportunity, and gift He's entrusted to you?
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Analysis & Commentary
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them—The phrase meta polun chronon (μετὰ πολὺν χρόνον, after much time) reflects the already/not yet tension of Christ's kingdom. His return seemed delayed even to first-century believers (2 Peter 3:4), testing whether servants would maintain faithfulness across decades.
Reckoneth translates synairei logon (συναίρει λόγον), literally 'settles accounts'—a commercial term for final audit. This is the bema judgment where believers' works are evaluated (1 Cor 3:12-15, 2 Cor 5:10). The reckoning is personal (met' autōn, with them), individualized, and unavoidable.