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:

MATTHEW 25:24KJV
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Matthew 25:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:24 mean?

Matthew 25:24 describes the servant who received one talent coming to his master and explaining that he was afraid to take risks because he saw his master as a harsh man who profits from the work of others. The servant uses this view of his master as a reason for his cautious and unproductive behavior.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, the servant is speaking directly to his master after the master has returned and is asking for an account of what was done with the entrusted money. The servant’s words reveal not only his fear but also his perception of the master’s character, which he describes as “hard” and benefiting from what he did not directly work for. This sets up the master’s response and highlights the servant’s attitude compared to the other servants in the story.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:24

  • The word for “hard” is σκληρός (sklērós), which means harsh, strict, or tough. This word shows that the servant sees his master as demanding and difficult to please, which shapes his actions.
  • The verb “reaping” is θερίζω (therizō), meaning to harvest or gather crops. Here, it is used figuratively to suggest the master benefits from others’ efforts, not just his own.
  • The word “strawed” is διασκορπίζω (diaskorpizō), meaning to scatter or spread, often used for scattering seed. The servant accuses the master of gathering where he has not scattered, emphasizing the idea that the master collects gains where he did not invest effort.

Why Matthew 25:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies the servant’s mindset and his justification for not using the talent, which is important for understanding the master’s later response.
  • The servant’s view of the master as harsh is not confirmed by the master himself, highlighting a possible misunderstanding or excuse on the servant’s part.
  • By showing the servant’s reasoning, the verse sets up a contrast with the other servants, helping readers see different attitudes toward responsibility and trust in the parable.

Where else these words appear

“hard” Greek G4642 · used in 6 verses

  • John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
  • Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
  • James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

“talent” Greek G5007 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
  • Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
  • Matthew 25:22 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.

“hast” Greek G1287 · used in 9 verses

  • 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:
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
  • 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.

“where” Greek G3606 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
  • Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.