The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
Matt.25.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ωσπερ: CONJ
- γαρ: CONJ
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αποδημων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εκαλεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ιδιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- δουλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- παρεδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- υπαρχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
Parallels
- Luke 19:12–27 (structural): Close parallel (the Parable of the Minas): a man goes away to receive a kingdom and entrusts his servants with money to trade, with rewards and punishments on his return.
- Luke 12:42–48 (thematic): Theme of stewardship and accountability: a servant entrusted to manage the household is held responsible when the master returns.
- Matthew 24:45–51 (thematic): Contrasts a faithful and wise servant with a wicked servant; shares the motif of a master’s return and judgment of servants’ conduct.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Uses steward/stewardship language—'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful'—echoing the parable’s emphasis on faithful management of entrusted resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- For it will be like a man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted to them his goods.
- For it is like a man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
Matt.25.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- δυο: NUM,card
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εκαστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ιδιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- απεδημησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ευθεως: ADV
Parallels
- Luke 19:12–26 (structural): The Parable of the Minas is a close parallel to Matthew's Parable of the Talents: a master entrusts money to servants 'according to their ability' and later assesses their stewardship and returns with judgment.
- Luke 12:48 (thematic): States the principle that greater gift/entrustment brings greater accountability—echoing Matthew's idea of differing amounts given and corresponding responsibility.
- Romans 12:6 (thematic): Speaks of differing gifts given to believers 'according to the grace given'—theologically parallels the motif of diverse endowments/abilities entrusted to servants.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Declares that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,' reflecting the Matthean emphasis on faithful stewardship of what the master has entrusted.
Alternative generated candidates
- To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one—each according to his ability—and he went away.
- To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability; then he went away.
Matt.25.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πορευθεις: VERB,aor,mp,part,nom,m,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- λαβων: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,sg,m
- ηργασατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- αυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εκερδησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- πεντε·: NUM,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Matthew 25:20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the servant with five talents returns and reports he has gained five more (close parallel in wording and action).
- Matthew 25:21 (verbal): Outcome of the servant’s profit: the master’s commendation (“Well done, good and faithful servant”) links faithful stewardship to reward.
- Luke 19:16-19 (structural): Parable of the minas/pounds: a servant who received money returns having gained more—structurally parallel story about investment, profit, and reward.
- Luke 12:42-48 (thematic): Teaching on the faithful and wise manager emphasizes stewardship, readiness, and accountability to a master—echoes themes of responsibility and recompense.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Paul’s statement that ‘it is required of stewards that they be found faithful’ parallels the parable’s focus on faithful management of entrusted resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and gained five talents more.
- He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
Matt.25.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωσαυτως: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- δυο: NUM,card
- εκερδησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- δυο·: NUM,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Matt.25:20-23 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same parable: the servant who received two talents reports gaining two more and receives the master's commendation and reward (same narrative unit).
- Luke 19:16-19 (structural): Parallel parable (the Minas): servants entrusted with sums who produce gain and are similarly rewarded — analogous structure and outcome to Matthew’s talents (different units/numbers but same point about stewardship and reward).
- Luke 12:48 (thematic): States the principle underlying the parable: greater entrusted responsibility brings greater accountability ('to whom much is given, much will be required'), which explains why servants are judged by their fruitfulness.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Declares that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,' echoing the parable’s emphasis on faithful management of what has been entrusted.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (thematic): Urges believers to use the gifts they've received to serve others as good stewards of God's grace, thematically parallel to the expectation that entrusted resources/gifts be put to productive use.
Alternative generated candidates
- So also the one with two talents gained two more.
- So also the one who had the two talents made two talents more.
Matt.25.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- λαβων: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,sg,m
- απελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ωρυξεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εκρυψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- αργυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
Parallels
- Matthew 25:25 (verbal): Same parable; the servant admits, 'I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground,' repeating the action described in 25:18.
- Matthew 25:26-27 (verbal): Immediate sequel: the master rebukes the servant for burying the money and says he should have invested it with the bankers—direct verbal and narrative continuation.
- Luke 19:20-21 (structural): Parallel parable (the minas): a servant returns the money kept hidden (in a handkerchief), showing the same failure to invest entrusted resources.
- Luke 12:42-46 (thematic): Teaching about the faithful versus unfaithful steward—theme of stewardship, accountability, and punishment similar to the parable's moral.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Apostolic instruction that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,' echoing the parable's demand for responsible stewardship of entrusted goods.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he who had received the one went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
- But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.
Matt.25.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μετα: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- πολυν: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- χρονον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ερχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δουλων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εκεινων: PRON,gen,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- συναιρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μετ᾽αυτων: PREP,gen+PRON,gen,pl,3
Parallels
- Matt.25.20 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same parable—servants come and give account to their master, showing the same scene of reckoning.
- Luke 19:15 (verbal): Parable of the minas: the lord returns and orders his servants called and reckoned, closely paralleling Matthew’s motif of a master’s return to settle accounts.
- Matt.24:45-51 (thematic): Parable of the faithful and wicked servant: focuses on the master’s return and the ensuing judgment/reckoning of servants’ behavior.
- Luke 12:42-46 (thematic): Teaching about the faithful steward and the master’s unexpected return to punish or reward—echoes the accountability at the master’s coming.
- 1 Cor.4:5 (thematic): Paul’s admonition to wait for the Lord’s coming when hidden things will be revealed and each will receive praise or judgment—theological parallel to the coming master’s reckoning.
Alternative generated candidates
- After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
- Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
Matt.25.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- προσελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- λαβων: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,sg,m
- προσηνεγκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- λεγων·Κυριε: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παρεδωκας·ιδε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg;VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- πεντε: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- εκερδησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Luke 19:16-17 (verbal): Close structural and verbal parallel in the Parable of the Minas: a servant returns reporting he has gained more (e.g., 'thy mina hath gained ten minas') and is commended by the master — same reward-for-faithfulness motif.
- Matt.25:22 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same Parable of the Talents: another servant returns saying, 'Lord, two talents you delivered to me; behold, I have gained two more,' repeating the same formula and outcome.
- Matt.25:24-25 (thematic): Contrasting episode in the same parable where the servant with one talent returns with an excuse for hiding it; highlights the theme of stewardship and differing responses to the master's assets.
- Luke 12:48 (thematic): The principle that accountability corresponds to what has been given: 'to whom much is given, much will be required' undergirds the expectation that entrusted resources be put to use.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (thematic): Explicitly frames Christians as stewards of God's gifts ('as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another'), resonating with the parable's emphasis on faithful use of entrusted resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; behold, I have gained five talents more.'
- And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’
Matt.25.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εφη: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου·Ευ: PRON,gen,sg,m+ADV
- δουλε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- αγαθε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πιστε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- ολιγα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- πολλων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- καταστησω·εισελθε: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg+VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 19:17 (verbal): Almost identical wording in the parable of the minas: 'Well done, good servant... because you were faithful over a little, have authority over ten cities'—same commendation for faithfulness and reward over greater responsibility.
- Matthew 25:23 (verbal): Parallel line later in the same parable repeating the exact commendation and invitation to 'enter into the joy of your master,' reinforcing the reward motif for faithful stewardship.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Summarizes the ethical demand behind the parable: 'Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found faithful'—ties faithfulness to stewardship and accountability.
- Colossians 3:23-24 (thematic): Encourages working 'as for the Lord' with the promise of receiving an inheritance from the Lord—connects service, faithfulness, and an eschatological reward.
- Revelation 2:10 (thematic): Calls believers to faithfulness unto death with the promise of reward ('the crown of life')—echoes the theme of perseverance rewarded by the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
- His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matt.25.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προσελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- δυο: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ειπεν·Κυριε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δυο: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παρεδωκας·ιδε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- δυο: NUM,card
- ταλαντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- εκερδησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 25:20 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same parable: the servant who received five talents reports doubling them, structurally mirroring the report of the two‑talent servant.
- Matthew 25:23 (thematic): The master's commendation and reward ('Well done, good and faithful servant') follows the reports of profit and expresses the parable's reward motif for faithful stewardship.
- Luke 19:16-17 (verbal): In the Parable of the Minas a servant announces he has gained additional minas ('Lord, thy mina hath gained ten'), closely matching the language and outcome of Matthew's report of gained talents.
- Luke 16:10 (thematic): Teaching that faithfulness in little leads to greater responsibility parallels the parable's emphasis that those who are faithful with entrusted resources receive increased trust.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Paul's statement that stewards must be found faithful resonates with the parable's focus on stewardship, accountability, and the expectation of faithful management of what is entrusted.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also the one who had the two talents came forward and said, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; behold, I have gained two talents more.'
- And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’
Matt.25.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εφη: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου·Ευ: PRON,gen,sg,m
- δουλε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- αγαθε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πιστε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- ολιγα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- πολλων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- καταστησω·εισελθε: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 25:21 (verbal): The same commendation appears earlier in the parable: 'Well done, good and faithful servant... I will set you over many things; enter into the joy of your lord,' a near-verbatim parallel within Matthew's account.
- Luke 19:17 (verbal): In the parable of the minas Jesus uses very similar wording—'Well done, good servant... you have been faithful in a very little; rule over ten cities'—a close verbal and thematic parallel to the talents parable.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Paul states that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,' echoing the NT emphasis on faithful stewardship rewarded in Matthew 25:23.
- Matthew 24:46 (thematic): Jesus teaches that the servant found faithfully carrying out his duties when the master returns is blessed—connecting the eschatological reward motif of faithfulness in service.
- Revelation 3:21 (thematic): The promise that the conqueror will 'sit with me on my throne' parallels the idea of being granted greater authority and fellowship as a reward for faithful service.
Alternative generated candidates
- His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
- His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matt.25.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προσελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- ταλαντον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ειληφως: VERB,perf,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- ειπεν·Κυριε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εγνων: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- οτι: CONJ
- σκληρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ει: COND
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- θεριζων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- οπου: ADV
- ουκ: PART
- εσπειρας: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- συναγων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- οθεν: ADV
- ου: PART
- διεσκορπισας·: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Luke 19:20-21 (verbal): Parallel parable (minas): the servant’s excuse uses the same fear-of-the-master and agrarian language — ‘I was afraid…’ / ‘you reap where you did not sow’ (similar motive and imagery).
- Luke 19:22 (structural): Immediate parallel in the minas parable where the master rebukes the fearful servant as untrustworthy/wicked — parallels Matthew’s master’s response to the excuse in the talents parable.
- Luke 12:48 (thematic): ‘To whom much is given… much will be required’ — articulates the same principle of stewardship and accountability that underlies the servant’s excuse and the parable’s judgment.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): ‘A man reaps what he sows’ — uses the sowing/harvesting metaphor to express moral causality and the consequences of one’s actions, echoing the agricultural imagery in the servant’s excuse.
- Hosea 8:7 (allusion): ‘They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind’ — an Old Testament example of sow/reap imagery used to express judgment and the consequences of irresponsible action, resonant with the parable’s agrarian metaphor.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed.
- He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed.
Matt.25.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- φοβηθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,ms
- απελθων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εκρυψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- ταλαντον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- γη·ιδε: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εχεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- σον: PRON,acc,sg,neut
Parallels
- Luke 19:20-21 (verbal): In the Parable of the Minas a servant says, 'Because I feared you, I hid your mina,' language and motive nearly identical to Matthew's servant who hid the talent.
- Matthew 25:24-30 (structural): Immediate context of the Parable of the Talents: the master's confrontation, rebuke ('thou wicked and slothful servant'), and judgment follow the servant's claim that fear led him to hide the talent.
- Matthew 25:18 (verbal): Earlier line in the same parable describing the servant who 'went and hid his lord's money in the earth,' the same action summarized in v.25.
- Luke 12:47-48 (thematic): Teaches servant accountability and differing degrees of punishment for failing responsibilities—parallels the theme of stewardship and judgment in the talents parable.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): States that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,' echoing the parable's demand that entrusted resources be used productively rather than hidden through fear.
Alternative generated candidates
- So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'
- So I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
Matt.25.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αποκριθεις: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,3,m
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω·Πονηρε: PRON,dat,sg,m+ADJ,voc,sg,m
- δουλε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- οκνηρε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- ηδεις: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- θεριζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- οπου: ADV
- ουκ: PART
- εσπειρα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- συναγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- οθεν: ADV
- ου: PART
- διεσκορπισα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Luke 19:22 (verbal): Parallel parable (minas); the master likewise calls the unproductive servant 'wicked' and rebukes his failure to put the money to work—close verbal and thematic correspondence.
- Matthew 25:24 (structural): Immediate context: the servant's excuse ('I knew you reap where you did not sow...') is spoken here and is what the master answers in 25:26—direct contextual parallel.
- Matthew 25:27 (structural): The master's continuing rebuke and prescription ('You ought to have invested my money...') follows 25:26 and develops the same charge of sloth and unfaithfulness.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): Uses the sowing/ reaping principle ('for whatever one sows, that will he also reap')—theological background to the accountability implied by 'I reap where I did not sow.'
- Proverbs 24:30-34 (thematic): A proverb condemning sloth and showing the consequences of laziness (the field of the sluggard); thematically parallels the master's rebuke of the 'slothful' servant.
Alternative generated candidates
- But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.
- But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter.
Matt.25.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εδει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- ουν: CONJ
- βαλειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- αργυρια: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,m
- τραπεζιταις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ελθων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- εγω: PRO,nom,sg,1
- εκομισαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- αν: PART
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- εμον: PRON,poss,acc,sg,n
- συν: PREP
- τοκω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 19:23 (quotation): Almost identical line in the parallel parable (minas): the master reproaches the steward for not depositing the money with bankers to earn interest — direct verbal parallel.
- Matthew 25:26 (structural): Immediate context in the same parable: the master calls the servant 'wicked and lazy,' explaining his failure to put the money out to work — continues the rebuke that includes v.27.
- Matthew 25:28 (verbal): Direct follow-up in Matthew's account: the master orders the talent taken from the unprofitable servant and given to the one with ten — parallels the expected consequence of failing to invest.
- Luke 19:24 (structural): Parallel consequence in Luke's version of the parable: the master commands that the mina be taken from the unproductive servant and given to another — mirrors Matthew's judgment on stewardship.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 (thematic): Paul's teaching that 'it is required of stewards that they be found faithful' echoes the parable's concern with responsible use of entrusted resources and accountability at the master's coming.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was mine with interest.'
- Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was mine with interest.
Matt.25.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αρατε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- ουν: CONJ
- απ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- ταλαντον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- δοτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- εχοντι: PART,pres,act,dat,sg,m
- τα: ART,nom,pl,neut
- δεκα: NUM,nom,pl,m
- ταλαντα·: NOUN,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Luke 19:24-26 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Parable of the Pounds/Minas: the master orders the pound taken from the unprofitable servant and given to the one with ten, and gives the same rationale about reward and judgment.
- Matthew 25:29 (structural): Immediate continuation in the Talents parable: the principle 'to everyone who has, more will be given' echoes the reason for transferring the talent.
- Matthew 25:14-30 (structural): The full Parable of the Talents — provides the wider context for verse 28, including the action of entrusting, the servants' responses, and the master's judgment.
- Mark 4:24-25 (thematic): A synoptic saying with the same principle: 'to him who has, more will be given,' used to teach that responsiveness to revelation or responsibility results in increased reward.
- Luke 8:18 (verbal): Parallel wording elsewhere in Luke: warning that what one has will be increased while what one lacks may be taken away — echoes the distributive/judicial theme of Matthew 25:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to those standing by, 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents.'
- Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
Matt.25.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- γαρ: CONJ
- εχοντι: PART,pres,act,dat,sg,m
- παντι: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- δοθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- περισσευθησεται·του: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- μη: PART
- εχοντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αρθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- απ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matt.13:12 (verbal): Nearly identical wording in the Parable of the Sower: the principle that whoever has (receptive understanding) will be given more, while the one who lacks will lose even what he has.
- Mark 4:25 (verbal): Mark's parallel (in the context of parables about the lamp/measure) records the same saying about increase and loss of what one has.
- Luke 8:18 (verbal): Lukan parallel warning to 'take heed how you hear'—expresses the same rule, with a slight variant ('what seems to be his') emphasizing careful reception of revelation.
- Luke 19:26 (verbal): In the Parable of the Minas this exact maxim is applied to servants' stewardship: those who use and multiply what they have receive more, while the unfaithful lose even what they possess.
Alternative generated candidates
- For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
- For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Matt.25.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αχρειον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- δουλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εκβαλετε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- σκοτος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- εξωτερον·εκει: ADJ,acc,sg,n+ADV
- εσται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κλαυθμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- βρυγμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- οδοντων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Matt.8.12 (verbal): Uses the same language—those cast into 'outer darkness' where there will be 'weeping and gnashing of teeth'—close verbal parallel about exclusion from the kingdom.
- Matt.22.13 (verbal): Parable of the wedding feast: the improperly clothed guest is 'cast into outer darkness' with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth,' repeating the exact judgment motif and wording.
- Matt.13.42 (verbal): Parable of the weeds: the wicked are cast into the furnace of fire, 'there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth,' sharing the same final-judgment phrase despite different imagery.
- Matt.25.41 (thematic): In the same judgment discourse the wicked are sent away into 'eternal fire' prepared for the devil and his angels—themewise connection to final punishment of the unrighteous described in v.30.
- Luke.13.28 (verbal): Lukan parallel using the identical phrase 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' to describe those excluded from the messianic banquet—verbal and thematic resonance with Matthew's warning.
Alternative generated candidates
- And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'
- And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. There men will weep and gnash their teeth.’
For it is like a man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one—each according to his ability—and then he departed.
The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them and gained five more.
In the same way the one with two talents gained two more. But the man who received the one talent went away, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more and said, “Master, you entrusted me with five talents; behold, I have gained five more.”
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came and said, “Master, you entrusted me with two talents; behold, I have gained two more.”
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Then the man who had received the one talent came and said, “Master, I knew you to be a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed.
I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground; here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed;
therefore you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was mine with interest.
Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents.
For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. There men will weep and gnash their teeth.”