Matthew - 25:16



16 Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Matthew 25:16.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents.
And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five.
And he that had received the five talents went and trafficked with them, and made five other talents.
Then he that had received the five talents, went and traded with the same, and gained other five talents.
'And he who did receive the five talents, having gone, wrought with them, and made other five talents;
Without delay the one who had received the five talents went and employed them in business, and gained five more.
Straight away he who had been given the five talents went and did trade with them, and made five more.
Then he who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained another five.
The servant who had received the five bags of gold went at once and traded with it, and made another five bags.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

The two who had received most employed their money in trade, and by honest industry doubled it before their master returned, representing the conduct of those who make a good improvement of their abilities, and employ them in doing good.

Then he that had received the five talents,.... The largest measure of gifts; an account is first given of him, how he behaved, and conducted in his Lord's absence, and what use he made of the gifts bestowed upon him: this must be understood, not of a single man, but of that sort of the servants of Christ, who have the greatest ministerial gifts: he
went; it denotes immediate application to business, and signifies that such servants went according to their commission, preached the Gospel to every creature, and administered the ordinances to proper subjects; they went directly, as soon as they had their talents; they did not stay to consult with flesh and blood, whether it would be for their interest and credit or not; they did not stick at any difficulties and discouragements, nor were deterred by the cross, reproaches, and persecutions; but went forth with courage and boldness, not in their own name and strength, but in the name and strength of Christ, who sent them, and promised them his presence and assistance, on which they depended:
and traded with the same: with the five talents, or their ministerial gifts. The ministers of the Gospel are traders, not in their own name, nor on their own stock, and for themselves, but for Christ, and for the good of immortal souls: they closely attend unto, and work at, their business and employment; by constant reading, and diligent search into the word of God; by studious meditation on it; by frequent prayer; and continual preaching the Gospel, and administering ordinances; and their success follows:
and made them other five talents; that is, increased in spiritual knowledge; gifts were improved and enlarged; a greater stock of divine things were laid in; and many souls gained to Christ: such are they whom Christ has ordained to go forth, and bear and bring forth fruit in their ministry, and whose fruit remain.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same--expressive of the activity which he put forth and the labor he bestowed.
and made them other five talents.

Then he that had received five . . . traded . . . and made them other five. Whoever diligently uses the powers and means of grace the Lord has given is such a servant. The result is gain to himself.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


Discussion on Matthew 25:16

User discussion of the verse.






*By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.