Matthew 25:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:27 mean?

Matthew 25:27 records the master in Jesus’ parable telling his servant that he should have at least put his money with the bankers, so that the master could have received it back with interest when he returned. The verse points out that even minimal effort to make use of what was entrusted would have been better than doing nothing.

In this parable, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, using the story of a master and his servants to teach about responsibility and readiness for his return. The master rebukes the servant who hid the money instead of investing it, highlighting the expectation that those given resources or responsibilities should use them wisely and not let them go to waste.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:27

• τράπεζιτας (trapezitas, G5133): This word means "exchangers" or "bankers." In the context of the parable, it refers to people who could have put the money to use, earning interest. The mention of bankers shows that the master expected at least some practical action, not just preservation.
• τόκῳ (tokō, G5110): Translated as "usury" in the KJV, this word means "interest." In the ancient world, this was the profit gained from lending money. The master’s mention of interest underscores that he expected a return, even if small, on what he had entrusted to the servant.

Why Matthew 25:27 matters

• Matthew 25:27 clarifies that the master was not demanding extraordinary results, but rather some reasonable effort to make use of what was given.
• The verse emphasizes that neglecting responsibility is worse than making a modest attempt, showing that God values faithfulness and initiative over passivity.
• This verse connects to the wider parable, reinforcing the idea that everyone is accountable for how they use what they have been given, especially in light of the master’s (or Jesus’ in the parable) eventual return.