Matthew 25:26
New International Version
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

New Living Translation
“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate,

English Standard Version
But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?

Berean Standard Bible
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.

Berean Literal Bible
And his master answering, said to him, 'Wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather from where I did not scatter.

King James Bible
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

New King James Version
“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.

New American Standard Bible
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed?

NASB 1995
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.

NASB 1977
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I scattered no seed.

Legacy Standard Bible
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.

Amplified Bible
“But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed.

Christian Standard Bible
“His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“But his master replied to him, You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered,

American Standard Version
But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;

Contemporary English Version
The master of the servant told him, "You are lazy and good-for-nothing! You know I harvest what I don't plant and gather crops where I haven't scattered seed.

English Revised Version
But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"His master responded, 'You evil and lazy servant! If you knew that I harvest where I haven't planted and gather where I haven't scattered,

Good News Translation
'You bad and lazy servant!' his master said. 'You knew, did you, that I reap harvests where I did not plant, and gather crops where I did not scatter seed?

International Standard Version
"His master answered him, 'You evil and lazy servant! So you knew that I harvested where I haven't planted and gathered where I haven't scattered any seed?

Majority Standard Bible
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.

NET Bible
But his master answered, 'Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn't sow and gather where I didn't scatter?

New Heart English Bible
"But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter.

Webster's Bible Translation
His lord answered and said to him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not strewed:

Weymouth New Testament
"'You wicked and slothful servant,' replied his master, 'did you know that I reap where I have not sown, and garner what I have not winnowed?

World English Bible
“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his lord answering said to him, Evil servant, and slothful, you had known that I reap where I did not sow, and I gather from where I did not scatter!

Berean Literal Bible
And his master answering, said to him, 'Wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather from where I did not scatter.

Young's Literal Translation
'And his lord answering said to him, Evil servant, and slothful, thou hadst known that I reap where I did not sow, and I gather whence I did not scatter!

Smith's Literal Translation
And his lord having answered, said to him, O evil and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I scattered not:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not strewed:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But his lord said to him in response: ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.

New American Bible
His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?

New Revised Standard Version
But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
His lord answered and said to him, O wicked and lazy servant, you knew me that I reap where I did not sow, and I gather where I did not scatter.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
His master answered and said to him, “You evil and lazy servant; you knew that I reaped where I had not sown, and I gathered from where I have not threshed.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
His lord answered and said to him: Wicked and slothful servant; did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter?

Godbey New Testament
And his Lord responding said to him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, didst thou know that I gather where I have not sown, and reap where I have not strewn?

Haweis New Testament
Then his master answering said to him, Thou wicked and idle slave, thou knewest that I reap whence I had not sown, and gather where I had not scattered:

Mace New Testament
his lord answered and said unto him, thou vile slothful wretch, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scatter'd:

Weymouth New Testament
"'You wicked and slothful servant,' replied his master, 'did you know that I reap where I have not sown, and garner what I have not winnowed?

Worrell New Testament
But his lord, answering, said to him, 'Wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter.

Worsley New Testament
but his lord answered and said to him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Talents
25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ 26‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.…

Cross References
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?

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. ...

James 2:17
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Proverbs 10:4
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,

Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.


Treasury of Scripture

His lord answered and said to him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed:

Thou.

Matthew 18:32
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Job 15:5,6
For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty…

Jump to Previous
Bad Bondman Evil Garner Gather Grain Hadst Knewest Lazy Master Profits Reap Scatter Scattered Servant Slave Slothful Sow Sowed Sown Strawed Strewed Wicked Winnowed Work
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Bad Bondman Evil Garner Gather Grain Hadst Knewest Lazy Master Profits Reap Scatter Scattered Servant Slave Slothful Sow Sowed Sown Strawed Strewed Wicked Winnowed Work
Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














You wicked, lazy servant!
The phrase "You wicked, lazy servant!" is a direct rebuke from the master in the parable of the talents. The Greek word for "wicked" is "ponēros," which implies not just moral evil but also a harmful or injurious nature. In the context of the parable, this servant's wickedness is not just inaction but a failure to fulfill his duty, which is harmful to the master's interests. The term "lazy" comes from the Greek "oknēros," meaning sluggish or idle. This highlights a spiritual lethargy, a failure to act with the diligence and responsibility expected of a servant of God. The rebuke serves as a warning against complacency in our spiritual lives, urging believers to actively engage in the work of the Kingdom.

replied his master
The "master" in this parable represents God or Christ, who entrusts His servants with responsibilities. The Greek word "kurios" is used here, which can mean lord or master, indicating authority and ownership. The master's reply is not just a personal reprimand but a divine judgment. This interaction underscores the accountability each believer has before God. The master’s response is a reminder that God expects us to use the gifts and opportunities He provides for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.

You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed
This statement reflects the master's expectations and the servant's understanding of his master's character. The phrase "reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed" suggests a divine sovereignty and authority over all creation. The Greek word for "reap" is "therizō," and "gather" is "synagō," both of which imply bringing in a harvest. This imagery is often used in Scripture to describe God's gathering of His people or the final judgment. The servant's acknowledgment of the master's ability to gather from where he has not directly invested indicates an understanding of God's omnipotence and the expectation that His servants will act in faith and diligence, even in challenging or uncertain circumstances. This serves as a call to believers to trust in God's provision and to be proactive in their stewardship of His gifts.

(26) Thou wicked and slothful servant.--The words of the master pierce below the false excuse, and reveal the faults which had eaten like a canker into the man's heart and soul.

Verse 26. - Thou wicked and slothful servant. In marked contrast with the commendation, "good and faithful," its vers, 21, 23. He was "wicked," in that he calumniated his master, who really seems to have been ready to acknowledge the least service done to him, and never looked for results beyond a man's ability and opportunities; and he was "slothful," in that he made no effort to improve the one talent entrusted to him. Thou knewest (ἤδεις), etc. Out of his own mouth he judges him (Luke 19:22). He repeats the slave's words, in which he expressed his notion of his lord's character and practice, and deduces therefrom the inconsistency of his action, without deigning to defend himself from the calumny, except, perhaps, by the use of ἤδεις, which gives a hypothetical notion to the assumed knowledge. "You knew, you say." Some editors place a mark of interrogation at the end of the clause, which seems unnecessary.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
‘You wicked,
Πονηρὲ (Ponēre)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.

lazy
ὀκνηρέ (oknēre)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3636: Slothful, backward, hesitating; of things: irksome. From okneo; tardy, i.e. Indolent; irksome.

servant!’
δοῦλε (doule)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

replied
Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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

‘You knew
ᾔδεις (ēdeis)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

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

I reap
θερίζω (therizō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person 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.

I have not sown
ἔσπειρα (espeira)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st 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.

gather
συνάγω (synagō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person 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.

I have not scattered seed.
διεσκόρπισα (dieskorpisa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st 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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Matthew 25:25
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