Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:29

"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away." — Matthew 25:29 (ASV)

The talent entrusted to this wicked servant is taken from him, and the relationship between master and servant is severed. The talent is given to the man who now has ten talents, following the kingdom rule Jesus had already taught in 13:12. The wicked servant is “worthless,” for to fail to do good and use what God has entrusted to us is grievous sin, which results not only in the loss of neglected resources but in rejection by the master, banishment from his presence, and tears and grinding of teeth.

The parable insists that the watchfulness that must mark all Jesus’ disciples may not lead to passivity but to doing one’s duty, to growing and developing the resources God entrusts to us, until “after a long time” (v.19) the master returns and settles accounts.