Matthew 25:24 Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, 'Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

◄ Matthew 25:24 ►

New International Version
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

New Living Translation
“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.

English Standard Version
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,

Berean Standard Bible
Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

Berean Literal Bible
And the one having received the one talent, having come, also said, 'Master, I knew you, that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering from where you did not scatter.

King James Bible
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

New King James Version
“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

New American Standard Bible
“Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed.

NASB 1995
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.

NASB 1977
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.

Amplified Bible
“The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed.

Christian Standard Bible
“The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed.

American Standard Version
And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter;

Contemporary English Version
The servant who had been given 1,000 coins then came in and said, "Sir, I know that you are hard to work for. You harvest what you don't plant and gather crops where you haven't scattered seed.

English Revised Version
And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Then the one who received two thousand dollars came and said, 'Sir, I knew that you are a hard person to please. You harvest where you haven't planted and gather where you haven't scattered any seeds.

Good News Translation
Then the servant who had received one thousand coins came in and said, 'Sir, I know you are a hard man; you reap harvests where you did not plant, and you gather crops where you did not scatter seed.

International Standard Version
"Then the one who had received one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you haven't planted and gathering where you haven't scattered any seed.

Majority Standard Bible
Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ?Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

NET Bible
Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, 'Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed,

New Heart English Bible
"He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he who had received the one talent came, and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed:

Weymouth New Testament
"But, next, the man who had the one talent in his keeping came and said, "'Sir, I knew you to be a severe man, reaping where you had not sown and garnering what you had not winnowed.

World English Bible
“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And he also who has received the one talent, having come, said, Lord, I knew you, that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering from where you did not scatter;

Berean Literal Bible
And the one having received the one talent, having come, also said, 'Master, I knew you, that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering from where you did not scatter.

Young's Literal Translation
'And he also who hath received the one talent having come, said, Sir, I knew thee, that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering from whence thou didst not scatter;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he also having received one talent, having come near, said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou sowedst not, and gathering where thou scatteredst not:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know that thou art a hard man; thou reapest where thou hast not sown, and gatherest where thou hast not strewed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: ‘Lord, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not scattered.

New American Bible
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter;

New Revised Standard Version
Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the one who received one talent also came up, and he said, My lord, I knew that you are a hard man, and you reap where you did not sow, and gather where you did not scatter.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He also who had received one talent came, and he said, “My lord, I had known you that you are a hard man, and that you reap where you have not sown and that you gather from where you have not threshed,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But he that had received the one talent came, and said: Lord, I knew you, that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter.

Godbey New Testament
And the one having received one talent also coming, said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewn:

Haweis New Testament
Then came also he that had received the one talent, and said, Sir, knowing thee, that thou art a severe man, reaping where thou hast not sowed, and gathering from whence thou hast not scattered:

Mace New Testament
then came he who had received the one talent, and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered:

Weymouth New Testament
"But, next, the man who had the one talent in his keeping came and said, "'Sir, I knew you to be a severe man, reaping where you had not sown and garnering what you had not winnowed.

Worrell New Testament
And he who received the one talent, coming near said, 'Lord, I knew you, that you are a hard man; reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter;

Worsley New Testament
And he also who received the one talent came to him and said, Sir, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou sowedst not, and gathering where thou hast not strewed;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Parable of the Talents
…23His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ 24Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Luke 19:21
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.’

Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Luke 19:22
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?

James 2:17-18
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

Matthew 7:19
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Romans 14:12
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

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.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Proverbs 26:13
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

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. ...

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.

Ezekiel 18:25
Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

Treasury of Scripture

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strewed:

he which.

Lord.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

I knew.

Matthew 20:12
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Job 21:14,15
Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways…

Isaiah 58:3
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

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Matthew 25

1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.

Berean Study Bible

Then the servant
This phrase introduces the third servant in the parable of the talents. The Greek word for "servant" is "δοῦλος" (doulos), which means a bond-servant or slave. In the context of the parable, it represents those who are entrusted with responsibilities in the kingdom of God. Historically, servants in biblical times were often entrusted with significant responsibilities, reflecting the trust and authority given to believers by God.

who had received the one talent
The "talent" here is a large sum of money, representing the gifts, abilities, and opportunities God gives to each person. The Greek word "τάλαντον" (talanton) was a measure of weight and value, indicating something of great worth. This highlights the responsibility each believer has to use their God-given resources wisely, regardless of the amount.

came and said
This phrase indicates the servant's approach to the master, symbolizing the accountability each person will have before God. The act of coming and speaking reflects the moment of judgment and the need for honesty and transparency in our relationship with God.

Master
The Greek word "κύριος" (kyrios) is used here, meaning lord or master. It signifies authority and ownership, reminding us of God's sovereignty over our lives. In the parable, the master represents Christ, who will return to assess how we have managed what He has entrusted to us.

I knew that you are a hard man
The servant's perception of the master as "hard" (Greek: "σκληρός," sklēros) suggests a misunderstanding of the master's character. This reflects a lack of faith and trust in God's goodness and grace. Historically, this perception could stem from a fear-based relationship rather than one of love and trust.

harvesting where you have not sown
This phrase implies an expectation of results without direct input, highlighting the servant's view of the master as demanding. In a spiritual context, it challenges believers to recognize God's sovereignty and the mysterious ways He works beyond human understanding.

and gathering where you have not scattered seed
Similar to the previous phrase, this suggests an expectation of reaping benefits without visible effort. It underscores the servant's skewed perception of the master's expectations. Spiritually, it calls believers to trust in God's providence and to be diligent in their stewardship, knowing that God can bring forth fruit in unexpected ways.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) I knew thee that thou art an hard man.--The word "hard" points to stiffness of character--St. Luke's "austere," to harshness and bitterness. Was the plea an after-thought, put forward as an excuse for what had been originally sloth pure and simple? On that view, the lesson taught is that neglect of loyal service leads before long to disloyal thoughts. But it may have been our Lord's intention to represent the slothful servant as having all along cherished the thought which he now pleads in his defence. That had been at the root of his neglect. The eye sees only so far as it brings with it the power to see, and therefore he had never seen in his master either generous love or justice in rewarding. The proverb, "One soweth, another reapeth" (John 4:37), taken on its darker and more worldly side, seemed to him the rule of his master's conduct. So in the souls of men there springs up at times the thought that all the anomalies of earthly rule are found in that of God, that He too is arbitrary, vindictive, pitiless, like earthly kings; and that thought, as it kills love, so it paralyses the energy which depends on love. So, we may believe, following the thought already thrown out, the heart of the Traitor was full of envy and bitterness because he stood so low in the company of the Twelve, and thought hardly of his Master because He thus dealt with him and yet looked for faithful service.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 24. - He which had received the one talent. The rest of the parable is concerned with the case of this unprofitable servant. Usually, those who have most privileges neglect or misuse them or some of them; here the man apparently least favoured is taken as the type of the useless and wicked disciple, because his task was easiest, his responsibility less, his neglect most inexcusable. He has heard the words of his two fellow servants, and the great reward which their faithful service has received; he comes with no joy and confidence to render his account; he feels fully how unsatisfactory it is, and beans at once to defend his conduct by proclaiming his view of his lord's character. I know thee that thou art an hard (σκληρὸς) man. He chooses to conceive of his lord as harsh, stern, churlish in nature, one without love, who taxes men above their powers, and makes no allowance for imperfect service, however honest. He dares to call this impudent fiction knowledge. Thus men regard God, not as he is, but according to their own perverted views; they read their own character into their conception of him; as the Lord says, in Psalm 50:21, "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." Reaping where thou hast not sown (thou sowedst not), and gathering where thou hast not strawed (ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας, whence thou scatteredst not). This is a proverbial saying, implying a desire of obtaining results without sufficient means. The last verb is interpreted either of sowing or winnowing; the latter seems to be correct here, thus avoiding tautology. It is used by the Septuagint in this sense in Ezekiel 5:2, as the rendering of the Hebrew verb zarah (Edersheim). So the phrase here signifies gathering corn from a floor where thou didst not winnow. The slave virtually brings a twofold charge against his master, viz. that he enriched himself by others' toil; and that he expected gain from quarters where he had bestowed no labour.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

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

the [servant]
ὁ (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
εἰληφὼς (eilēphōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

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

talent
τάλαντον (talanton)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5007: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. a certain weight or 'talent'.

came
Προσελθὼν (Proselthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

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

said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

‘Master,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

I knew
ἔγνων (egnōn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a hard
σκληρὸς (sklēros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4642: Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough.

man,
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

reaping
θερίζων (therizōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2325: To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

you have not sown,
ἔσπειρας (espeiras)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4687: To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.

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

gathering
συνάγων (synagōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.

where
ὅθεν (hothen)
Conjunction
Strong's 3606: From hos with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause.

you have not scattered seed.
διεσκόρπισας (dieskorpisas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1287: From dia and skorpizo; to dissipate, i.e. to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander.

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NT Gospels: Matthew 25:24 He also who had received the one (Matt. Mat Mt)