Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents in Matthew

Matthew 24:43-51 Parable of the evil servant (birds)

This chapter continues the Olivet Discourse on the End Times from the previous chapter. The parables in this chapter could be called the division parables because each deals with various forms of division into groups.

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

Note that there appears to be no division of the "birds". They are without the Father and will all fall.

More: Matthew

Movie: Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) with Inspector Clouseau (Pink Panther).

Inspector (looking at the dog): Does your dog bite?
Person standing there: No.
Inspector reaches over to pet the dog. It bites him.
Inspector: You said your dog does not bite!
Person standing there: That is not my dog.

[That's not the verse that says that (i.e., bites you). That is another verse.]

More: The panther as an all-beast

More: Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]

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]

25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]

Here are selected verses from the parable of the talents.

What does a "talent" represent? Be specific.
Does the Lord ever take possession of the "talents"?
How do the "five" "talents" and "five" "talents" add to make, what Jesus says is, "ten" "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]

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]

25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [kjv]

One cannot add five apples and five oranges. They need the same units.

How do the "five" "talents" and "five" "talents" add to make, what Jesus says is, "ten" "talents"?

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [kjv]

The Parable of the Talents is in Matthew 25 after the Parable of the Ten Virgins and before the Parable of the Sheep and Goats.

More: Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the ten virgins

More: Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats

Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [kjv]

19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. [kjv]

ειπεν ουν ανθρωπος τις ευγενης επορευθη εις χωραν μακραν λαβειν εαυτω βασιλειαν και υποστρεψαι [gnt]

The parable of the talents in Matthew is what Matthew wrote down. The parable of the talents in Luke is what people remembered and told Luke some twenty years later.

The symbolism and double meanings in Matthew are, in large part, absent and a much more literal and embellished account appears. Comparisons are made to the corresponding verses in Matthew 25.

More: Luke 19:11-28 Parable of the talents in Luke

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "as" is that of "likened" as in an "analogy".

In parables, Jesus uses nouns as code words to be replaced with other nouns to get the decoded meaning. Verbs are carefully chosen, including tense, mood, etc., to fit any additional meanings.

Jesus uses the generic word for "man" as "Jesus as God". Sometimes, this "man" is called a "householder".

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

"κάλεσον" ≈ "call".

*G2398 *113 ἴδιος (id'-ee-os) : of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own).

Words: ιδια=22 ιδιαις=2 ιδιαν=24 ιδιας=6 ιδιοι ιδιοις=10 ιδιον=18 ιδιος ιδιου=11 ιδιους=5 ιδιω=7 ιδιων=6

The ancient Greek word "ἴδιος" ≈ "own, private" as in "pertaining to one's self" as in "idiosyncratic"

*G2398 *113 ἴδιος (id'-ee-os) : of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own).

Usage

All

ιδιους *5 of 113

Matthew 25:14 ... a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered ...
John 13:1 ... unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, ...
Acts 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that ...
1 Corinthians 14:35 ... learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: ...
1 Timothy 6:1 ... under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all ...

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [kjv]

εις τα ιδια ηλθεν και οι ιδιοι αυτον ου παρελαβον [gnt]

The English word "idiom" comes, through French and Latin, from the ancient Greek word "ἰδίωμα " ≈ "peculiarity, unique feature" which comes from the ancient Greek word "ἴδιος" ≈ "own, private" as in "pertaining to one's self".

The English word "idiot" comes, through French and Latin, from the ancient Greek word "ἰδιώτης" ≈ "private citizen, layperson" which comes from the ancient Greek word "ἴδιος" ≈ "own, private" as in "pertaining to one's self".

One person's "idiom" is another person's "id-10-t".

More: Idioms and meaning

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [kjv]

και ω μεν εδωκεν πεντε ταλαντα ω δε δυο ω δε εν εκαστω κατα την ιδιαν δυναμιν και απεδημησεν ευθεως [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἴδιος" ≈ "own, private" as in "pertaining to one's self" as in "idiosyncratic"

In verse 14, the Greek word translated as "own".
In verse 15, the Greek word translated as "several" is that of "own".

The Middle English word "several" ≈ "separate, distinct, particular". The meaning has changed since then.

These are the same Greek words. Is that important?

John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three… [kjv]

ανεβη ουν σιμων πετρος και ειλκυσεν το δικτυον επι της γης εις την γην μεστον ιχθυων μεγαλων εκατον πεντηκοντατριων πεντηκοντα τριων και τοσουτων οντων ουκ εσχισθη το δικτυον [gnt]

$Fish$

$Fish symbol$

153 = number of the fish.
w/h = sqrt(3) = 265/153.

The ancient Greek word "ιχθύς" ≈ "fish, ixthus" or «ΙΧΘΥΣ» was an acronym where each letter symbolized an important part of Christianity.

John uses a lot of computer science top-down, backward-chaining thinking in his writing.

[John 1, 1 John 1, John 14-19, etc.]

From a Greek geometric construction, the "number of the fish" was 153 - the number of fish caught in John after the resurrection. (fish w/h = sqrt(3) ≈ 265/153)

The approximation ratio is 265/153 and the number 153 was called the "number of the fish". For more on approximation ratios, see Non-rational number approximation .

More: John 21:11 the number of the fish caught

More: Merry X-mas

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

"ἰδίους" ≈ "own" (accusative plural) of "ἴδιος" ≈ "own, private" as in "pertaining to one's self" as in "idiosyncratic".

"ιχθύος" ≈ "(of) fish" (genitive singular) or "ῐ̓χθῠ́ᾰς" ≈ "fish" (accusative plural) from "ιχθύς" ≈ "fish, ixthus" or «ΙΧΘΥΣ» was an acronym where each letter symbolized an important part of Christianity. Figuratively the word could mean a "stupid person",

As "fishers" of "men", were "servants" that were such "fish" the ones "called"?

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: [kjv]

13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? [kjv]

13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; [kjv]

As noun code words, Jesus defines the "man" is as the "householder" as the "Son of Man". In all the parables that refer to a "householder", four other times with this word, only in Matthew, the "householder" also appears to be Jesus as God. Similar verses in Luke and Mark are translated as the "goodman of the house" or "master of the house".

Luke will often use the ancient Greek word "οἰκονόμος" ≈ "manager of the house, steward" which is the source of the English word "ecomonics" or, literally, "laws of the house".

More: Matthew 13:3-23 KP1 Parable of the sower

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

More: Matthew 13:51-52 KP8 Parable of new and old codes

The ancient Greek word

"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" is an inflection of
"ὑπάρχων" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" which comes from
"ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" and comes from two Greek words.

"υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-".
"ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".

As a noun (participle), Aristotle uses this word many times. The usual translations is that of an "essential attribute". This abstract idea might be expressed in English as "have the goods" on someone. In context, it can be a concrete entity.

The GNT (Greek New Testament) appears to translate this word as a concrete "goods" and not as a more abstract idea of "essential attributes", which can have a physical manifestation.

More: Existence is not is existence

More: Matthew 19:21 Existence of essential attributes

"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" from "υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-" and "ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".
"ὕπαρ" ≈ "reality (view)", as compared to a dream, and "κοντᾰ́" ≈ "short (spear)" as in a short "sword".

Does one need a "reality" "spear" or "sword", with a "flame", to get back into the garden of the "tree" of "life"?

Who provides the "flame"?
Can someone else do it for you?
Who keeps the "flame" lit?

More: The security of flaming swords

More: Matthew 19:21 Existence of essential attributes

This is the beginning of the parable of the talents.

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" from "υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-" and "ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".
"ὕπαρ" ≈ "reality (view)", as compared to a dream, and "κοντᾰ́" ≈ "short (spear)" as in a short "sword".

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first". How do the "servants" know what to do with what is provided?

More: The security of flaming swords

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [kjv]

εφη αυτω ο ιησους ει θελεις τελειος ειναι υπαγε πωλησον σου τα υπαρχοντα και δος τοις πτωχοις και εξεις θησαυρον εν ουρανω ουρανοις και δευρο ακολουθει μοι [gnt]

Aristotle uses the word as "essential attributes". In a physical or literal sense, this might be "goods". In an abstract or figurative sense, it might be non-physical. In that sense, it appears that the servants were provided, not with physical "goods", but with abstract "goals" as in something to "begin" and "take the initiative" in accomplishing, according to their own "abilities" or "potentialities" (next verse).

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first".

This word (as a participle) has implications for the translation of the rich young ruler and what Jesus says.

... sell all your physical goods and give those physical goods to the poor (destitute) ...
... sell out your essential attributes (not in line with Jesus) and give it to those begging for the Good News ... What is it?

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

NIV (New International Version): Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

NLT (New Living Translation): For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.

Berean Literal Bible: For it is like a man going on a journey who called his own servants and delivered his possessing to them.

The "entrusted" is an assumption. The Greek is that of "handing over" as in "tradition" as in "traitor" as in "deliver".

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" from "υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-" and "ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".
"ὕπαρ" ≈ "reality (view)", as compared to a dream, and "κοντᾰ́" ≈ "short (spear)" as in a short "sword".

Did Jesus "hand over" his "reality" "sword" to be used as he advised to the rich young man?

*G589 *6 ἀποδημέω (ap-od-ay-meh'-o) : from G590; to go abroad, i.e. visit a foreign land:--go (travel) into a far country, journey.

Words: απεδημησεν=5 αποδημων=1

This word from the GNT comes from two Greek words.

The prefix "ἀπο" ≈ "away from" which has an idea of a "separating distance".
"δῆμος" ≈ "district, country, land" and is the source of the first part of the English word "democracy".

The idea appears to be that of "going away" to some other "place".

*G589 *6 ἀποδημέω (ap-od-ay-meh'-o) : from G590; to go abroad, i.e. visit a foreign land:--go (travel) into a far country, journey.

Usage

All

απεδημησεν *5

Matthew 21:33 ... out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
Matthew 25:15 ... ability; and straightway took his journey.
Mark 12:1 ... out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
Luke 15:13 ... gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, ...
Luke 20:9 ... forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

αποδημων

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, ...

Jesus is talking to the disciples at the Last Supper.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [kjv]

αλλ εγω την αληθειαν λεγω υμιν συμφερει υμιν ινα εγω απελθω εαν γαρ μη απελθω ο παρακλητος ουκ ελευσεται ου μη ελθη προς υμας εαν δε πορευθω πεμψω αυτον προς υμας [gnt]

… expedit … [v]

You are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.

a. I go away, the comforter will not come.
b. I depart, I will send him to you.

Compare and contrast these two statements.

From this verse, one associates the "comforter" with the "Holy Spirit". [commutative relationships]

More: Bringing together an expedient analogy

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

The "traveling" is inferred as the idea appears to be that of "going away". The "into a far country" is inferred and not directly in the Greek.

These are the man's "own" servants.

Have these servants received "grace" or "favor"?
Have these servants received "salvation" or a "ticket" to "work" in the "vineyard"?
Might this parable of the "talents" be related to the quality or quantity of "work" done in the "vineyard"?

More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

More: Matthew 20:1-7 Parable of the vineyard workers 1

Matthew 25:14

All

KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Greek: ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου

The phrase Gulag Archipelago is part from the Russian and part from Italian from Greek.

The word Gulag is an acronym for a longer Russian word.
The word Archipelago an Italian word from a Latin word created from two Greek words.

The name comes from the forced prison/labor camps of Stalin and the USSR - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The name became popularized by the three volume (non-fiction) book of the same name by dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008) who survived the ordeal.

Human beings are born with different capacities. If they are free, they are not equal. And if they are equal, they are not free.Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008).

Early work: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (1962) [with approval from Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev].

More: Russian and Greek roots of the term Gulag Archipelago

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [kjv]

και ω μεν εδωκεν πεντε ταλαντα ω δε δυο ω δε εν εκαστω κατα την ιδιαν δυναμιν και απεδημησεν ευθεως [gnt]

One servant was given 5 "talents". Discuss:

Is it possible have negative "talents"?
Is it possible have owe "talents"?
Is it possible have lose "talents"?
Is it possible have give "talents" to others?
Is it possible to "gain" more "talents"?

Explain the reasoning for each. There are two cases for each.

Literal physical talents - big pieces of silver.
Figurative or code word talents.

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [kjv]

και ω μεν εδωκεν πεντε ταλαντα ω δε δυο ω δε εν εκαστω κατα την ιδιαν δυναμιν και απεδημησεν ευθεως [gnt]

Latin "omen" ≈ "foreboding, omen".
Greek "ο μεν" ≈ "that on the one hand".

Might there me an "omen" here (on the one hand)?
The Greek "ω" ≈ "omega" is similar in sound to "ο" ≈ "omicron". How does this verse fit the model?

... on the one hand ... 5 talents ...
... on the other hand ... 2 talents ...
... on another hand ... 1 talent ...

Is the ordering of the giving of the talents important? Explain.

More: Omens on the one hand

*G5007 *15 τάλαντον (tal'-an-ton) : neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao (to bear; equivalent to G5342); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent":--talent.

Words: ταλαντα=11 ταλαντον=3 ταλαντων

The ancient Greek word "τάλαντον" ≈ "balance, scale, anything weighted". Would a "yoke" of "compulsion" be weighty?
This word is used only 15 times in the GNT, all in Matthew and all by Jesus.

14 in the parable of the "talents" (Matthew 25).
1 in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18).

It appears that the 1 time in the parable of the unforgiving servant provides enough context details to determine a meaning for the code word of "talent".

More: Matthew 18:23-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

More: Amos 5: The yoke of compulsion

*G5007 *15 τάλαντον (tal'-an-ton) : neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao (to bear; equivalent to G5342); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent":--talent.

Usage

All

ταλαντα *11

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and ...

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, ...

Matthew 25:22 ... that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained ...

Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

ταλαντον *3

Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, ...

Matthew 25:25 ... and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, ...

Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

ταλαντων

Matthew 18:24 ... unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [kjv]

και ω μεν εδωκεν πεντε ταλαντα ω δε δυο ω δε εν εκαστω κατα την ιδιαν δυναμιν και απεδημησεν ευθεως [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τάλαντον" ≈ "balance, scale, anything weighted".
The ancient talent was a measurement, usually of precious metal. The weight varied but it was significant. These literal "talents" were similar. The figurative or code word meaning might not have all "talents" the same.

This parable is the source of the English word "talant" as a skill that one innately possesses or, to some extent, develops. This is related to the Greek word used here for "ability" that is the Greek word from philosophy that means "potentiality" but often translated as "power".

Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [kjv]

ο ουν επιχορηγων υμιν το πνευμα και ενεργων δυναμεις εν υμιν εξ εργων νομου η εξ ακοης πιστεως [gnt]

Energy is a word and concept that has ancient roots but had a different meaning in ancient times. Aristotle first used the ancient Greek word "ενέργεια" ≈ "actuality" for "actuality", literally, "in working".

The ancient Greek word "δύναμις" ≈ "power, might, strength, potentiality" and is used by Aristotle for something that has "potential".

KJV (King James Version) : ... worketh miracles among you ...
Paraphrase: ... actualizes the potential in you ...

The root word is "work" and is used many times in the LXX (Septuagint) and GNT.

More: The actual potency and inner workings of energy

Matthew 25:15

All

KJV: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Greek: και ω μεν εδωκεν πεντε ταλαντα ω δε δυο ω δε εν εκαστω κατα την ιδιαν δυναμιν και απεδημησεν ευθεως

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 δε ο τα πεντε ταλαντα λαβων ειργασατο ηργασατο εν αυτοις και εποιησεν εκερδησεν αλλα πεντε ταλαντα [gnt]

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 δε και ο τα δυο ταλαντα λαβων ειπεν κυριε δυο ταλαντα μοι παρεδωκας ιδε αλλα δυο ταλαντα εκερδησα επ αυτοις [gnt]

In the "talent" verses, it is "five" "talents", "two" "talents", "one" "talent" (next verse, omitted) with the number before the "talent".

In the "mile" verse in Matthew 5:41, it is "mile one" with the number after the "mile".
In the "leaven" verse in Matthew 13:33, it is "measures three" with the number after the "measures".

The play on words in both of these verses do not work if the number is before the word.

More: Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel

More: Matthew 13:33 KP4 Parable of the leaven

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]


given	profit	total

Provide a precise definition for "talent" as used in this parable for both the literal and the figurative or code word meaning.
The TR (Textus Receptus) uses the Greek word for "made", limiting the meaning to a literal "made", rather than the ancient Greek word "κέρδος" ≈ "wiles, craftiness, desire for profit, advantage". This Greek word is an opposite of "ζημία" ≈ "loss, damage, penalty" which can be a play on words with "ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough" and which is used by Jesus to represent false doctrine or teaching.

More: Matthew 16:5-12 Leaven: the yeast of these

*G2038 *41 ἐργάζομαι (er-gad'-zom-ahee) : middle voice from G2041; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.

Words: ειργασασθε ειργασμενα εργαζεσθαι=6 εργαζεσθε=3 εργαζεται=5 εργαζη εργαζομαι=2 εργαζομενοι=6 εργαζομενος=2 εργαζομενους εργαζομενω=3 εργαζονται εργαζου εργαζωμεθα=2 εργαση ηργαζοντο ηργασαντο ηργασατο=3

The ancient Greek word "ἐργάζομαι" ≈ "work at, labor".

*G2038 *41 ἐργάζομαι (er-gad'-zom-ahee) : middle voice from G2041; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.

Usage

All

ηργασατο *3 of 41

Matthew 25:16 ... the five talents went and traded with the same, and ...
Matthew 26:10 ... ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work ...
Mark 14:6 ... why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "ἐργάζομαι" ≈ "work at, labor".

The Greek word translated as "traded" is that of "worked at". There are no words that indicate that the servant "traded" or even interacted with anyone else. That is important for the figurative or code word meanings in the parable.

The idea of "traded" appears to come from Luke.

More: Luke 19:11-28 Parable of the talents in Luke

*G243 *155 ἄλλος (al'-los) : a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).

Words: αλλα=15 αλλαι αλλας αλλη=12 αλλην=9 αλλης=3 αλλο=12 αλλοι=28 αλλοις=6 αλλον=17 αλλος=25 αλλου αλλους=12 αλλω=10 αλλων=3

The same Greek word for "but" (628 times in the GNT) is sometimes translated as "another", "more", etc. (15 times) as in the parable of the talents. This meaning appears to have been influenced by the literal version in Luke.

*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.

*G243 *155 ἄλλος (al'-los) : a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).

Usage

All

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 ...

Words: αλλ=219 αλλα=411

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 οτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην [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.

Matthew 5:17

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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

Matthew 6:13

All

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

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]

… quinque talenta … operatus … lucratus … alia quinque [v]

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 Latin word "alius" ≈ "other, another, else, different" which influenced the KJV (and other translations).

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]

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.

More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [kjv]

The Greek word for "five" can be a play on words with "mournings".

How does the meaning of this verse change if the meaning that Jesus uses for "gain" is than of "convincing" someone else of a viewpoint?
What was "gained"?

More: Profitable gain

$Apples and oranges$ 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).

More: Addition: mathematical dimensions of the Trinity

$Fruit$ 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.

More: Addition: mathematical dimensions of the Trinity

$Physical talents$ 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.

$Mixed talents$ 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?

$Goals$ 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.

Matthew 25:16

All

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

Latin: abiit autem qui quinque talenta acceperat et operatus est in eis et lucratus est alia quinque

Matthew 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [kjv]

ωσαυτως και ο τα δυο εκερδησεν και αυτος 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".

What was "gained"?

[President Truman and economists]

More: Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel

Matthew 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [kjv]

ωσαυτως και ο τα δυο εκερδησεν και αυτος αλλα δυο [gnt]

The Greek word for "two" can be a play on words with "of God" in both Greek and in Latin or of "but the".
How does the meaning of this verse change if the meaning that Jesus uses for "gain" is than of "convincing" someone else of a viewpoint?

More: Profitable gain

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.

More: Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel

Matthew 25:17

All

KJV: And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

Greek: ωσαυτως και ο τα δυο εκερδησεν και αυτος αλλα δυο

*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" with synonyms "λαχαίνω" ≈ "dig" and "σκάπτω" ≈ "dig".
"διορύσσω" ≈ "dig a canal/tunnel".

*G3736 *3 ὀρύσσω (or-oos'-so) : apparently a primary verb; to "burrow" in the ground, i.e. dig:--dig.

Usage

All

ωρυξεν *3

Matthew 21:33 ... it round about, and digged a winepress in it, ...
Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and ...
Mark 12:1 ... set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built ...

*G1358 *4 διορύσσω (dee-or-oos'-so) : from G1223 and G3736; to penetrate burglariously:--break through (up).

Usage

All

διορυσσουσιν *2

Matthew 6:19 ... and where thieves break through and steal:
Matthew 6:20 ... where thieves do not break through nor steal:

διορυχθηναι *2

Matthew 24:43 ... have suffered his house to be broken up.
Luke 12:39 ... have suffered his house to be broken through.

What did the one who received "one" "talent" do?

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 εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν 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.

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]

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

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]

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]

More: Daniel: Bel and the disappearing food

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

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 εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν 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.

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 εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν 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".

More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure

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 αυτου 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".

More: Matthew 7:24-27 Building a house on sand

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

Matthew 7:26

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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

Luke 6:49

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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

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 εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν 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).
"ἀργός" ≈ "not working, idle, lazy" and "γυρός" ≈ "round".

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".

More: Matthew 10:5-10 Possessing acquired purchases

More: Matthew 10:8-10 The way out of the pit

Matthew 25:18

All

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

*G4868 *3 συναίρω (soon-ah'-ee-ro) : from G4862 and G142; to make up together, i.e. (figuratively) to compute (an account):--reckon, take.

Words: συναιρει συναιρειν συναραι

The ancient Greek word "συναιρέω" ≈ "grasp/seize together or at once, bring together" and comes from two Greek words.

"συν" ≈ "with, together" (prefix).
"αἱρέω" ≈ "take, grasp, seize"

The ancient Greek word "συναίρεσις" ≈ "taking or drawing together, reduction, aggregation, synthesis, generalization".

This word is used only 3 times in the GNT, all by Jesus. Two times in the parable of the unforgiving servant and once in the parable of the talents. Might these be related? The Greek word for "talent", as used by Jesus, appears only in these two parables.

The English word "scenario" comes, through Italian and Latin, from the ancient Greek word "σκηνή" ≈ "tent, theater stage".

*G4868 *3 συναίρω (soon-ah'-ee-ro) : from G4862 and G142; to make up together, i.e. (figuratively) to compute (an account):--reckon, take.

Usage

All

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.

This word is used only 3 times in the GNT, all by Jesus. Two times in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18) and once in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25).

Matthew 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. [kjv]

μετα δε χρονον πολυν χρονον ερχεται ο κυριος των δουλων εκεινων και συναιρει λογον μετ αυτων λογον [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "reckoning" is from two words, "drawing together" and "reasoning" as in a "rational explanation".

The ancient Greek word "συναίρεσις" ≈ "taking or drawing together, reduction, aggregation, synthesis, generalization".

The ancient Greek word "λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation, reasoning" and can, in context, mean "word".

Matthew 25:19

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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

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 επ αυτοις [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.

Matthew 25:20

All

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

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 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 [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.

The Greek for "many" and "city" are related and sound similar.

... put you over many/much ... (Matthew)
... put you over cities ... (Luke)

The ancient Greek word "καταστήσας" ≈ "set down, set in order" and comes from "καθίστημι" ≈ "set down, set in order".

If your kids want to learn to drive ...

... you should not stand in their way.

"ἐπί" ≈ "on, upon" and "ὑπέρ" ≈ "above, over".
"χᾰρᾱ́ν" ≈ "favor, grace" and "ρακαν" ≈ "raca" (accusative).
"χαρά" ≈ "favor, grace" and, in context, "joy".

Matthew 25:21

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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

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]

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.

Matthew 25:22

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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

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]

… euge … bone … fidelis … pauca … supra multa … constituam … gaudium … [v]

… Ge-blissa … gode … blisse. [wes]

"χᾰρᾱ́ν" ≈ "favor, grace" and "ρακαν" ≈ "raca" (accusative).
"χαρά" ≈ "favor, grace" and, in context, "joy".

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".

More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

Matthew 25:23

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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

Latin: ait illi dominus eius euge serve bone et fidelis quia super pauca fuisti fidelis supra multa te constituam intra in gaudium domini tui

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.

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".
The word for "gathering" is that of "synagogue". Could this be the "weeds" or "together satans" or "synagogue of Satan"?

It appears that this servant is lying in everything he says. Such appear to be part of bird house rules. Do pastors in sermons ever praise these attributes as true?

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.

More: A scatter-brained approach to the sting of a scorpion

Matthew 25:24

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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.

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".

What does the Lord now "have"? This exact Greek word is used 1 time in Matthew.

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.

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 εν τη γη γην και απεκρυψεν 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.

Matthew 25:25

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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

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.

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

More: Evil training is toilsome work: no pain no gain

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]

… 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".

More: Philippians 3:1-4 shifting gears to work the others

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [kjv]

τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω 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.

More: 2 Timothy 2:15 An urgent focused priority to do diligent study

Matthew 25:26

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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,

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]

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]

Birds may not "reap", but the master, as Jesus, through the angels, reaps.

More: A hot time to harvest - now and later

More: Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds

*G5110 *2 τόκος (tok'-os) : from the base of G5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce):--usury.

Words: τοκω=2

*G5110 *2 τόκος (tok'-os) : from the base of G5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce):--usury.

Usage

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τοκω *2

Matthew 25:27 ... should have received mine own with usury.
Luke 19:23 ... I might have required mine own with usury?

Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. [kjv]

εδει ουν σε ουν βαλειν το αργυριον τα αργυρια μου τοις τραπεζιταις και ελθων εγω εκομισαμην αν το εμον συν τοκω [gnt]

This appears to be a somewhat sarcastic remark to the servant's excuse and not a reason to justify (or prohibit) the use of compound interest in banking. Those who remembered related this to Luke.

The ancient Greek word "τόκος" ≈ "childbirth, interest (loan), oppression" and is a semantic loan word from the Hebrew "תור" ≈ "mediate/oppress". It is from "τίκτω" ≈ "beget, bear, produce, generate" and is cognate with "τέκνον" ≈ "child, offspring", "τέκτων" ≈ "builder" as in "architect" or "carpenter" and "τέχνη" ≈ "craft" as in "technical".

[usury vs. interest]

Matthew 25:27

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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

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"?

More: Giving attention to accepting the Ten Commandments

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

More: Matthew 7:24-27 Building a house on sand

There are a number of play on words from the ancient Greek word "μαμωνᾶς" ≈ "mammon" (as used in Matthew 6:24). The Greek word comes from the ancient Hebrew/Aramaic word "ממון" (mamon) ≈ "confidence in one's own abilities, money"
Ancient Greek words:

"μάμμη" ≈ "mama, mother's breast, grandmother". (harlot)
"ἄμωμος" ≈ "without blemish, without spots". (empty opinion)
"ἄμμος" ≈ "sand". (human infrastructure)

Based on the house built on "sand" in Matthew and the house built on "earth" in Luke, the Greek words for "sand" and "earth" appear to be interchangeable when used by Jesus.

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

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.

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".

Matthew 25:28

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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

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 απο δε 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"?

Matthew 25:29

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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

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.]

$Talent 1$	$Talent 2$	$Talent 3$

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?

*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.

*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).

Usage

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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.

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 εκβαλλετε 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.

More: The weeping and the gnashing of the teeth

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]

Which meanings of "weeping" and "gnashing" of "teeth" fit? Which is the best fit?

More: The weeping and the gnashing of the teeth

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.

Matthew 13:12

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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

Matthew 13:13

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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

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?

More: Matthew 21:44-46 Winnowing the wheat and chaff to stone-ground powder

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?

Matthew 21:42

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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

Matthew 21:43

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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

Matthew 21:44

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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

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 απο δε 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]

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]

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]

More: The weeping and the gnashing of the teeth

Matthew 25:30

All

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

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]

This ends the parable of the talents. The next verse starts the parable of the sheep and goats.

More: 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]

More: Matthew 25:31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats