Matthew 25:18
New International Version
But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

New Living Translation
But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

English Standard Version
But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Berean Standard Bible
But the servant who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

Berean Literal Bible
But the one having received the one talent, having gone away, dug in the ground and hid his master's money.

King James Bible
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

New King James Version
But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.

New American Standard Bible
But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

NASB 1995
“But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

NASB 1977
“But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

Legacy Standard Bible
But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Amplified Bible
But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Christian Standard Bible
But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

American Standard Version
But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Contemporary English Version
But the servant with 1,000 coins dug a hole and hid his master's money in the ground.

English Revised Version
But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the one who received two thousand dollars went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

Good News Translation
But the servant who had received one thousand coins went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

International Standard Version
But the one who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried his master's money.

Majority Standard Bible
But the servant who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master?s money.

NET Bible
But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money in it.

New Heart English Bible
But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he that had received one, went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Weymouth New Testament
But the man who had received the one went and dug a hole and buried his master's money.

World English Bible
But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he who received the one, having gone away, dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

Berean Literal Bible
But the one having received the one talent, having gone away, dug in the ground and hid his master's money.

Young's Literal Translation
and he who did receive the one, having gone away, digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having received one, having departed, dug in the earth, and concealed his lord's silver.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he who had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord.

New American Bible
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.

New Revised Standard Version
But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But he who received one, went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But he who received one went and dug in the ground and buried the money of his lord.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But he that had received the one, went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Godbey New Testament
And he having received one, having gone away, digged up the earth, and buried the money belonging to his lord.

Haweis New Testament
But he that had received the one talent, went and digged a hole in the ground, and hid the silver of his master.

Mace New Testament
but he that had received one, went to dig a hole in the ground, and hid his lord's money.

Weymouth New Testament
But the man who had received the one went and dug a hole and buried his master's money.

Worrell New Testament
And he who received one, going away, digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Worsley New Testament
but he who had received the one, went and digged in the earth, and hid his master's money:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Talents
17Likewise, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the servant who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those servants returned to settle accounts with them.…

Cross References
Luke 19:20-24
Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. / For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ / His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? ...

Matthew 13:12
Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...

Proverbs 6:6-11
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...

Ecclesiastes 11:4
He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.

1 Corinthians 12:7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

2 Timothy 1:6-7
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. / For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Luke 12:47-48
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...

Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ...


Treasury of Scripture

But he that had received one went and dig in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

and hid.

Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 26:13-16
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets…

Haggai 1:2-4
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built…

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Buried Digged Dug Earth Ground Hid Hole Kept Lord's Master's Money Receive Received Secret Talent
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Buried Digged Dug Earth Ground Hid Hole Kept Lord's Master's Money Receive Received Secret Talent
Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














But the servant who had received the one talent
This phrase introduces the third servant in the Parable of the Talents. In biblical times, a talent was a significant sum of money, often equivalent to about 20 years of a laborer's wages. The servant's receipt of one talent indicates a substantial responsibility, despite being less than the others received. This reflects the principle that God entrusts individuals with resources according to their abilities (Matthew 25:15). The servant's actions are a focal point for understanding stewardship and accountability in the Kingdom of Heaven.

went off
The phrase "went off" suggests a deliberate action taken by the servant. It implies a choice to separate himself from the immediate presence of his master and the other servants. This decision can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual distancing or neglect of one's divine calling. The servant's departure from the master's presence symbolizes a lack of engagement with the responsibilities given by God.

dug a hole in the ground
Digging a hole in the ground was a common method in ancient times for safeguarding valuables. This action reflects a mindset of fear and self-preservation rather than faith and initiative. The servant's choice to bury the talent contrasts with the proactive investments made by the other servants. Biblically, this act can be seen as a failure to utilize God-given gifts for His glory, reminiscent of the warning in James 2:17 about faith without works being dead.

and hid his master’s money
Hiding the master's money signifies a lack of trust and understanding of the master's intentions. The servant's actions demonstrate a failure to recognize the opportunity to grow and multiply what was entrusted to him. This reflects a broader spiritual truth about the misuse of divine gifts and opportunities. Theologically, it underscores the importance of being faithful stewards of God's resources, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10, where believers are called to use their gifts to serve others. The servant's behavior serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of inaction and neglect in the spiritual life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Servant
Represents individuals who have been entrusted with resources or responsibilities by God. In this parable, he is the one who received one talent.

2. The Master
Symbolizes God or Christ, who entrusts His servants with various gifts and expects them to be used wisely.

3. The Talent
A large sum of money in biblical times, representing the gifts, abilities, and opportunities God gives to each person.

4. The Hole in the Ground
The place where the servant hides the talent, symbolizing neglect or fear in using God-given resources.

5. The Event of Hiding
The act of hiding the talent reflects a lack of faithfulness and initiative in serving God.
Teaching Points
Stewardship of Gifts
God entrusts each of us with unique talents and resources. We are called to be faithful stewards, using them for His kingdom.

Fear vs. Faith
The servant's action was driven by fear. As believers, we should act in faith, trusting God to guide and multiply our efforts.

Accountability
We will be held accountable for how we use what God has given us. It's important to invest our talents wisely.

Avoiding Complacency
Hiding the talent represents complacency. We must actively seek ways to serve and glorify God with our abilities.

Eternal Perspective
Our actions on earth have eternal consequences. We should focus on using our talents in ways that have lasting impact.(18) He that had received one . . .--There is something strikingly suggestive in the fact that those who had received the higher sums were "good and faithful," and that it was left to the man who had received the smallest to fail in his duty. Failure in the use of wider opportunities brings with it a greater condemnation; but it is true, as a fact of human nature which our Lord thus recognised, that in such cases there is commonly less risk of failure. The very presence of the opportunities brings with it a sense of responsibility. So faithfulness in a very little receives its full reward, but the consciousness of having but a little, when men do not believe in their Master's wisdom and love in giving them but a little, tempts to discontent and so to sloth on the one hand, and on the other, as with Judas, to hasty and unscrupulous greed of immediate gain.

Verse 18. - He that had received one (τὸ ἕν, the one talent). Limited opportunities do not condone neglect. This third servant was as much bound to put out to interest his little capital as the first was his larger means. Went; went away. He too was not altogether idle; he in some sort exerted himself, not indeed actually in evil (as the servant in Matthew 24:48, 49), but yet not practically in his lord's service. Hid his lord's money. He thought the amount so small, or his master so rich, that it was of no consequence what was done with it; it was not worth the trouble of traffic. So, like all Easterns, he buried the little treasure in the ground, to keep it safe till his lord should ask tot it. recognizing that it was not his own to treat as he liked, but that it still belonged to him who had entrusted it to his care. The man had some special grace, but he never exercised it, never let it shine before men, or bring forth the fruit of good works.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the [servant]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

who had received
λαβὼν (labōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

one [talent]
ἓν (hen)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

went off,
ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

dug a hole
ὤρυξεν (ōryxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3736: To dig, dig out, excavate. Apparently a primary verb; to 'burrow' in the ground, i.e. Dig.

in the ground,
γῆν (gēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

hid
ἔκρυψεν (ekrypsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2928: To hide, conceal, lay up. A primary verb; to conceal.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

master’s
κυρίου (kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

money.
ἀργύριον (argyrion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 694: Neuter of a presumed derivative of arguros; silvery, i.e. cash; specially, a silverling.


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