Matthew 25:18 Meaning and Explanation
“But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The servant with one talent digs a hole and buries the money of his lord in the ground.
What Does Matthew 25:18 Mean?
The word but turns the story. The third servant also went — but to dig, not to trade. Burying valuables was a recognized way of keeping them safe; nothing is stolen and nothing is squandered. He simply takes the trust of his lord and puts it where it can do nothing at all.
The parable names a quiet sin: not evil done, but good left undone — gifts interred under fear and caution. A buried talent stays safe, and stays barren. Whatever we decline to use in the service of God, we are in effect hiding from him. The verse invites an honest inventory: what has he handed me that is presently underground?
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 25:18
What does Matthew 25:18 mean?
The servant with one talent digs a hole and buries the money of his lord in the ground.