New Testament
Matthew 25:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the servant who received 1 talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried his master's money.
Compare translations
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
What Matthew 25:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a servant who was given one talent, which was a significant amount of money in biblical times. Instead of using it wisely or investing it to grow his master's wealth, he chose to bury it in the ground. This action reflects a lack of initiative and fear of taking risks. The servant may have been worried about losing the money or displeasing his master, but by doing nothing, he ultimately failed to fulfill his responsibility. This story illustrates the importance of using our gifts and resources wisely, rather than letting fear hold us back. It serves as a reminder that we are called to be good stewards of what we have been given, actively working to make the most of our opportunities rather than hiding them away.
How to apply Matthew 25:18 to your life
We should not let fear prevent us from using our talents and resources. Instead of hiding our abilities, we should seek opportunities to grow and invest them wisely. Taking risks can lead to growth and fulfillment of our potential.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 25:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 25:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 25:18 mean?
Matthew 25:18 describes a servant who received one talent but chose to bury it instead of using it wisely. This reflects a failure to take initiative and a fear of risk, emphasizing the importance of being responsible with what we are given.
What is the meaning of the talent in Matthew 25:18?
In Matthew 25:18, a talent represents a significant amount of money or resources. It symbolizes the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to individuals, highlighting the expectation to use them wisely.
How does Matthew 25:18 relate to stewardship?
Matthew 25:18 emphasizes stewardship by showing that we are accountable for how we manage our resources. The servant's choice to hide his talent instead of investing it demonstrates poor stewardship.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 25:18?
The lesson from Matthew 25:18 is to not let fear prevent us from using our talents. It encourages us to take risks and actively engage with our abilities to fulfill our potential.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.