The Parable of the Talents

(Luke 19:11–27)

For [it] is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. 15 To one he gave five talents,[fn] to [another] two [talents], and to [another] one [talent] — each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.

16 

The [servant] who had received the five talents went at once [and] put them to work[fn] and made five more talents.[fn] 17 Likewise, the [one with] the two [talents] also[fn] gained two more. 18 But the [servant] who had received the one [talent] went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

19 

vvv After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The [servant] who had received the five talents came [and] presented five more‘Master,’ he said,‘you entrusted me {with} five talents. See, I have gained five more besides them.[fn]’

21 

His master replied‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you {in charge} of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

22 

The [servant] who had received the two talents also came [and] said,‘Master, you entrusted me {with} two talents. See, I have gained two more besides them.’

23 

His master replied‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you {in charge} of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

24 

Finally, the [servant] who had received the one talent came and said,‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where vvv you have not sown and gathering where vvv you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out [and] hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what [belongs] to you.’

26 

‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master.‘You knew that I reap where vvv I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and vvv on my return vvv I would have received it {back} with interest.

28 

Therefore take the talent from him and give [it] to the [one] who has ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given [more], and [he] will have an abundance. But the [one who] {does} not have, even what he has[fn] will be taken away from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, [where] there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

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