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.

MATTHEW 25:14KJV
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Matthew 25:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:14 mean?

Matthew 25:14 describes Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his possessions to his own servants. The verse sets the stage for a story about responsibility and stewardship, showing that the servants are given charge over what belongs to their master while he is away.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, using a parable to explain spiritual truths about God's kingdom. The "man travelling into a far country" represents someone of authority who temporarily leaves, while the servants are those left to manage his affairs. This introduction prepares the listener for the lesson that follows about how each servant handles what is given to them.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:14

  • ἀνθρώπῳ (anthrōpō, "man"): This word is often used for a human being in general, not just a male, emphasizing the story's universal application.
  • δοῦλοις (doulois, "servants"): This term refers to slaves or bondservants, highlighting that the people in the story do not own the goods themselves but are entrusted with them.
  • παρέδωκεν (paredōken, "delivered"): The Greek here carries the sense of handing over responsibility, not just giving something away, which underscores the idea of stewardship.
  • ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta, "goods"): This word refers to possessions or property, making it clear that what is entrusted is valuable and belongs to the master, not the servants.

Why Matthew 25:14 matters

  • Matthew 25:14 introduces a parable that teaches about accountability and the trust given to people by God, setting the tone for the lessons that follow in the chapter.
  • The verse clarifies that the servants receive what belongs to their master, not their own property, which is key to understanding the responsibility and expectations placed on them.
  • By framing the story with a journey and a transfer of goods, Jesus prepares his listeners to think about what it means to be faithful with what is entrusted to them during the master's absence.

Where else these words appear

“country” Greek G589 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
  • 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.
  • Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

“goods” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

“own” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.