But he that had received the one, going his way, digged into the earth and hid his lord's money.
ο δε το εν λαβων απελθων ωρυξεν εν τη γη και απεκρυψεν το αργυριον του κυριου αυτου
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In contrast, the individual who hides his talent in the soil is primarily focused on his own gain rather than the well-being of others, and he will face condemnation. Even when you encounter a person who is talented and fervent yet employs his abilities for wicked purposes, selfish gain, deception, and indulgence, view him as someone who has concealed his gift in the ground, specifically within worldly pursuits.
Likewise, anyone who does not bring forth a return on their talents will find that, like a fruitless field, their gift is taken away. The land he described as having ‘hidden it’ is likened to a land that produces no fruit. The Lord expressed disapproval not towards the servant who received five talents, to prevent the claim that ‘He has imposed an unreasonable burden upon us.’ Rather, it was the servant noted for receiving one talent, ensuring that the one with five talents would be admonished by the one with only one.
The servant who was entrusted with one talent buried it in the earth, concealing his master's money. The unfaithful servant, distracted by worldly concerns and the desires of this present age, disregarded God's commandments and sullied them. Another evangelist notes that he wrapped it in a cloth (Luke 19:20), which signifies how he squandered the teachings of his Master, living his life in idleness and excess.
In the depths, comprehend him; within himself, he has concealed the purpose for action, ensuring that he has brought no advantage to himself or to others.
The individual who was entrusted with one talent went and concealed it beneath the earth, hiding his master's wealth. To bury a talent signifies focusing one's skills on worldly pursuits rather than seeking spiritual benefit, thus neglecting the heart's inclination toward higher matters. Some have been blessed with the gift of discernment, yet they only recognize what is of the flesh. Concerning them, the prophet observes that they are wise in wrongdoing, but lack understanding in pursuing righteousness (Jeremiah 4:22).
What is the talent that the Lord declares will be taken from the unfaithful servant at the end and entrusted to the one who has rightly managed the five talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? Some propose that this talent symbolizes the Holy Spirit, which is bestowed through the Sacrament of Baptism. However, it can be argued that the one who was entrusted with the five talents also possessed the Holy Spirit and therefore did not require an additional gift of the Holy Spirit. Generally speaking, this parable illustrates that God sometimes bestows certain gifts of healing and the ability to teach from the divinely inspired Scriptures upon unworthy individuals and even outsiders. The intention may be that they, realizing the generosity of the giver, will aspire toward virtue.
Yet, some, being deceitful and failing to grasp God’s providence, mistakenly believe themselves to be righteous, thinking the gifts were given because of their own virtue. Blinded by their arrogance, they face eternal separation in the afterlife, having lost such gifts.
Notes: Some distant parallels to this interpretation can be seen in the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, who, while explaining John 15:2, notes that those who are not humble yet possess gifts may ultimately face their own demise. He asserts that those severed and rejected become useless and are destined for the fire. It becomes evident that even if one has once embraced faith in Christ after rejecting polytheism, the absence of true fellowship with Him through one’s deeds could lead to a fate similar to those unworthy branches. It follows that they would be completely cut off, lacking the life-giving sustenance they had drawn from the vine. The consequences of burying one’s talent, as stated by Christ, are evident even in those who are severed entirely, for as the talent is removed, so too is the Spirit taken from the branch, represented in its lack of essential qualities.
Action reflects communication, while burying talents indicates neglect. The one who has been bestowed the gift of wisdom and actively shares the Gospel, interprets the Holy Scriptures, calls out to the unfaithful, authors beneficial texts, and imparts enlightening teachings, expands his talent. Conversely, someone who, despite being wise, speaks less in teaching and writes minimally for the benefit of others effectively buries the talent of wisdom. The phrases “make the other five talents” and “acquire the other two” illustrate the enhancement of earthly blessings and the addition of heavenly honor.
A wise individual, through the dissemination of good deeds, cultivates more wise individuals; an artist by articulating the principles of his craft fosters new artists; a wealthy person, by sharing his riches, inspires prosperity in others. For those who amplify their gifts, glory and crowns await them in heaven as a reward for their increase.
A righteous God does not require anything unreasonable or unattainable from humanity; He has bestowed upon individuals various gifts and resources to fulfill His purposes, and He will not demand much from those to whom He has given little. However, when we seek God’s mercy, we must not excuse our inaction by citing our lack of material wealth or unique talents possessed by others. If you have received little, your accountability will be minimal, yet you will still be responsible if you stand before the Judgment with no good works, however small they may be.
The poor widow, with only two coins to her name, did not allow her poverty to deter her; she contributed everything she possessed to the temple treasury, and as Jesus noted, she offered more than all the wealthy, for in her small acts she amassed a treasure of righteous deeds that would unlock the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven.
These ideas are well illustrated in the parable of the talents. In ancient times, a talent was the largest unit of currency. In this parable, talents symbolize the spiritual gifts and material blessings that God grants to individuals—essentially, all that has been entrusted to them, which they must utilize not solely for their benefit but also for others.
A wealthy man preparing for a journey entrusted the management of his estate to his servants. Knowing each servant’s abilities, he allocated five talents to one, two to another, and one to a third. He then departed for his travels. The servants with five and two talents invested them wisely and doubled their master's wealth by the time of his return. In contrast, the servant who received one talent believed he had been given too little compared to the others. Feeling that there was little point in risking such a small sum and fearing his master’s strictness, he took no action and instead buried the talent in the ground.
Upon the master’s long-awaited return, he sought an account from his servants. The one who had received five talents approached and said, “You entrusted me with five talents, and I have gained five more.” The master commendably acknowledged him as a good and faithful servant, promised a grand reward, and welcomed him into his joy. Similarly, the servant who had received two talents reported that he had also doubled his investment, receiving equal praise and recompense as the first servant.
However, there are also servants who are slothful and indifferent. Thus, the servant who was entrusted with one talent chose to bury it in the soil, concealing his master’s silver. Individuals resembling this servant often show little regard for their worth or responsibilities. Consequently, they truly bury the gifts that have been entrusted to them.
The phrase "He buried him in the ground" serves as a metaphor for individuals who disregard the blessings given to them. Often, they justify their actions by stating they lack a significant role in society, possess limited talents and resources, or feel incapable of making contributions. However, the Lord does not expect those with fewer resources to match the contributions of the affluent. Additionally, the humble position one holds in society is inherently honorable, and even those in lowly circumstances can perform great deeds (see 2 Cor. 12:11-31). It is a misconception that neglect of one's gifts and resources is exclusive to the less fortunate; in reality, those who are wealthy also fail to utilize their blessings accordingly. Conversely, individuals with modest means may sometimes use their resources for the good of themselves and others, thereby bringing glory to God.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 15 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS