After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

MATTHEW 25:19KJV
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Matthew 25:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:19 mean?

Matthew 25:19 says that after a long time, the master of the servants returned and settled accounts with them. This means the master came back to see what his servants had done with what he had entrusted to them and to review their actions.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable to his disciples about a master and his servants. The story is set up to show that the master was gone for a significant period, giving the servants time to act on his instructions. The focus here is on the master's return and his expectation to evaluate how each servant managed what was given to them.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:19

  • The word "reckoneth" comes from two Greek words: συναιροῦ (synairō, G4868) and λόγος (logos, G3056). Together, they mean to settle accounts or to review and discuss what has been done. This highlights that the master is not just casually checking in, but is formally reviewing each servant’s stewardship.
  • The phrase "after a long time" uses πολύς (polys, G4183) for "long" and χρόνος (chronos, G5550) for "time." This emphasizes that the master’s return was delayed, suggesting patience and giving the servants ample opportunity to act.

Why Matthew 25:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the master’s return was not immediate, which sets up the importance of what the servants did during his absence and highlights the idea of accountability after a period of trust.
  • The formal settling of accounts shows that the master expects a real report and evidence of faithfulness, not just good intentions.
  • In the context of the parable, this moment is crucial because it leads directly to the evaluation and reward or correction of each servant, which is the main lesson Jesus is teaching about responsibility and readiness.

Where else these words appear

“reckoneth” Greek G4868 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

“time” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“servants” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.