Matthew 25:22
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Original Language Analysis
προσελθὼν
came
G4334
προσελθὼν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
1 of 21
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
καὶ
He also
G2532
καὶ
He also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τάλαντα
talents
G5007
τάλαντα
talents
Strong's:
G5007
Word #:
7 of 21
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
λαβών
that had received
G2983
λαβών
that had received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
8 of 21
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Κύριε,
Lord
G2962
Κύριε,
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τάλαντα
talents
G5007
τάλαντα
talents
Strong's:
G5007
Word #:
12 of 21
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
παρέδωκας·
thou deliveredst
G3860
παρέδωκας·
thou deliveredst
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
14 of 21
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
ἴδε
G1492
ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τάλαντα
talents
G5007
τάλαντα
talents
Strong's:
G5007
Word #:
18 of 21
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
Historical Context
In master-servant relationships, the slave with fewer resources might have feared lesser commendation. But the parable subverts this: equal proportional gain merits equal praise. This was countercultural in an honor-shame society where status mattered intensely. Jesus teaches that kingdom economics operate differently—faithfulness, not magnitude, determines reward.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you feel 'less valuable' to God because your sphere of influence is smaller than others'?
- How does the two-talent servant receiving identical praise free you from comparison and competition?
- Are you faithful with the 'two talents' of your present assignment, or coveting the 'five talents' of someone else's calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents—The two-talent servant's report mirrors the five-talent servant's almost verbatim. Both acknowledge the master's initial investment before reporting results. The identical language (Kyrie, dyo talanta moi paredōkas, Κύριε, δύο τάλαντα μοι παρέδωκας) shows that faithfulness isn't about eloquence or unique presentation—it's about honest accounting.
Both servants doubled their master's investment, receiving identical commendation (v.23). This proportional equality demolishes any notion that God plays favorites or that 'greater' ministries earn 'greater' rewards. The reward is for faithfulness in proportion to opportunity, not absolute magnitude of results.