Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 26
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
lord
G2962
κυρίου
lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 26
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
δοῦλε
servant
G1401
δοῦλε
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
8 of 26
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὀλίγα
a few things
G3641
ὀλίγα
a few things
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
13 of 26
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πολλῶν
many things
G4183
πολλῶν
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
17 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καταστήσω·
I will make
G2525
καταστήσω·
I will make
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
19 of 26
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 25:23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Luke 16:10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.2 Timothy 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Matthew 24:45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical Context
This parable appears in Jesus' Olivet Discourse about His return and final judgment (Matthew 24-25). 'Talents' were enormous sums—one talent equaled roughly 20 years' wages for a laborer. The master's extended absence mirrors Christ's ascension and the church age between His first and second comings. Early Christians faced the challenge of remaining faithful during this 'delay' (2 Peter 3:3-9). The parable warned against passive waiting (the unprofitable servant, vv. 24-30) and encouraged active stewardship of gospel opportunities, spiritual gifts, and resources.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God values faithfulness more than measurable success change your ministry approach?
- What 'few things' has God currently entrusted to you, and how faithfully are you stewarding them?
- How does the promise of entering the Master's joy motivate your service compared to other potential rewards?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse concludes the Parable of the Talents, where a master commends his faithful servant. 'Well done' (εὖ/eu) expresses approval and satisfaction. 'Good and faithful' (ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ/agathe kai piste) describes the servant's character—morally excellent and consistently trustworthy. The commendation focuses on faithfulness 'over a few things' (ἐπὶ ὀλίγα/epi oliga), not success measured by worldly standards. God values faithful stewardship of whatever He entrusts, whether much or little. The reward is greater responsibility: 'I will make thee ruler over many things' (ἐπὶ πολλῶν/epi pollon). This reflects Jesus' principle that those faithful in small matters prove trustworthy with greater (Luke 16:10). The ultimate reward is relational: 'enter thou into the joy of thy lord' (εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν/eiselthe eis ten charan)—sharing intimately in the master's celebration, joy, and fellowship. Heaven is not merely reward but relationship with Christ.