The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25

Matthew 25:14 For it is like a man setting out on a long journey, who called his servants and delivered to them his goods.

Matthew 25:15 And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out.

Matthew 25:16 Then he who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained another five.

Matthew 25:17 And similarly, he who had received two gained another two.

Matthew 25:18 But he who had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord.

Matthew 25:19 Yet truly, after a long time, the lord of those servants returned and he settled accounts with them.

Matthew 25:20 And when he who had received five talents approached, he brought another five talents, saying: ‘Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have increased it by another five.’

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.’

Matthew 25:22 Then he who had received two talents also approached, and he said: ‘Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained another two.’

Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.’

Matthew 25:24 Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: ‘Lord, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not scattered.

Matthew 25:25 And so, being afraid, I went out and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’

Matthew 25:26 But his lord said to him in response: ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.

Matthew 25:27 Therefore, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and then, at my arrival, at least I would have received what is mine with interest.

Matthew 25:28 And so, take the talent away from him and give it the one who has ten talents.

Matthew 25:29 For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have in abundance. But from him who has not, even what he seems to have, shall be taken away.

Matthew 25:30 And cast that useless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’