Lexical Summary talanton: Talent Original Word: τάλαντον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance talent. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao (to bear; equivalent to phero); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent" -- talent. see GREEK phero HELPS Word-studies 5007 tálanton – a silver talent, worth about 6,000 denarii (gold talents were worth about 30 times as much). A talent was not a coin but rather a weight (about 75 lbs, NIVSB) used as the basis of monetary exchange. ["A talent refers to a talent-weight of silver (the weight and the value being different in different countries and at different times). A common value of a talent was 6000 denarii" (Souter).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root Definition a balance, hence that which is weighed, i.e. a talent (about 3000 shekels in weight, cf. NH3603) NASB Translation talent (3), talents (11). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5007: τάλαντοντάλαντον, ταλάντου, τό (ΤΑΛΑΩ, ΤΛΑΩ (to bear)); 1. the scale of a balance, a balance, a pair of scales (Homer). 2. that which is weighed, a talent, i. e. a. a weight, varying in different places and times. b. a sum of money weighing a talent and varying in different states and according to the changes in the laws regulating the currency; the Attic talent was equal to 60 Attic minae or 6,000 drachmae, and worth about 200 pounds sterling or 1,000 dollars (cf. Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2 b.). But in the N. T. probably the Syrian talent is referred to, which was equal to about 237 dollars (but see BB. DD., under the word A τάλαντον was a substantial weight and, by extension, a unit of currency in the Greco-Roman world. In the first century it represented a figure so large that most listeners had no personal experience handling it. Within the Gospels the word functions symbolically, evoking a sense of vast responsibility or debt rather than encouraging precise calculation. Old Testament Background Hebrew Scripture often speaks of large sums in silver or gold weighed out (for example, Exodus 38:24–26). The Septuagint regularly renders the underlying Hebrew weight “kikkar” with τάλαντον, preparing Jewish audiences for the New Testament usage that ties enormous wealth to covenant accountability. Occurrences in the New Testament The term appears fourteen times, exclusively in Matthew. Theological Significance Stewardship and Accountability The talents in Matthew 25 symbolize all resources God entrusts—spiritual gifts, opportunities, wealth, influence, time. The commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21), makes faithfulness the central criterion, urging believers to labor diligently until the Master’s return. Grace and Forgiveness In Matthew 18 the talent functions inversely: its staggering total magnifies the grace shown by the king, underscoring Jesus’ call to forgive “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). The word therefore carries a dual lesson: boundless mercy received should inspire boundless mercy given. Eschatological Warning Matthew 25 places τάλαντα within an eschatological discourse. The final audit of each servant’s management anticipates the judgment of “the Son of Man coming in His glory” (Matthew 25:31). Failure to invest what God supplies leads to loss and exclusion—“Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness” (Matthew 25:30). Christological Focus Both parables reveal facets of the King‐Messiah. He pardons impossibly large debts and later appears as the returning Lord who rewards or condemns. The talents thus direct attention to Christ’s exclusive authority over forgiveness and final judgment. Applications for Ministry Personal Discipleship Believers cultivate their God-given abilities, remembering that even one talent is significant when viewed as divine trust. Spiritual lethargy resembles the third servant’s ground-burying fear; holy diligence mirrors the first two servants’ immediate action. Church Leadership Pastors and elders promote an environment where gifts are discovered and deployed (Ephesians 4:11-16). The parable supports training, mentoring, and sending workers rather than consolidating resources in the hands of a few. Missions and Generosity Since the talent denotes vast wealth, its usage encourages sacrificial giving and strategic investment in Gospel advance. Ministries are evaluated not merely by growth metrics but by faithfulness to the Master’s commission. Counsel and Forgiveness Matthew 18 integrates the talent into the process of reconciliation. Counselors urge the forgiven to extend the same measure of grace to offenders, reflecting the incalculable remittance they themselves enjoy. Historical Interpretation Early Church Fathers such as Chrysostom stressed diligence and fearlessness in using talents for the benefit of others. Medieval commentators broadened the term to include Scripture knowledge and ecclesial authority. Reformation teachers reapplied the parable to vocational faithfulness, affirming that all legitimate labor can honor Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 5007, τάλαντον, embodies both the magnitude of divine grace and the weight of human responsibility. Whether picturing an unpayable debt canceled or resources entrusted for Kingdom advancement, the term invites every generation to receive mercy and to labor faithfully until the Lord settles accounts. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:24 N-GNPGRK: ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων NAS: him ten thousand talents was brought KJV: him ten thousand talents. INT: a debtor of ten thousand talents Matthew 25:15 N-ANP Matthew 25:16 N-ANP Matthew 25:20 N-ANP Matthew 25:20 N-ANP Matthew 25:20 N-ANP Matthew 25:20 N-ANP Matthew 25:22 N-ANP Matthew 25:22 N-ANP Matthew 25:22 N-ANP Matthew 25:24 N-ANS Matthew 25:25 N-ANS Matthew 25:28 N-ANS Matthew 25:28 N-ANP Strong's Greek 5007 |
    |