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.

MATTHEW 25:23KJV
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Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:23 mean?

Matthew 25:23 describes a master praising his servant for being trustworthy and diligent with small responsibilities, promising to give him greater authority and inviting him to share in his master's happiness. The verse highlights the reward for faithfulness and reliability, even in seemingly minor tasks.

In the story Jesus tells, the "lord" or master is speaking to a servant who has managed what was entrusted to him well. This is part of the Parable of the Talents, where servants are given different amounts to manage while the master is away. The verse shows the master's approval and the servant's promotion, emphasizing that being faithful in small things leads to greater trust and joy.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:23

  • The word for "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means a bond-servant or slave, highlighting the servant's complete responsibility to the master.
  • The word for "faithful" is πιστός (pistos), which carries the sense of being trustworthy or reliable, not just believing but proving dependable in action.
  • The phrase "enter thou into the joy of thy lord" uses χαρά (chara) for "joy," which often means deep gladness or delight, suggesting more than just a reward—it's an invitation to share in the master's own happiness.
  • The word for "ruler" is καταστήσω (katastēsō), meaning to appoint or set in charge, showing the servant is being given real authority as a result of his faithfulness.

Why Matthew 25:23 matters

  • Matthew 25:23 clarifies that faithfulness in small or unnoticed tasks is highly valued and leads to greater opportunities and trust.
  • The verse connects to the larger parable, which teaches about readiness and responsibility in the time before Jesus’ return, showing that what people do with what they are given matters.
  • The invitation to share in the master's joy reveals that the reward is not just more work, but a deeper relationship and shared happiness with the master.

Where else these words appear

“done” Greek G2095 · used in 6 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

“make” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

“things” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.