Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 25:27

"thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest." — Matthew 25:27 (ASV)

You ought to have put my money to the exchangers—literally, table or counter-keepers, just as bankers were originally those who sat at their bancum, or bench. These were the bankers referred to in the note on Matthew 25:14. In that case, if the servant had been honestly aware of his own lack of ability, there would have been at least some interest allowed on the deposit.

Usury—It is better translated as interest, since the word did not necessarily imply, as "usury" does today, anything illegal or exorbitant. The question of what “giving to the exchangers” represents in the parable’s interpretation is, as has been said, similar to the question about the meaning of “them that sell” in the wise virgins’ answer in Matthew 25:9. Whatever organization the Church possesses for using opportunities that individuals fail to act on can be seen as similar to the banking system of the ancient world. When people in the Middle Ages gave to a cathedral or a college, or when they subscribe generously to hospitals or missions today—doing this and nothing more—they are “giving their money to the exchangers.” It is not as acceptable an offering as willing and active service, but if it is honestly and humbly given, the giver will not lose his reward.