Matthew 25:14

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Matthew 25:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For [the kingdom of heaven] is as a man travelling, etc.] Our Lord adds another parable to illustrate the Gospel dispensation, or its visible church state; or the state of things respecting the church of Christ, before, and at his second coming, and during the interval between his ascension and that: for by the man here, is meant Christ, who in the everlasting covenant agreed to become man, was prophesied of as such, frequently appeared in human form, under the Old Testament dispensation; and in the fulness of time, really became man; though he was not a mere man, but was God as well as man; having all the perfections and fulness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him: this man is said to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the kingdom of heaven ... - The “parable of the talents” was spoken still further to illustrate the manner in which he would deal with people at his return to judgment. The words “the kingdom, of heaven” are not in the original, but are very properly inserted by the translators. The design of the parable is to teach that those who improve their talents or faculties in the cause of religion who improve them to their own salvation and in doing good to others shall be proportionally rewarded; but they who neglect their talents, and who neither secure their own salvation nor do good to others, will be punished. The kingdom of heaven is like such a man - that is, “God deals with people in his…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Our Lord proceeds by a parable still plainer (if that can be) to declare the final reward of a harmless man. May God give all such in this their day, ears to hear and hearts to understand it! The kingdom of heaven - That is, the King of heaven, Christ. Mar 13:34; Luk 19:12. Matthew 25:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:14-30 This parable teaches that the Lord expects his servants to be faithful to the task given to them while waiting for his return. The delay of Christ’s return will cause some to turn to evil deeds (24:48-49), some to inactivity (25:3), and some to fearful passivity (25:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“as: Mat 21:33; Mar 13:34; Luk 19:12, Luk 19:13, Luk 20:9 and delivered: Luk 16:1-12; Rom 12:6-8; Co1 3:5, Co1 4:1, Co1 4:2, Co1 12:4, 7-29; Eph 4:11; Pe1 4:9-11 Matthew 25:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification