- *G243 *155 ἄλλος (al'-los) : a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).
- αλλα *15 of 155
- Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had ...
- Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and ...
- Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, ...
- Matthew 25:16 ... the same, and made them other five talents.
- Matthew 25:17 ... he also gained other two.
- Matthew 25:20 ... came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
- Matthew 25:22 ... behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
- Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, ...
- Mark 4:36 ... also with him other little ships.
- Mark 7:4 ... not. And many other things there be, which they have received ...
- John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias ...
- John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are ...
- John 20:30 And many other signs truly did ...
- 2 Corinthians 1:13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ...
34. Strongs - but
*G235 *628 ἀλλά (al-lah') : neuter plural of G243; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
 |
Words: αλλ=219 αλλα=411
|
35. Some more big buts
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [kjv]
μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον καταλυσαι τον νομον η τους προφητας ουκ ηλθον καταλυσαι αλλα πληρωσαι [gnt]
6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [kjv]
και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]
The exact same Greek word for
"but" (
411 times) is sometimes translated as
"another" (
15 times) as in the parable of the talents. This meaning appears to have been influenced by the literal version in Luke.
36. Matthew 5:17
KJV: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Greek: μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον καταλυσαι τον νομον η τους προφητας ουκ ηλθον καταλυσαι αλλα πληρωσαι
37. Matthew 6:13
KJV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Greek: και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου οτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην
38. Matthew 25:16 Five talents
Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]
πορευθεις ο τα πεντε ταλαντα λαβων ηργασατο εν αυτοις και εκερδησεν αλλα πεντε [gnt]
The literal meaning of
"talents" is clear. The figurative or
code word meaning has some logical issues. The second
"talent" is added by the
KJV (and many translations).
If one defines
"talent" as
"ability", then the servant
"gained" "
five" more
"abilities" to go with what was given at the start. Did the servant make up or create those additional
"abilities"?
If one defines
"talent" as
"gain", then the servant was provided "
five"
"gains" to start with.
To define each as
different is an equivocation. That is, making different (figurative in this case) meanings
equal.
39. Adding apples and oranges

Consider
5 apples and
5 oranges.
The old adage goes that, "
You cannot add apples and oranges".
Since the units are
different, the number of
apples and number of
oranges cannot be
added (to get a meaningful result).
40. Fruity abstractions

One can, however, make some abstractions.
An
apple is a piece of
fruit so
5 apples are
5 pieces of
fruit .
An
orange is a piece of
fruit so
5 apples are
5 pieces of
fruit .
So, one can add
5 pieces of
fruit and
5 pieces of
fruit to get
10 pieces of
fruit .
In making the
abstraction, some information is
lost. That is, the information that
5 of the pieces of fruit were apples and
5 of the pieces of fruit were oranges
is
lost in the simplification. One has, in effect,
fruit cocktail.
41. Physical talents

The literal meaning of physical
"talents" as big pieces of
"silver" is clear.
Since these are all the same, they can be
added without issue since one is
not adding
"apples" and
"oranges".
The corresponding account in Luke, what people rememberer some twenty years later, is that of literal
"talents" where any figurative or
code word meaning has been obscured or removed. Many of the ideas in Luke have been back-patched into the translation of Matthew.
42. Mixed talents

What about the
figurative or
code word meaning of the
"talent" in the parable?
Let one meaning of a "talent" be abstract as in an "ability" or "potentiality", the meaning of the Greek word used in the parable.
Let another meaning of a "talent" be concrete as in a "realized" "gain", the meaning of the Greek word used in the parable.
How can these be added when they have different units?
43. Talents as goals

Consider the
figurative or
code word meaning of
"talent" to be that of a
"goal".
An abstract "goal" is a "potentiality" to be "gained" as "given".
A concrete "goal" is an "actuality" that has been be "gained" or "met".
By abstracting
"goals" "
given" and
"goals" "
met" to
"goals", one can add
5 "goals" plus
5 "goals" to get
10 "goals".
This is like converting
apples to
fruit and
oranges to
fruit in order to
add them.
44. Talent goal build
45. Matthew 25:16
KJV: Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Greek: πορευθεις δε ο τα πεντε ταλαντα λαβων ειργασατο ηργασατο εν αυτοις και εποιησεν εκερδησεν αλλα πεντε ταλαντα
46. Matthew 25:17 Two on the other hand
Matthew 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [kjv]
ωσαυτως ο τα δυο εκερδησεν αλλα δυο [gnt]
A similar reasoning goes for the "
two" talents, before and after.
The Greek word translated as
"other" is also the word for
"but" as in, using English idioms,
"on the other hand" or
"by the way" or
"in addition".
[President Truman and economists]
The Greek word for "
two" can be a play on words with "
of God" in both Greek
and in Latin.
47. Matthew 5:41 Two what
Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. [kjv]
και οστις σε αγγαρευσει μιλιον εν υπαγε μετ αυτου δυο [gnt]
Go with
"him" or
"it" "two". To what does
"two" refer?
The ancient Greek word
"δύο" ≈ "two". Here are possible play on words.
"θεού" ≈ "of god" (genitive) where "θεός" ≈ "god" (nominative)
"θείου" ≈ "of the gods" (genitive) where "θεῖος" ≈ "godly" (nominative)
"δέω" ≈ "bind, lack".
"δύω" ≈ "cause to sink, plunge".
The Latin word
"deo" ≈ "god" (dative singular). Yes, Jesus appears to, at times, use Latin play on words in addition to using certain Aramaic words. The Aramaic words appear to help keep the temple spies off track and later theologians, commentators, pastors, etc., off track as well.
However, there is another interesting pair of words
five verses earlier in verse 36.
48. Matthew 25:17
KJV: And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Greek: ωσαυτως και ο τα δυο εκερδησεν και αυτος αλλα δυο
49. Strongs - dug in, tunnel
*G3736 *3 ὀρύσσω (or-oos'-so) : apparently a primary verb; to "burrow" in the ground, i.e. dig:--dig.
 |
Words: ωρυξεν=3
|
*G1358 *4 διορύσσω (dee-or-oos'-so) : from G1223 and G3736; to penetrate burglariously:--break through (up).
 |
Words: διορυσσουσιν=2 διορυχθηναι=2
|
Both words have the idea of
"digging" a
tunnel,
channel, or something similar.
"ὀρύσσω" ≈ "dig".
"διορύσσω" ≈ "dig a canal/tunnel".
50. Matthew 25:18 Dig in the earth
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [kjv]
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν γην και εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου [gnt]
The Greek for
"digged" is related to the English word
"ore".
"ὀρύσσω" ≈ "dig".
"διορύσσω" ≈ "dig a canal/tunnel".
"ὄρυγμα" ≈ "trench, ditch, moat".
"ὠρυγή" ≈ "howling of wolves, dogs, etc." (as a play on words).
This servant
"digged" "earth" or
"sand". The
KJV adds
"in the". This is the case in most (all that I could find) translations. The double-meaning or
code word meaning of the verse breaks if the
"in the" is added. To fully understand what the third servant is saying, it is important that these words
not be in this verse.
51. Matthew 6:19 Digging
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [kjv]
μη θησαυριζετε υμιν θησαυρους επι της γης οπου σης και βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται διορυσσουσιν και κλεπτουσιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"διορύσσω" ≈ "dig a canal/tunnel". In context, the
"dig a canal" could mean
"break out" of prison or
"break into" a house,
"undermine" a foundation,
"ruin" a wall, etc.
A
"break into" a house, say to get
"treasure", is a one way
"break through" in and a one way transport
out.
In
"digging a canal", one intends to transport things
both ways. This may be important in the meaning of the verse. That
"digging through" does not happen in
heaven as in the wedding feast, fence around the sheep, etc.
[predictive programming as distractor, Mission Impossible plot to put gold in safe to frame someone]
52. Matthew 6:19 Play on words
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [kjv]
μη θησαυριζετε υμιν θησαυρους επι της γης οπου σης και βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται διορυσσουσιν και κλεπτουσιν [gnt]
The "
lay not up" relates to "
myth serpent", where the made-up "
serpentize" might be similar to the made-up "
tennising".
The
"moth" and
"rust" "corrupt" is that of
"your" "
fasting" and
"food" "disappear" (becomes
invisible). The
"break through" is that of
"dig in" as to a "
crypt" or "
hidden place" or in
"digging" a "
canal" (Aristotle).
Play- on-word paraphrase:
It is a myth that through a serpent you can treasurize your treasure here on the earth where your (fasting) and food disappear and clever deceptive thieves dig a channel and steal (take away something or bring in something to achieve their deceptive goals). [think Trojan Horse]
53. Matthew 25:18 Digging
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [kjv]
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν γην και εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου [gnt]
Most translations (all that I could find) include the words
"in the" where the
"in the" is
not in the Greek.
NIV:
But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
NLT:
But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
Berean Literal Bible:
But the one having received the one talent, having gone away, dug in the ground and hid his master's money.
54. Matthew 25:18 Tunnel in the sand
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [kjv]
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν γην και εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου [gnt]
The third servant "
hides" the "
silver" just as the "
thief", using the word related to "
hide", in Matthew 6:19-21 "
tunnels" in to "
steal", a word related to "
hide".
Consider:
... dug in the earth ...
... dug /mined/tunneled earth/sand ....
The Luke version of the houses built on rock and sand use the word
"earth" rather than
"sand".
55. House on sand or earth
The
Matthew verse uses
"sand". The
Luke verse uses
"earth".
Matthew 7:26 … shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]
… ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]
Luke 6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; … [kjv]
ο δε ακουσας και μη ποιησας ομοιος εστιν ανθρωπω οικοδομησαντι οικιαν επι την γην … [gnt]
In an arid region such as the Middle East, how much difference is there between
"sand" and
"earth"? In Matthew, Jesus uses the Greek word
"sand" which can be a play on words on
"mammon",
"mommy" and
"spots" as in
"empty opinion".
56. Matthew 7:26
KJV: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Greek: και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την αμμον
57. Luke 6:49
KJV: But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Greek: ο δε ακουσας και μη ποιησας ομοιος εστιν ανθρωπω οικοδομησαντι οικιαν επι την γην χωρις θεμελιου η προσερρηξεν προσερηξεν ο ποταμος και ευθεως επεσεν ευθυς συνεπεσεν και εγενετο το ρηγμα της οικιας εκεινης μεγα
58. Matthew 25:18 Silver
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [kjv]
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν γην και εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου [gnt]
The Greek translated as
"money" is that of
"silver" which can be a play on words with "
lazy way around".
English word order: and hid his lord's silver.
Greek word order: and hid the silver [lazy way around] of the lord of his/it. (possible ambiguous pronoun his/it at the end)
The ancient Greek word
"ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and may be related to the Latin word
"argentum" ≈ "silver" which is the source of the name "
Argentina" and the chemical symbol
"Ag", atomic number
47.
59. Matthew 10:9 Silver
Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]
μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and may be related to the Latin word
"argentum" ≈ "silver" which is the source of the name "
Argentina" and the chemical symbol
"Ag", atomic number
47.
The
KJV, from Latin influence, uses "
provide" for the Greek word that means "
take" as in "
do not take money for what you do".
60. Matthew 25:18
KJV: But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Greek: ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου
61. Strongs - aggregation
62. Usage - aggregation
- *G4868 *3 συναίρω (soon-ah'-ee-ro) : from G4862 and G142; to make up together, i.e. (figuratively) to compute (an account):--reckon, take.
- συναραι
- Matthew 18:23 ... king, which would take account of his servants.
- συναιρειν
- Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, ...
- συναιρει
- Matthew 25:19 ... servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
63. Matthew 25:19 Drawing together a reasoning
64. Matthew 25:19
KJV: After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Greek: μετα δε χρονον πολυν χρονον ερχεται ο κυριος των δουλων εκεινων και συναιρει λογον μετ αυτων λογον
65. Matthew 25:20 But on the other hand
Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. [kjv]
και προσελθων ο τα πεντε ταλαντα λαβων προσηνεγκεν αλλα πεντε ταλαντα λεγων κυριε πεντε ταλαντα μοι παρεδωκας ιδε αλλα πεντε ταλαντα εκερδησα [gnt]
Here the Greek word that can be translated as
"but" is translated as
"more".
"αλλά" ≈ "but" and appears in this exact form in the GNT 411 times. In this parable it is not translated as "but".
"ἄλλος" ≈ "other - similar" and is related to the English word "else".
The servant who "
took" "
five"
"talents" from the Lord has
"gained" "but" "
five"
"talents". How can this be? How can they sum to "
ten" (a few verses later).
The translation as
"more" appears to have been influenced by the more literal version of what people remember and told Luke and that appears in Luke 19.
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
66. Matthew 25:20
KJV: And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Greek: και προσελθων ο τα πεντε ταλαντα λαβων προσηνεγκεν αλλα πεντε ταλαντα λεγων κυριε πεντε ταλαντα μοι παρεδωκας ιδε αλλα πεντε ταλαντα εκερδησα επ αυτοις
67. Matthew 25:21 Ruler
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. [kjv]
εφη αυτω ο κυριος αυτου ευ δουλε αγαθε και πιστε επι ολιγα ης πιστος επι πολλων σε καταστησω εισελθε εις την χαραν του κυριου σου [gnt]
The
KJV adds "
ruler". What might be the reason for adding this word? The much more literal version in Luke would provide a reason.
Would Jesus ever put someone a "ruler" over other people?
The word
"things" is
not in the Greek and is inferred from the "
many".
Paraphrase:
... you have achieved/gained your goals. I will put you over more goals. Enter into the favor of your Lord.
68. Matthew 25:21 Many cities
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. [kjv]
εφη αυτω ο κυριος αυτου ευ δουλε αγαθε και πιστε επι ολιγα ης πιστος επι πολλων σε καταστησω εισελθε εις την χαραν του κυριου σου [gnt]
The Greek for "
many" and "
city" are related and sound similar.
... put you over many/much ... (Matthew)
... put you over cities ... (Luke)
69. Matthew 25:21
KJV: 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.
Greek: εφη δε αυτω ο κυριος αυτου ευ δουλε αγαθε και πιστε επι ολιγα ης πιστος επι πολλων σε καταστησω εισελθε εις την χαραν του κυριου σου
70. Matthew 25:22 Two talents
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. [kjv]
προσελθων και ο τα δυο ταλαντα ειπεν κυριε δυο ταλαντα μοι παρεδωκας ιδε αλλα δυο ταλαντα εκερδησα [gnt]
Here the Greek word that can be translated as
"but" is translated as
"other", which requires a word order change in English.
... behold, another two talents achieved/gained.
... behold, but two talents achieved/gained.
71. Matthew 25:22
KJV: 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.
Greek: προσελθων δε και ο τα δυο ταλαντα λαβων ειπεν κυριε δυο ταλαντα μοι παρεδωκας ιδε αλλα δυο ταλαντα εκερδησα επ αυτοις
72. Matthew 25:23 Well done
Matthew 25:23 His 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. [kjv]
εφη αυτω ο κυριος αυτου ευ δουλε αγαθε και πιστε επι ολιγα ης πιστος επι πολλων σε καταστησω εισελθε εις την χαραν του κυριου σου [gnt]
… Ge-blissa … gode … blisse. [wes]
The English word
"joy" comes, through French, from the Latin word
"gaudia" ≈ "joy". This is the same word that is the source of the English word
"gaudy". One can see the transition from "
favor" or "
grace" to "
bliss" to "
joy".
73. Matthew 25:23
KJV: His 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.
Greek: εφη αυτω ο κυριος αυτου ευ δουλε αγαθε και πιστε επι ολιγα ης πιστος επι πολλων σε καταστησω εισελθε εις την χαραν του κυριου σου
Wessex: Ða cwaeð his hlaford to him. Ge-blissa þu gode þeowa. & ge-treowa. for-þan þe þu waere ge-treowa ofer feawe. ofer fele ic þe sette. ga on þines hlafordes blisse.
74. Matthew 25:24 One talent
Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: [kjv]
προσελθων δε και ο το εν ταλαντον ειληφως ειπεν κυριε εγνων σε οτι σκληρος ει ανθρωπος θεριζων οπου ουκ εσπειρας και συναγων οθεν ου διεσκορπισας [gnt]
This servant appears to be using
casual reasoning to explain or rationalize what had happened. As such, that servant may or may not be telling the truth as to what really happened or why.
The word for "reaping" is from a Greek word (and a play on words here) of "heat".
The word for "sowing" can be a play on words with "evening" as in the "setting sun".
The word for "strawed" contains the Greek word for "scorpion" that is part of this Greek word "scattering".
Perhaps the play on words, as part of the made-up excuse, have play on words that indicate what will happen to that servant. This is similar to the prophet Nathan having David pronounce his own sentence for his sin.
75. Matthew 25:24
KJV: Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
Greek: προσελθων δε και ο το εν ταλαντον ειληφως ειπεν κυριε εγνων σε οτι σκληρος ει ανθρωπος θεριζων οπου ουκ εσπειρας και συναγων οθεν ου διεσκορπισας
Latin: accedens autem et qui unum talentum acceperat ait domine scio quia homo durus es metis ubi non seminasti et congregas ubi non sparsisti
Wessex: Ða com se þe an pund under-feng. & quoth. Hlaford ic wat þt þu ert hard man. þu ripst þaer þu ne seowe. & gaderest þaer þu ne sprengdest.
Wycliffe: But he that hadde takun o besaunt, cam, and seide, Lord, Y woot that thou art an hard man; thou repist where thou hast not sowe, and thou gederist togidere where thou hast not spred abrood;
Tyndale: Then he which had receaved ye one talent came and sayd: master I considered yt thou wast an harde man which repest where thou sowedst not and gadderest where thou strawedst not
Luther: Da trat auch herzu, der einen Zentner empfangen hatte, und sprach: Herr, ich wußte, daß du ein harter Mann bist: du schneidest, wo du nicht gesäet hast, und sammelst, da du nicht gestreuet hast.
76. Matthew 25:25
Matthew 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. [kjv]
και φοβηθεις απελθων εκρυψα το ταλαντον σου εν τη γη ιδε εχεις το σον [gnt]
The Greek word for
"earth" and
"sand" appear to be similar. In Matthew, Jesus talks about the "
house" built on
"sand". What people remembered and told Luke was the "
house" built on
"earth".
Discuss:
Is what this servant says the truth?
Was it, perhaps, an excuse thought up at the moment to rationalize what had been done? That is what is said in Luke.
77. Matthew 25:18,25 Third servant
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [kjv]
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν γην και εκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου [gnt]
25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. [kjv]
και φοβηθεις απελθων εκρυψα το ταλαντον σου εν τη γη ιδε εχεις το σον [gnt]
Note:
25:18 Jesus says that the third servant "dug" "earth" and "hid" the "money".
25:25 The third servant says he "hid" the "talent" "in" the "earth". Nothing is said about "digging".
That is, the third servant, unlike the other servants, never took
ownership of what was given to him.
78. Matthew 25:25
KJV: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Greek: και φοβηθεις απελθων εκρυψα το ταλαντον σου εν τη γη ιδε εχεις το σον
79. Matthew 25:26 Oppressive evil
Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα [gnt]
One Greek word for
"evil" in the
GNT is the ancient Greek word
"πονηρός" ≈ "oppressed by toils" and comes from the ancient Greek word
"πονέω" ≈ "to toil, labor". Think
"oppression", including
"oppressing" oneself, and which comes from wanting to be "
great" (at the expense of others, or yourself).
Why is this servant called "evil"? Explain.
80. Matthew 25:26 Slothful servant
Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα [gnt]
… piger … sparsi [v]
Is the servant
"slothful" or
"reluctant" as in
"hesitating"?
The ancient Greek word
"ὀκνηρός" ≈ "shrink, hesitate" and comes from
"ὀκνέω" ≈ "shrink, hesitate". The Latin word
"piger" ≈ "backward, slow, unwilling, reluctant".
The
KJV translates this word as "
grievous" or as "
slothful" where original idea of "
hesitation" appears to fit well.
One can "hesitate" without being "slothful" or "lazy".
One can "hesitate" without being "grievous".
81. Romans 12:11 Business hesitation
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [kjv]
τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω κυριω δουλευοντες [gnt]
… slow … bisynesse… [wy]
… busynes … tedious … [ty]
The ancient Greek word
"σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an
urgent focused priority. The Old English word for
"busy-ness" became the modern word
"business". The
KJV "slothful" is
"ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" as in being
"fearful".
Paraphrase:
Make it an urgent and immediate priority not to shy away or be hesitant of ... serving the Lord.
Anyone in business knows not to be fearful or shy away from approaching a customer rather than have them walk out of the store without buying anything.
82. Matthew 25:26
KJV: His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Greek: αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα
Latin: respondens autem dominus eius dixit ei serve male et piger sciebas quia meto ubi non semino et congrego ubi non sparsi
Wycliffe: His lord answeride, and seide to hym, Yuel seruaunt and slowe, wistist thou that Y repe where Y sewe not, and gadir to gidere where Y spredde not abrood?
Tyndale: His master answered and sayde vnto him: thou evyll servaut and slewthfull thou knewest yt I repe where I sowed not and gaddre where I strawed not:
Luther: Sein Herr aber antwortete und sprach zu ihm: Du Schalk und fauler Knecht! Wußtest du, daß ich schneide, da ich nicht gesäet habe, und sammle, da ich nicht gestreuet habe,
83. Harvest reap
The Greek for
"reap" as in
"one who harvests" is used several times in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.
Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: [kjv]
προσελθων δε και ο το εν ταλαντον ειληφως ειπεν κυριε εγνων σε οτι σκληρος ει ανθρωπος θεριζων οπου ουκ εσπειρας και συναγων οθεν ου διεσκορπισας [gnt]
25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα [gnt]
Birds may not
"reap", but the master, as Jesus, through the angels, reaps.
84. Strongs - interest (loan)
*G5110 *2 τόκος (tok'-os) : from the base of G5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce):--usury.
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Words: τοκω=2
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85. Usage - interest (loan)
- *G5110 *2 τόκος (tok'-os) : from the base of G5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce):--usury.
- τοκω *2
- Matthew 25:27 ... should have received mine own with usury.
- Luke 19:23 ... I might have required mine own with usury?
86. Matthew 25:27 Compounding the interest
87. Matthew 25:27
KJV: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Greek: εδει ουν σε ουν βαλειν το αργυριον τα αργυρια μου τοις τραπεζιταις και ελθων εγω εκομισαμην αν το εμον συν τοκω
88. Matthew 25:28 Take the talent
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]
αρατε ουν απ αυτου το ταλαντον και δοτε τω εχοντι τα δεκα ταλαντα [gnt]
Had these "
three" "
servants"
"accepted" or
"received" the
"Ten" Commandments or "
Words"?
To put a
"talent" in the "
ground" is to put a
"talent" into "
sand". In the houses built on rock and sand, Luke, based an what people remembered, changes the Greek word for "
sand" to "
earth" or "
ground". Thus, the two appear to have been thought of as similar.
The Greek word for "
sand" creates a play on words with "
mammon" used earlier in the Sermon on the Mount.
Discuss:
Which servants had "potentiality"?
Which servants had "potentiality" and "actuality"?
89. Mammon play on words
90. Ten talents
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]
αρατε ουν απ αυτου το ταλαντον και δοτε τω εχοντι τα δεκα ταλαντα [gnt]
How do the "
five"
"talents" of
potentiality or
ability and "
five"
"talents" of
actuality add to make "
ten"
"talents"?
One cannot add
five apples and
five oranges. They need the same units.
91. Ten talents
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]
αρατε ουν απ αυτου το ταλαντον και δοτε τω εχοντι τα δεκα ταλαντα [gnt]
One cannot add
apples and
oranges. They have different
units. However:
An apple is a piece of fruit.
An orange is a piece of fruit.
Thus,
five apples and
five oranges are
ten pieces of
fruit.
A specific "talent" of potentiality is a (generic) "talent".
A specific "talent" of actuality is a (generic) "talent".
Thus,
five "talents" of
potentiality and
five "talents" of
actuality are
ten (generic)
"talents".
92. Matthew 25:28
KJV: Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Greek: αρατε ουν απ αυτου το ταλαντον και δοτε τω εχοντι τα δεκα ταλαντα
93. Matthew 25:29
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. [kjv]
τω γαρ εχοντι παντι δοθησεται και περισσευθησεται του δε μη εχοντος και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου [gnt]
What meanings are often given for this verse?
What does it mean to be
"taken away"?
94. Matthew 25:29
KJV: For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Greek: τω γαρ εχοντι παντι δοθησεται και περισσευθησεται απο δε του δε μη εχοντος και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου
95. Paraphrase
Here is a paraphrase using "
goals" for
"talents" and servants "
A", "
B" and "
C".
The man gave five goals to A, two goals to B, and one goal to C.
The man leaves. A gained but five goals. B gained but two goals.
C digs sand and hides his goal. Later, the man returns.
A says that he was given five goals and gained but five goals.
B says that he was given two goals and gained but two goals.
C makes up an excuse. The man throws that excuse back on him and sarcastically says he should have at least received interest.
The man gives C's goal to A who now has another goal to achieve.
Those who have goals and gain them will be given more goals.
Those who do not gain their goals will have those goals taken away and given to those who can gain those goals.
At no point does A get an
actual reward. Instead, A receives additional
potential goals to gain. C is worthless as he has not achieved any goals.
Why give the additional goal to A?
[non-verbal hand actions, voice inflections, etc.]
96. Goals
C's
one goal was taken away. To whom should it be given?
A was given 5 goals and achieved 5 goals. Another goal is a 20% increase.
B was given 2 goals and achieved 2 goals. Another goal is a 50% increase.
Does it make more sense to give the additional goal to A rather than B?
97. Strongs - taken away
*G142 *101 αἴρω (ah'-ee-ro) : a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare H5375) to expiate sin:--away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).
 |
Words: αιρε=3 αιρει=8 αιρεις=2 αιρεται αιρετε αιρομενον αιροντος=2 αιρων=2 αιρωσιν αραι=6 αραντες=2 αρας=5 αρατε=5 αρατω=4 αρη=5 αρης αρθη αρθησεται=6 αρθητι=2 αρθητω αρθωσιν αρον=10 αρουσιν=4 αρω ηραν=13 ηρατε=3 ηρεν=5 ηρθη=3 ηρκεν ηρμενον
|
This exact word is used by Jesus
three times in Matthew. The other times are the corresponding similar verses in Mark 4:25, Luke 8:18 and Luke 19:26.
98. Usage - taken away
- *G142 *101 αἴρω (ah'-ee-ro) : a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare H5375) to expiate sin:--away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).
- αρθησεται *6 of 101
- Matthew 13:12 ... not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
- Matthew 21:43 ... unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and ...
- Matthew 25:29 ... him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
- Mark 4:25 ... not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
- Luke 8:18 ... not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
- Luke 19:26 ... even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
99. Matthew 25:28-30 Gnashing of teeth
This is the end of the Parable of the Talents.
Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]
25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. [kjv]
25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
και τον αχρειον δουλον εκβαλετε εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]
This parable is not heard much in churches with socialist leanings since the individual is important in the parable and not the community.
This is not a "
better together" situation. Might it be a "
bitter together" situation? You
butter change what you are doing.
100. Matthew 25:30 Gnashing of teeth
Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
και τον αχρειον δουλον εκβαλετε εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]
Which meanings of
"weeping" and
"gnashing" of
"teeth" fit? Which is the best fit?
☐ Those who are in pain.
☐ Those who are angry or who hate.
☐ Those who thought they were doing right.
☐ Those who have regret over what they did or did not do.
101. Matthew 13:12-13 Taken away
Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. [kjv]
οστις γαρ εχει δοθησεται αυτω και περισσευθησεται οστις δε ουκ εχει και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου [gnt]
13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [kjv]
δια τουτο εν παραβολαις αυτοις λαλω οτι βλεποντες ου βλεπουσιν και ακουοντες ουκ ακουουσιν ουδε συνιουσιν [gnt]
The
exact Greek word used by Jesus for
"taken away" can be a play on words with "
denied" and with "
birded" as a verb form of "
bird".
Do the play on words make sense as used in this context?
What do they not understand? Are not the words clear?
Jesus says he speaks in "
parables" or in "
code words", where, according to the usage and explanations of Jesus,
nouns are replaced with other nouns,
verbs are carefully chosen, etc.
102. Matthew 13:12
KJV: For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Greek: οστις γαρ εχει δοθησεται αυτω και περισσευθησεται οστις δε ουκ εχει και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου
103. Matthew 13:13
KJV: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Greek: δια τουτο εν παραβολαις αυτοις λαλω οτι βλεποντες ου βλεπουσιν και ακουοντες ουκ ακουουσιν ουδε συνιουσιν
104. Matthew 21:42-44 Taken away context
Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? [kjv]
21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. [kjv]
21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. [kjv]
Who is the "you"?
The Greek word translated as "nation" is that of "people" who may or may not be organized in the manner that is today called a "nation".
What does it mean to be "taken away"?
Is "falling" on a "stone" good or bad?
Is being "ground" to "powder" good or bad?
105. Matthew 21:43 Taken away
Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν οτι αρθησεται αφ υμων η βασιλεια του θεου και δοθησεται εθνει ποιουντι τους καρπους αυτης [gnt]
The
exact Greek word used by Jesus for
"taken away" can be a play on words with "
denied" and with "
birded" as a verb form of "
bird".
Do the play on words make sense as used in this context?
106. Matthew 21:42
KJV: Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Greek: λεγει αυτοις ο ιησους ουδεποτε ανεγνωτε εν ταις γραφαις λιθον ον απεδοκιμασαν οι οικοδομουντες ουτος εγενηθη εις κεφαλην γωνιας παρα κυριου εγενετο αυτη και εστιν θαυμαστη εν οφθαλμοις ημων
107. Matthew 21:43
KJV: Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Greek: δια τουτο λεγω υμιν οτι αρθησεται αφ υμων η βασιλεια του θεου και δοθησεται εθνει ποιουντι τους καρπους αυτης
108. Matthew 21:44
KJV: And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Greek: και ο πεσων επι τον λιθον τουτον συνθλασθησεται εφ ον δ αν πεση λικμησει αυτον
109. Matthew 25:29
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. [kjv]
τω γαρ εχοντι παντι δοθησεται και περισσευθησεται του δε μη εχοντος και ο εχει αρθησεται απ αυτου [gnt]
The
exact Greek word used by Jesus for
"taken away" can be a play on words with "
denied" and with "
birded" as a verb form of "
bird".
Do the play on words make sense as used in this context?
Is what is "taken away" an accomplishment, money, etc.?
Is what is "taken away" an unrealized goal, potentiality, etc.?
How do these differ?
[not a redistribution of wealth]
110. Matthew 25:30 Parable of the talents
Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
και τον αχρειον δουλον εκβαλετε εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]
The Greek word translated as "
unprofitable" is that of "
not useful".
What is "outer" "darkness"?
What is "inner" "light"?
What might be "inner" "darkness"?
What might be "outer" "light"?
[black holes, dark matter, dark energy]
111. Matthew 25:30
KJV: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Greek: και τον αχρειον δουλον εκβαλλετε εκβαλετε εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων
112. Matthew 25:30 End of Matthew 25
Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
και τον αχρειον δουλον εκβαλετε εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]
This ends the parable of the talents. The next verse starts the parable of the sheep and goats.
113. Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats
A somewhat misunderstood and sometimes controversial part of the
NT (New Testament) is the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25. For context, the parable of the "
sheep" and "
goat" judgment comes after some other parables. Chapter 24 is the Olivet Discourse about the "
end times" and "
all of it".
Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the ten virgins
Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents in Matthew (this page)
Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats
The parables in this chapter could be called the
division parables because each deals with some form of division into groups. Let us first go through the verses of the parable in English.
Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [kjv]
114. End of page