But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

MATTHEW 25:18KJV
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Matthew 25:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:18 mean?

Matthew 25:18 describes how the servant who received one talent went away, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money instead of using it. This action shows that the servant chose not to do anything productive with what was entrusted to him.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, he is telling a story to his disciples about a master who gives his servants different amounts of money before going on a journey. The verse focuses on the servant who received the smallest amount. Instead of investing or working with the money, this servant simply hides it, setting up a contrast with the other servants who act differently.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:18

  • The word for "digged" is ὤρυξεν (ōryxen), which means to dig or make a hole. This emphasizes the physical effort the servant put into hiding the money, rather than using it.
  • The word for "hid" is ἔκρυψεν (ekrypsen), meaning to conceal or hide away. The Greek here carries the sense of intentionally keeping something out of sight, highlighting the servant’s choice to avoid risk or responsibility.
  • The word for "money" is ἀργύριον (argyrion), which refers specifically to silver or money. This clarifies that the master’s trust involved real, valuable resources.

Why Matthew 25:18 matters

  • Matthew 25:18 highlights the servant’s inaction, which is a key point in the parable’s message about responsibility and trust.
  • The verse sets up a clear contrast with the other servants, making the consequences of different choices more striking in the story.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify that the issue is not losing the master’s money, but failing to do anything with what was given.

Where else these words appear

“digged” Greek G3736 · used in 3 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:
  • Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

“hid” Greek G613 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

“money” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • 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.
  • Matthew 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
  • Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

“went” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.