Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 25ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΘΘΑΙΟΝ ΚΕ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Τότε ὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν δέκα παρθένοις, αἵτινες λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν τοῦ νυμφίου.

Then the kingdom of heaven will be likened to ten virgins who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the bridegroom.

Parable openingΤότεThe first of three eschatological pictures: the kingdom compared to ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom's procession.
Τότεthentemporal adverb (transition)τότε: 'then, at that time'; Matthew's favorite connective, here linking the parable to the parousia of ch. 24.
ὁμοιωθήσεταιwill be likenedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ὁμοιόωmain verb→ predictive futureὁμοιόω: 'make like, compare'; the passive 'will be likened' introduces a kingdom-parable comparison.
theNominativearticle
βασιλείαkingdomNominativesubjectβασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign'; God's eschatological rule, the discourse's governing theme.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
οὐρανῶνheavensGenitiveattributive genitive (Matthean periphrasis for God)οὐρανός: 'heaven'; the plural 'kingdom of the heavens' is Matthew's reverent circumlocution for 'kingdom of God.'
δέκαtenDativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)δέκα: 'ten'; indeclinable cardinal, here agreeing in sense with παρθένοις.
παρθένοιςvirginsDativedative of comparison (object of ὁμοιωθήσεται)παρθένος: 'virgin, maiden'; the bridal attendants who light the groom's evening procession.
αἵτινεςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐξῆλθον)ὅστις: indefinite relative, 'who, of the kind that'; here nearly equivalent to the simple relative.
λαβοῦσαιhaving takenAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · λαμβάνωcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; the taking of lamps precedes the going-out.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
λαμπάδαςlamps/torchesAccusativedirect object of λαβοῦσαιλαμπάς: 'lamp, torch'; likely oil-fed torches for a night procession, requiring replenishment.
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive genitive of possessionἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'their own'; stresses each virgin's personal responsibility for her lamp.
ἐξῆλθονwent outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out, come out'; they leave to meet the bridegroom's arrival.
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (purpose)
ὑπάντησινa meetingAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ὑπάντησις: 'meeting'; εἰς ὑπάντησιν = idiom 'to meet,' of a formal reception of an arriving dignitary (cf. 1 Thess 4:17).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
νυμφίουbridegroomGenitiveobjective genitive (whom they meet)νυμφίος: 'bridegroom'; in the parable a figure for the returning Christ (cf. 9:15).
2

πέντε δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἦσαν μωραὶ καὶ πέντε φρόνιμοι.

Five of them were foolish and five wise.

CharacterizationδὲThe decisive split: the ten divide evenly into foolish and prudent, the parable's whole point hanging on this contrast.
πέντεfiveNominativesubject (indeclinable numeral)πέντε: 'five'; indeclinable cardinal.
δὲand/nowdevelopmental conjunction
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivepartitive genitive
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
μωραὶfoolishNominativepredicate nominativeμωρός: 'foolish, dull' (cf. 'moron'); in Matthew the fool who fails to act on what is known (cf. 7:26).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πέντεfiveNominativesubject (indeclinable numeral)
φρόνιμοιwise/prudentNominativepredicate nominativeφρόνιμος: 'prudent, sensible'; practical wisdom that prepares for what is coming (cf. 7:24, 24:45).
3

αἱ γὰρ μωραὶ λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ' ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον.

For the foolish, taking their lamps, took no oil with them,

ExplanationγὰρThe ground of the labels: 'foolish' is cashed out as taking lamps but no reserve oil — readiness without provision.
αἱtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
μωραὶfoolishNominativesubject (substantival adj.)μωρός: 'foolish'; here as substantive, 'the foolish ones.'
λαβοῦσαιhaving takenAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · λαμβάνωconcessive/circumstantial ptc.→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; they did take lamps — but, the verse stresses, no oil.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
λαμπάδαςlampsAccusativedirect object of λαβοῦσαι
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔλαβονtookAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; the negated main verb — the fatal omission.
μεθ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
ἑαυτῶνthemselvesGenitivereflexive genitive (accompaniment)
ἔλαιονoilAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβονἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; the lamp-fuel, the parable's symbol of the perseverance/preparedness one cannot borrow.
4

αἱ δὲ φρόνιμοι ἔλαβον ἔλαιον ἐν τοῖς ἀγγείοις μετὰ τῶν λαμπάδων ἑαυτῶν.

but the wise took oil in their flasks with their lamps.

ContrastδὲThe answering half: the prudent carry reserve oil in vessels — foresight that the parable commends.
αἱtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
φρόνιμοιwiseNominativesubject (substantival adj.)φρόνιμος: 'prudent'; the substantive 'the prudent ones.'
ἔλαβονtookAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb→ constative aorist
ἔλαιονoilAccusativedirect objectἔλαιον: 'oil'; the very provision the foolish lacked.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ἀγγείοιςvessels/flasksDativedative of place (container)ἀγγεῖον: 'vessel, container'; the separate oil-flasks marking forethought.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
λαμπάδωνlampsGenitiveobject of μετά
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive genitive of possession
5

χρονίζοντος δὲ τοῦ νυμφίου ἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι καὶ ἐκάθευδον.

Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and slept.

ComplicationδὲThe bridegroom's delay — the parable's pivot — overtakes wise and foolish alike; sleep itself is no fault, only unpreparedness.
χρονίζοντοςdelayingPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · χρονίζωgenitive absolute (temporal)→ progressive presentχρονίζω: 'take time, delay, tarry'; the bridegroom's delay images the unforeseen interval before the parousia.
δὲnowdevelopmental conjunction
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
νυμφίουbridegroomGenitivesubject of gen. absoluteνυμφίος: 'bridegroom'; the delayed one.
ἐνύσταξανthey grew drowsyAor Act Indic 3 Pl · νυστάζωmain verb→ ingressive aoristνυστάζω: 'nod off, become drowsy'; the ingressive aorist marks the onset of sleepiness.
πᾶσαιallNominativesubject (predicate adjective)πᾶς: 'all'; wise and foolish together — none stays awake.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκάθευδονwere sleepingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · καθεύδωmain verb→ progressive imperfectκαθεύδω: 'sleep'; the imperfect pictures the continued slumber after dozing off.
6

μέσης δὲ νυκτὸς κραυγὴ γέγονεν· Ἰδοὺ ὁ νυμφίος, ἐξέρχεσθε εἰς ἀπάντησιν αὐτοῦ.

But at midnight a cry arose: 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

CrisisδὲThe sudden midnight cry images the unannounced arrival of the parousia — the moment that exposes who is ready.
μέσηςmiddleGenitiveattributive adjective (gen. of time)μέσος: 'middle'; μέσης νυκτός = 'at midnight,' the deepest, least expected hour.
δὲbutadversative/developmental conjunction
νυκτὸςof nightGenitivegenitive of time (within which)νύξ: 'night'; the genitive marks the time within which the cry falls.
κραυγὴa cry/shoutNominativesubjectκραυγή: 'shout, outcry'; the herald's alarm announcing the arrival.
γέγονενarose/has comePerf Act Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ dramatic/aoristic perfectγίνομαι: 'come to be, happen'; the perfect here functions as a vivid narrative aorist ('a cry arose').
Ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (interjection)ἰδού: 'look! behold!'; frozen aorist imperative of ὁράω used as an attention-marker.
theNominativearticle
νυμφίοςbridegroomNominativesubject of implied verb (nominative of exclamation)νυμφίος: 'bridegroom'; 'here is the bridegroom!'
ἐξέρχεσθεcome outPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιimperative (command)→ imperative of urgencyἐξέρχομαι: 'go out'; the summons to the procession, demanding immediate readiness.
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (purpose)
ἀπάντησινa meetingAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ἀπάντησις: 'meeting'; synonym of ὑπάντησις (v.1), the formal going-out to receive the arriving one.
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobjective genitive
7

τότε ἠγέρθησαν πᾶσαι αἱ παρθένοι ἐκεῖναι καὶ ἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν.

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

ResponseτότεAll ten wake and ready their lamps — the common reaction that nonetheless exposes the difference between provision and lack.
τότεthentemporal adverb
ἠγέρθησανrose/wokeAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐγείρωmain verb→ ingressive aoristἐγείρω: 'raise'; passive 'were roused, woke up.'
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; again the whole ten respond.
αἱtheNominativearticle
παρθένοιvirginsNominativesubjectπαρθένος: 'virgin, maiden.'
ἐκεῖναιthoseNominativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that one'; the familiar 'those' of parable narration.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκόσμησανtrimmed/put in orderAor Act Indic 3 Pl · κοσμέωmain verb→ constative aoristκοσμέω: 'arrange, adorn, put in order'; here 'trim' a lamp — clip the wick, replenish the flame.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
λαμπάδαςlampsAccusativedirect object
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive genitive of possession
8

αἱ δὲ μωραὶ ταῖς φρονίμοις εἶπαν· Δότε ἡμῖν ἐκ τοῦ ἐλαίου ὑμῶν, ὅτι αἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται.

And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

Crisis exposedδὲThe lack surfaces at the worst moment: the foolish must beg oil they cannot supply — and, the parable insists, cannot borrow.
αἱtheNominativearticle
δὲanddevelopmental conjunction
μωραὶfoolishNominativesubject (substantival adj.)μωρός: 'foolish'; 'the foolish ones.'
ταῖςto theDativearticle
φρονίμοιςwiseDativeindirect object (addressees)φρόνιμος: 'prudent'; 'to the prudent ones.'
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say'; second-aorist stem εἶπ- with later -αν ending.
ΔότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιimperative (request)→ aorist imperative (urgent request)δίδωμι: 'give'; the desperate plea for what cannot be shared.
ἡμῖνusDativeindirect object
ἐκfrom/some ofpreposition + genitive (partitive)ἐκ: here partitive, 'some of' — the object of δότε is the partitive phrase.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἐλαίουoilGenitivepartitive genitive (object of δότε)ἔλαιον: 'oil'; the irreplaceable fuel.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
αἱtheNominativearticle
λαμπάδεςlampsNominativesubject
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
σβέννυνταιare going outPres Pass Indic 3 Pl · σβέννυμιmain verb (causal clause)→ progressive present (in process)σβέννυμι: 'quench, extinguish'; passive 'are being extinguished' — flickering out for lack of oil.
9

ἀπεκρίθησαν δὲ αἱ φρόνιμοι λέγουσαι· Μήποτε οὐ μὴ ἀρκέσῃ ἡμῖν καὶ ὑμῖν· πορεύεσθε μᾶλλον πρὸς τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράσατε ἑαυταῖς.

But the wise answered, saying, 'There may not be enough for us and you; go rather to the sellers and buy for yourselves.'

RefusalδὲNot selfishness but realism: the oil of personal readiness cannot stretch to cover another — each must obtain her own.
ἀπεκρίθησανansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer, reply'; deponent, passive form with active sense.
δὲbutdevelopmental conjunction
αἱtheNominativearticle
φρόνιμοιwiseNominativesubject (substantival adj.)φρόνιμος: 'prudent.'
λέγουσαιsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance (introduces speech)→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say'; the redundant 'answered, saying' is a Semitic narrative idiom.
Μήποτεlest perhaps / surely notnegative particle (apprehension)μήποτε: 'lest somehow'; here introducing a cautious denial — 'there might not be enough.'
οὐnotnegative (with μή = emphatic)
μὴnotnegative (οὐ μή = emphatic denial)οὐ μή: the strongest Greek negation, 'by no means' — with the subjunctive ἀρκέσῃ.
ἀρκέσῃit would sufficeAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀρκέωsubjunctive of emphatic denial→ constative aoristἀρκέω: 'be enough, suffice'; the shared oil would not stretch to ten lamps.
ἡμῖνfor usDativedative of advantage
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑμῖνfor youDativedative of advantage
πορεύεσθεgoPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · πορεύομαιimperative (advice)→ present imperativeπορεύομαι: 'go, proceed'; the prudent direct them to the proper source.
μᾶλλονrathercomparative adverbμᾶλλον: 'rather, instead'; the better course than begging.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
πωλοῦνταςsellersPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · πωλέωsubstantival participle (object of πρός)→ progressive present (habitual)πωλέω: 'sell'; 'those who sell,' the oil-merchants.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀγοράσατεbuyAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀγοράζωimperative (command)→ aorist imperativeἀγοράζω: 'buy in the marketplace' (ἀγορά); the oil must be procured personally.
ἑαυταῖςfor yourselvesDativereflexive dative of advantageἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'for yourselves' — the burden of preparation is non-transferable.
10

ἀπερχομένων δὲ αὐτῶν ἀγοράσαι ἦλθεν ὁ νυμφίος, καὶ αἱ ἕτοιμοι εἰσῆλθον μετ' αὐτοῦ εἰς τοὺς γάμους, καὶ ἐκλείσθη ἡ θύρα.

And while they were away buying, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.

ClimaxδὲThe decisive moment: the ready enter, the door shuts. Preparedness, not last-minute scrambling, determines admission.
ἀπερχομένωνgoing awayPres Mid Ptc · Gen Pl Fem · ἀπέρχομαιgenitive absolute (temporal)→ progressive present (concurrent)ἀπέρχομαι: 'go away, depart'; while they were off buying, the crucial moment came.
δὲand/nowdevelopmental conjunction
αὐτῶνtheyGenitivesubject of gen. absolute
ἀγοράσαιto buyAor Act Inf · ἀγοράζωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristἀγοράζω: 'buy'; the purpose of their absence.
ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the bridegroom arrives precisely while the foolish are away.
theNominativearticle
νυμφίοςbridegroomNominativesubjectνυμφίος: 'bridegroom.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
αἱtheNominativearticle (substantizes adj.)
ἕτοιμοιready onesNominativesubject (substantival adj.)ἕτοιμος: 'ready, prepared'; the key word — readiness, not lamps as such, is the criterion.
εἰσῆλθονwent inAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristεἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go in'; entrance to the feast = entrance to the kingdom (cf. v.21).
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of μετά
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
γάμουςwedding feastAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)γάμος: 'wedding, marriage feast'; the plural denotes the festal celebration — the messianic banquet (cf. 22:2).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκλείσθηwas shutAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · κλείωmain verb→ consummative aoristκλείω: 'shut, close'; the shut door — the irrevocable close of the day of grace.
theNominativearticle
θύραdoorNominativesubjectθύρα: 'door'; the closed door of the wedding hall (cf. Luke 13:25).
11

ὕστερον δὲ ἔρχονται καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ παρθένοι λέγουσαι· Κύριε κύριε, ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν.

Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us!'

Belated pleaδὲThe latecomers' doubled 'Lord, lord' echoes 7:21–22 — earnest address that comes too late and avails nothing without prior readiness.
ὕστερονafterward/latertemporal adverbὕστερον: 'later, afterward'; too late — after the door has shut.
δὲanddevelopmental conjunction
ἔρχονταιcomePres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (historic present)→ vivid historic presentἔρχομαι: 'come'; the present heightens the drama of their belated arrival.
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
αἱtheNominativearticle
λοιπαὶremaining/otherNominativeattributive adjectiveλοιπός: 'remaining, rest'; the other five, the foolish.
παρθένοιvirginsNominativesubjectπαρθένος: 'virgin.'
λέγουσαιsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεLord/sirVocativevocative of direct addressκύριος: 'lord, master, sir'; the doubled vocative is an urgent appeal (cf. 7:21).
κύριεlordVocativevocative (repeated for urgency)κύριος: the repetition intensifies the plea — desperate, but unavailing.
ἄνοιξονopenAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀνοίγωimperative (entreaty)→ aorist imperativeἀνοίγω: 'open'; they beg the shut door reopened.
ἡμῖνto usDativedative of advantage
12

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς.

But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'

VerdictδὲThe chilling refusal: 'I do not know you' (cf. 7:23) — relationship, not eleventh-hour effort, is what the shut door tests.
heNominativesubject (article as pronoun)ὁ δέ: 'but he' — the article used pronominally to mark the subject change.
δὲbutdevelopmental conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιptc. of attendant circumstance→ antecedent aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer'; the Semitic 'answering said' idiom.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say.'
Ἀμὴνtruly/amenasseverative particle (indeclinable Hebrew)ἀμήν: Hebrew 'truly, surely'; Jesus' solemn formula of authoritative assertion.
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ performative presentλέγω: 'say'; 'amen I say to you' introduces a weighty pronouncement.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
οὐκnotnegative particle
οἶδαI knowPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present sense (stative)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); 'I do not know you' = I have no relationship with you — the verdict of exclusion.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
13

Γρηγορεῖτε οὖν, ὅτι οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

ApplicationοὖνThe parable's punch line and the seam to the next: keep watch, since the timing is hidden — the refrain of the whole discourse (24:42, 44).
Γρηγορεῖτεwatch/keep awakePres Act Impv 2 Pl · γρηγορέωimperative (exhortation)→ present imperative (ongoing vigilance)γρηγορέω: 'be awake, watch, be alert'; the keyword summing the parable — not literal sleeplessness but constant readiness.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the lesson from the parable.
ὅτιfor/becausecausal conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb (causal clause)→ perfect with present senseοἶδα: 'know'; the hidden timing is the ground of perpetual watchfulness.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἡμέρανdayAccusativedirect objectἡμέρα: 'day'; the unknown day of the Son of Man's coming.
οὐδὲnornegative coordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὥρανhourAccusativedirect objectὥρα: 'hour, time'; 'neither day nor hour' — the comprehensive hiddenness of the timing.
14

Ὥσπερ γὰρ ἄνθρωπος ἀποδημῶν ἐκάλεσεν τοὺς ἰδίους δούλους καὶ παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ,

For it is like a man going on a journey, who called his own servants and handed over to them his property,

Parable openingγὰρThe second picture: a master entrusts his goods to servants before a long absence — stewardship in the interval before the reckoning.
Ὥσπερjust ascomparative conjunctionὥσπερ: 'just as'; opens the comparison; the apodosis ('so it is') is left understood — an elliptical kingdom-parable.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἄνθρωποςa manNominativesubjectἄνθρωπος: 'man, person'; the master who figures the departing-and-returning Lord.
ἀποδημῶνgoing abroadPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποδημέωcircumstantial ptc. (temporal/attendant)→ progressive presentἀποδημέω: 'go on a journey, travel abroad'; the departure that creates the interval of stewardship.
ἐκάλεσενcalledAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καλέωmain verb→ constative aoristκαλέω: 'call, summon'; he convenes his servants to entrust them.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἰδίουςownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; his personal household slaves, his trusted dependents.
δούλουςservants/slavesAccusativedirect objectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant'; the bondservants accountable to their master.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παρέδωκενhanded overAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristπαραδίδωμι: 'hand over, entrust, deliver'; he consigns his resources to their management.
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
τὰtheAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὑπάρχονταpossessionsPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · ὑπάρχωsubstantival participle (direct object)→ progressive present (substantivized)ὑπάρχω: 'be at hand, belong'; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα = 'one's belongings, property.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
15

καὶ ᾧ μὲν ἔδωκεν πέντε τάλαντα, ᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν, ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀπεδήμησεν. εὐθέως

and to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his own ability, and went on his journey. At once

DistributionκαὶThe talents are apportioned 'according to ability' — a vast trust (a talent ≈ 20 years' wages), measured to each, then the master departs.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
to oneDativerelative pronoun (dat. of recipient; correlative)ὅς … μέν … δέ: the relative with μέν/δέ functions distributively, 'to one … to another.'
μὲνon the one handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
ἔδωκενhe gaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the entrusting of capital.
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)πέντε: 'five.'
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect objectτάλαντον: a talent — a unit of weight/money of enormous value (≈ 6,000 denarii, some 20 years' wages); the staggering trust.
to anotherDativerelative pronoun (dat. of recipient; correlative)
δὲandcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object (indeclinable numeral)δύο: 'two'; with τάλαντα understood.
to anotherDativerelative pronoun (dat. of recipient; correlative)
δὲandcorrelative particle
ἕνoneAccusativedirect objectεἷς: 'one'; the single talent — still a fortune, yet least.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativedative in apposition (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each one'; the distribution is individual and proportioned.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/measure)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἰδίανownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'own'; each servant's particular capacity.
δύναμινabilityAccusativeobject of κατά (measure)δύναμις: 'power, ability, capacity'; the master gauges the trust to the man — responsibility matched to gift.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπεδήμησενwent on his journeyAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδημέωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποδημέω: 'go abroad'; the departure begins the interval of testing.
εὐθέωςat oncetemporal adverb (begins next clause)εὐθέως: 'immediately, at once'; modern editions attach it to v.16 — the first servant acts without delay.
16

πορευθεὶς ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν ἠργάσατο ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα πέντε·

the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them and gained five more.

Faithful trading (1)asyndetonThe five-talent servant works at once and doubles the trust — diligent stewardship that ventures rather than hoards.
πορευθεὶςgoingAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · πορεύομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristπορεύομαι: 'go, proceed'; he sets to work straightaway.
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect object of λαβώντάλαντον: 'talent.'
λαβὼνhaving receivedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωattributive participle (identifies the servant)→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'receive'; 'the one who received the five.'
ἠργάσατοworked/tradedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἐργάζομαι: 'work, do business, trade'; active investment of the entrusted capital.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (means)
αὐτοῖςthemDativedative of means
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκέρδησενgainedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κερδαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristκερδαίνω: 'gain, profit'; the doubling — a hundred-percent return.
ἄλλαother/moreAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other'; 'five more,' with τάλαντα understood.
πέντεfiveAccusativedirect object (indeclinable numeral)
17

ὡσαύτως ὁ τὰ δύο ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο.

So also the one with the two gained two more.

Faithful trading (2)asyndetonThe two-talent servant does likewise, doubling his lesser trust — faithfulness, not amount, is what counts (cf. v.21=v.23).
ὡσαύτωςlikewiseadverb (manner)ὡσαύτως: 'in the same way, likewise'; the second servant matches the first proportionally.
the oneNominativearticle (substantival, subject)ὁ τὰ δύο: 'the one with the two' — article substantizing the phrase.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object (understood w/ λαβών; indeclinable)δύο: 'two'; with τάλαντα and a verb of receiving understood.
ἐκέρδησενgainedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κερδαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristκερδαίνω: 'gain.'
ἄλλαother/moreAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other'; 'two more.'
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object (indeclinable numeral)
18

ὁ δὲ τὸ ἓν λαβὼν ἀπελθὼν ὤρυξεν γῆν καὶ ἔκρυψεν τὸ ἀργύριον τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ.

But the one who had received the one talent went off, dug in the ground, and hid his master's money.

Burial of the trustδὲThe third servant's contrast: he buries the talent — the safest, most barren course, refusing risk and so refusing service.
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἓνoneAccusativedirect object of λαβώνεἷς: 'one'; the single talent.
λαβὼνhaving receivedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωattributive participle→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'receive.'
ἀπελθὼνgoing offAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀπέρχομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristἀπέρχομαι: 'go away'; he withdraws to bury the trust.
ὤρυξενdugAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὀρύσσωmain verb→ constative aoristὀρύσσω: 'dig'; burying money in the ground was the recognized way to safeguard it (cf. 13:44).
γῆνground/earthAccusativedirect object (accusative of place dug)γῆ: 'earth, ground, soil.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔκρυψενhidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κρύπτωmain verb→ constative aoristκρύπτω: 'hide, conceal'; the talent is rendered safe but fruitless.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἀργύριονmoney/silverAccusativedirect objectἀργύριον: 'silver, money'; the entrusted capital, now hoarded.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possessionκύριος: 'master, lord'; the money remains the master's — the servant only its trustee.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
19

μετὰ δὲ πολὺν χρόνον ἔρχεται ὁ κύριος τῶν δούλων ἐκείνων καὶ συναίρει λόγον μετ' αὐτῶν.

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

The reckoningδὲ'After a long time' — the delayed return (cf. v.5) — the master comes to settle accounts: the eschatological audit.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (time)
δὲnowdevelopmental conjunction
πολὺνmuch/longAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'much, long'; the long delay echoes the bridegroom's tarrying (v.5).
χρόνονtimeAccusativeobject of μετά (extent of time)χρόνος: 'time, period'; the lengthy interval before the accounting.
ἔρχεταιcomesPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (historic present)→ vivid historic presentἔρχομαι: 'come'; the master's return = the parousia.
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'lord, master'; the returning Lord who judges.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
δούλωνservantsGenitivegenitive of relationship/subordinationδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
ἐκείνωνthoseGenitivedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'those.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συναίρειsettlesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · συναίρωmain verb (historic present)→ vivid historic presentσυναίρω: 'settle, reckon'; συναίρω λόγον = 'settle accounts' (cf. 18:23).
λόγονaccountAccusativedirect object (idiom w/ συναίρει)λόγος: here 'account, reckoning'; the audit of each servant's stewardship.
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (association)
αὐτῶνthemGenitiveobject of μετά
20

καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν προσήνεγκεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα λέγων· Κύριε, πέντε τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας· ἴδε ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα.

And the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have gained five more talents.'

First servant's reportκαὶThe faithful servant presents the doubled trust, crediting the master's original gift ('you handed over') before his own gain.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προσελθὼνcoming forwardAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσέρχομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'come to, approach'; he steps up to render account.
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect object of λαβώντάλαντον: 'talent.'
λαβὼνhaving receivedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωattributive participle→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'receive.'
προσήνεγκενbroughtAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προσφέρωmain verb→ constative aoristπροσφέρω: 'bring to, present, offer'; he produces the increase.
ἄλλαmoreAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other, more.'
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect object
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance (introduces speech)→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεmasterVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'lord, master'; respectful address.
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)
τάλαντάtalentsAccusativedirect object of παρέδωκαςτάλαντον: 'talent.'
μοιto meDativeindirect object
παρέδωκαςyou handed overAor Act Indic 2 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristπαραδίδωμι: 'hand over, entrust'; the servant acknowledges the master's gift as the basis of his gain.
ἴδεsee/beholdpresentative particle (interjection)ἴδε: 'look! see!'; frozen imperative of ὁράω as attention-marker.
ἄλλαmoreAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other, more.'
πέντεfiveAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect object of ἐκέρδησα
ἐκέρδησαI have gainedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · κερδαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristκερδαίνω: 'gain, profit'; the report of doubled return.
21

ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ· Εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ, ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω· εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου.

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

Commendation (1)asyndetonThe reward formula: faithfulness in the small is promoted to greater trust, and crowned with entry into the master's own joy — the kingdom's banquet.
ἔφηsaidImpf/Aor Act Indic 3 Sg · φημίmain verb→ narrative (aoristic)φημί: 'say, affirm'; the imperfect ἔφη functions as a simple narrative 'said.'
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master, lord.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
Εὖwell doneadverb of approval (exclamation)εὖ: 'well!'; an exclamation of commendation, 'well done!'
δοῦλεservantVocativevocative of addressδοῦλος: 'slave, servant'; the commended steward.
ἀγαθὲgoodVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good'; morally upright in his trust.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πιστέfaithfulVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; the cardinal virtue of the steward (cf. 24:45).
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (sphere of authority)
ὀλίγαa few thingsAccusativeobject of ἐπί (substantival adj.)ὀλίγος: 'little, few'; the talents, large as they are, are 'little' beside the coming reward.
ἦςyou wereImpf Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
πιστόςfaithfulNominativepredicate nominativeπιστός: 'faithful.'
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (sphere of authority)
πολλῶνmany thingsGenitiveobject of ἐπί (substantival adj.)πολύς: 'many, much'; greater responsibility as reward for fidelity.
σεyouAccusativedirect object of καταστήσω
καταστήσωI will set/appointFut Act Indic 1 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb→ predictive futureκαθίστημι: 'set in charge, appoint'; promotion to authority (cf. 24:47).
εἴσελθεenterAor Act Impv 2 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιimperative (invitation)→ aorist imperative (welcome)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go in'; the climactic welcome — entry into the master's joy = entry into the kingdom (cf. v.10).
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χαρὰνjoyAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)χαρά: 'joy, gladness'; the master's festal joy — likely the banquet of the kingdom, into which the servant is welcomed as a sharer.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession/sourceκύριος: 'master, lord'; the joy is the master's own, now shared.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
22

προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὰ δύο τάλαντα εἶπεν· Κύριε, δύο τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας· ἴδε ἄλλα δύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα.

And the one with the two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have gained two more talents.'

Second servant's reportδὲThe two-talent man's report mirrors the first word for word, proportioned to his lesser trust — the parable insists the two are on equal footing.
προσελθὼνcoming forwardAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσέρχομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'approach, come forward.'
δὲanddevelopmental conjunction
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
the oneNominativearticle (substantival, subject)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object (w/ λαβών understood; indeclinable)δύο: 'two.'
τάλανταtalentsAccusativein apposition to δύοτάλαντον: 'talent.'
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεmasterVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'lord, master.'
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object of παρέδωκας (indeclinable)
τάλαντάtalentsAccusativein apposition to δύο
μοιto meDativeindirect object
παρέδωκαςyou handed overAor Act Indic 2 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristπαραδίδωμι: 'entrust, hand over.'
ἴδεseepresentative particle (interjection)ἴδε: 'look! see!'
ἄλλαmoreAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'other, more.'
δύοtwoAccusativedirect object of ἐκέρδησα (indeclinable)
τάλανταtalentsAccusativein apposition to δύο
ἐκέρδησαI have gainedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · κερδαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristκερδαίνω: 'gain, profit.'
23

ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ· Εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ, ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω· εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου.

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

Commendation (2)asyndetonIdentical commendation to v.21: the two-talent man receives the same 'well done' and the same joy — reward keyed to faithfulness, not yield.
ἔφηsaidImpf/Aor Act Indic 3 Sg · φημίmain verb→ narrative (aoristic)φημί: 'say, affirm.'
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master, lord.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
Εὖwell doneadverb of approval (exclamation)εὖ: 'well!'
δοῦλεservantVocativevocative of addressδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
ἀγαθὲgoodVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πιστέfaithfulVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy.'
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (sphere)
ὀλίγαa few thingsAccusativeobject of ἐπί (substantival adj.)ὀλίγος: 'little, few.'
ἦςyou wereImpf Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
πιστόςfaithfulNominativepredicate nominativeπιστός: 'faithful.'
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (sphere)
πολλῶνmany thingsGenitiveobject of ἐπί (substantival adj.)πολύς: 'many, much.'
σεyouAccusativedirect object of καταστήσω
καταστήσωI will setFut Act Indic 1 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb→ predictive futureκαθίστημι: 'set in charge, appoint.'
εἴσελθεenterAor Act Impv 2 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιimperative (invitation)→ aorist imperative (welcome)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter'; the same welcome into the master's joy.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χαρὰνjoyAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)χαρά: 'joy'; the shared festal joy of the kingdom.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive of possession/sourceκύριος: 'master, lord.'
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
24

προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὸ ἓν τάλαντον εἰληφὼς εἶπεν· Κύριε, ἔγνων σε ὅτι σκληρὸς εἶ ἄνθρωπος, θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας,

And the one who had received the one talent also came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed,',

Third servant's defenseδὲThe one-talent man's excuse: he indicts the master as harsh and grasping — a distorted view of the giver that excuses his own inaction.
προσελθὼνcoming forwardAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσέρχομαιcircumstantial ptc.→ antecedent aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'approach, come forward.'
δὲand/butdevelopmental conjunction
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἓνoneAccusativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one.'
τάλαντονtalentAccusativedirect object of εἰληφώςτάλαντον: 'talent.'
εἰληφὼςhaving receivedPerf Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωattributive participle→ intensive perfect (settled receipt)λαμβάνω: 'receive'; the perfect ptc. stresses the standing fact of his having been entrusted.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεmasterVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'lord, master.'
ἔγνωνI knewAor Act Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know, come to know'; 'I knew you to be…' — his (mistaken) settled estimate of the master.
σεyouAccusativeobject of ἔγνων (acc. + ὅτι clause)
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
σκληρὸςhard/harshNominativepredicate adjectiveσκληρός: 'hard, harsh, severe'; the servant's accusing caricature of the master's character.
εἶyou arePres Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἄνθρωποςmanNominativepredicate nominativeἄνθρωπος: 'man, person.'
θερίζωνreapingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · θερίζωadjectival ptc. (describes σκληρός)→ progressive present (characteristic)θερίζω: 'reap, harvest'; the proverbial image of one who takes profit he never invested.
ὅπουwhererelative adverb of place
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔσπειραςyou sowedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · σπείρωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristσπείρω: 'sow'; the master allegedly reaps without sowing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνάγωνgatheringPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · συνάγωadjectival ptc.→ progressive present (characteristic)συνάγω: 'gather together'; gathering grain (or winnowing) where he scattered none.
ὅθενfrom whererelative adverb of place (source)ὅθεν: 'whence, from where.'
οὐnotnegative particle
διεσκόρπισαςyou scatteredAor Act Indic 2 Sg · διασκορπίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristδιασκορπίζω: 'scatter, winnow'; here of scattering seed (or winnowing chaff).
25

καὶ φοβηθεὶς ἀπελθὼν ἔκρυψα τὸ τάλαντόν σου ἐν τῇ γῇ· ἴδε ἔχεις τὸ σόν.

so I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'

The excuse completedκαὶFear, not faith, drove him: he returns the bare talent intact — preservation mistaken for fidelity, the very failure the parable condemns.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
φοβηθεὶςbeing afraidAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φοβέομαιcausal participle→ antecedent aoristφοβέομαι: 'fear, be afraid'; the fear that paralyzes — the root of his non-action.
ἀπελθὼνgoing offAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀπέρχομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant circ.)→ antecedent aoristἀπέρχομαι: 'go away.'
ἔκρυψαI hidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · κρύπτωmain verb→ constative aoristκρύπτω: 'hide'; the burial of the trust restated in his own words.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
τάλαντόνtalentAccusativedirect objectτάλαντον: 'talent.'
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
γῇgroundDativedative of placeγῆ: 'earth, ground.'
ἴδεseepresentative particle (interjection)ἴδε: 'look! see!'
ἔχειςyou havePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, possess'; 'here is what is yours' — nothing lost, but nothing gained.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes possessive)
σόνyoursAccusativepossessive adjective (direct object)σός: 'your, yours'; τὸ σόν = 'what is yours' — the unproductive original.
26

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Πονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ, ᾔδεις ὅτι θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα;

But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed?

The verdictδὲThe master turns the excuse against the servant: even on his own slander, knowing the master demanding, he should at least have invested.
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιptc. of attendant circumstance→ antecedent aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer.'
δὲbutadversative conjunction
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master, lord.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω: 'say.'
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΠονηρὲwickedVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, wicked'; the antithesis of the 'good' servant (vv.21, 23).
δοῦλεservantVocativevocative of addressδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὀκνηρέslothful/lazyVocativeattributive (vocative) adjectiveὀκνηρός: 'idle, lazy, hesitant'; the opposite of 'faithful' — fruitlessness by inaction.
ᾔδειςyou knewPlpf Act Indic 2 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (concessive/interrogative)→ pluperfect with imperfect senseοἶδα: 'know'; 'so you knew…?' — taking up the servant's own claim against him.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
θερίζωI reapPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θερίζωmain verb (content clause)→ gnomic/characteristic presentθερίζω: 'reap'; the master quotes the servant's charge back to him.
ὅπουwhererelative adverb of place
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔσπειραI sowedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · σπείρωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristσπείρω: 'sow.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνάγωI gatherPres Act Indic 1 Sg · συνάγωmain verb (content clause)→ gnomic/characteristic presentσυνάγω: 'gather.'
ὅθενfrom whererelative adverb of place (source)ὅθεν: 'whence.'
οὐnotnegative particle
διεσκόρπισαI scatteredAor Act Indic 1 Sg · διασκορπίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristδιασκορπίζω: 'scatter, winnow.'
27

ἔδει σε οὖν βαλεῖν τὰ ἀργύριά μου τοῖς τραπεζίταις, καὶ ἐλθὼν ἐγὼ ἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν σὺν τόκῳ.

Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

Minimum requiredοὖνEven minimal diligence — depositing at interest — would have sufficed; the failure is not loss but the refusal to act at all.
ἔδειit was necessaryImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal main verb→ imperfect of unfulfilled obligationδεῖ: 'it is necessary'; the imperfect 'you ought to have' marks an obligation left undone.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
βαλεῖνto put/depositAor Act Inf · βάλλωcomplementary infinitive (subject of ἔδει)→ constative aoristβάλλω: 'throw, put'; here 'deposit' money with bankers.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἀργύριάmoneyAccusativedirect object of βαλεῖνἀργύριον: 'silver, money.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
τοῖςtheDativearticle
τραπεζίταιςbankers/money-changersDativedative of recipient (with)τραπεζίτης: 'banker, money-changer' (from τράπεζα, 'table'); deposit-takers who paid interest.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐλθὼνhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιtemporal participle→ antecedent aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; 'at my coming' — the return for reckoning.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ἐκομισάμηνI would have received backAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · κομίζωmain verb (apodosis of contrary-to-fact)→ aorist + ἄν (unreal past)κομίζω (mid.): 'recover, get back, receive what is due'; with ἄν, 'I would have recovered.'
ἂνwouldmodal particle (contrary-to-fact)ἄν: the modal particle marking the unreal condition's apodosis.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes possessive)
ἐμὸνmy ownAccusativepossessive adjective (direct object)ἐμός: 'my, mine'; τὸ ἐμόν = 'what is mine.'
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)
τόκῳinterestDativeobject of σύν (accompaniment)τόκος: 'interest, yield' (lit. 'offspring' of money); the increase the deposit would have earned.
28

ἄρατε οὖν ἀπ' αὐτοῦ τὸ τάλαντον καὶ δότε τῷ ἔχοντι τὰ δέκα τάλαντα·

So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.

Sentence executedοὖνThe unused trust is transferred to the most productive — stewardship rewarded with more, neglect stripped of even what it had.
ἄρατεtakeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · αἴρωimperative (command to attendants)→ aorist imperativeαἴρω: 'take up, take away'; the talent is removed from the unfaithful.
οὖνtherefore/soinferential conjunction
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
τάλαντονtalentAccusativedirect object of ἄρατετάλαντον: 'talent.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιimperative (command)→ aorist imperativeδίδωμι: 'give'; the reallocation to the fruitful.
τῷto the oneDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἔχοντιhavingPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἔχωsubstantival participle (indirect object)→ progressive presentἔχω: 'have'; 'the one who has the ten' — the five-talent man now holding ten.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
δέκαtenAccusativeattributive numeral (indeclinable)δέκα: 'ten.'
τάλανταtalentsAccusativedirect object of ἔχοντιτάλαντον: 'talent.'
29

τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται· τοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ' αὐτοῦ.

For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

PrincipleγὰρThe kingdom maxim (cf. 13:12): grace responded to grows; grace neglected is forfeited — the governing law of the parable.
τῷto the oneDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἔχοντιhavingPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἔχωsubstantival participle (indirect object)→ progressive present (gnomic)ἔχω: 'have'; 'everyone who has' — the productive.
παντὶeveryDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every'; the maxim is universal.
δοθήσεταιwill be givenFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (divine passive)→ gnomic futureδίδωμι: 'give'; the passive implies God as giver.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
περισσευθήσεταιhe will have abundanceFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · περισσεύωmain verb→ gnomic futureπερισσεύω: 'abound, overflow'; the productive are enriched beyond measure.
τοῦthe oneGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (with ptc.)
ἔχοντοςhavingPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἔχωsubstantival participle (genitive of separation)→ progressive present (gnomic)ἔχω: 'have'; 'the one who has not' — the barren steward.
καὶevenascensive adverb
whatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔχει)
ἔχειhe hasPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (rel. clause)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, possess.'
ἀρθήσεταιwill be taken awayFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · αἴρωmain verb (divine passive)→ gnomic futureαἴρω: 'take away'; even the unused trust is forfeited.
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of ἀπό
30

καὶ τὸν ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον ἐκβάλετε εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον· ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων.

And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Sentence of exclusionκαὶThe parable's grim close: the fruitless servant is cast out — Matthew's standard image of final exclusion (cf. 8:12; 22:13; 24:51).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀχρεῖονworthless/uselessAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀχρεῖος: 'useless, unprofitable' (α-privative + χρεία); the servant who yielded no return.
δοῦλονservantAccusativedirect objectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
ἐκβάλετεcast outAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἐκβάλλωimperative (command)→ aorist imperativeἐκβάλλω: 'throw out, cast out'; expulsion from the master's presence.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
σκότοςdarknessAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)σκότος: 'darkness'; outside the lit banquet hall — the realm of final loss.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive position)
ἐξώτερονouterAccusativeattributive adjectiveἐξώτερος: 'outermost, outer'; the darkness farthest from the festal light.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ predictive future
theNominativearticle
κλαυθμὸςweepingNominativesubjectκλαυθμός: 'weeping, wailing'; the anguish of exclusion.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
βρυγμὸςgnashingNominativesubject (coordinate)βρυγμός: 'grinding, gnashing'; rage/remorse — Matthew's recurrent formula.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ὀδόντωνteethGenitiveobjective genitiveὀδούς: 'tooth'; 'gnashing of teeth.'
31

Ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἄγγελοι μετ' αὐτοῦ, τότε καθίσει ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ·

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

Judgment scene openingδὲThe third picture moves from parable to apocalyptic vision: the Son of Man enthroned in glory as eschatological Judge of all (cf. Dan 7:13–14).
Ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever, when'; introduces the indefinite-future temporal clause.
δὲnow/butdevelopmental conjunction
ἔλθῃcomesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιsubjunctive (temporal clause)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the parousia of the Son of Man.
theNominativearticle
υἱὸςSonNominativesubjectυἱός: 'son'; ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, the apocalyptic title from Dan 7 — Jesus' self-designation as the glorified Judge.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπουManGenitivegenitive (idiom 'Son of Man')ἄνθρωπος: 'man'; 'Son of Man,' the Danielic figure given dominion and judgment.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/attendant circ.)
τῇtheDativearticle
δόξῃgloryDativedat. of manner (attendant circumstance)δόξα: 'glory, splendor'; the divine radiance of the parousia.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all.'
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἄγγελοιangelsNominativesubject (coordinate w/ υἱός)ἄγγελος: 'angel, messenger'; the heavenly retinue of the Judge.
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of μετά
τότεthentemporal adverb (apodosis)τότε: 'then'; the apodosis to ὅταν.
καθίσειhe will sitFut Act Indic 3 Sg · καθίζωmain verb→ predictive futureκαθίζω: 'sit down, be seated'; enthronement to judge.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (place)
θρόνουthroneGenitiveobject of ἐπί (place)θρόνος: 'throne'; the seat of royal judgment.
δόξηςof gloryGenitiveattributive genitive (Semitic 'glorious throne')δόξα: 'glory'; θρόνος δόξης = 'glorious throne' (Hebraic genitive of quality).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
32

καὶ συναχθήσονται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἀφορίσει αὐτοὺς ἀπ' ἀλλήλων, ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων,

And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,

Universal assizeκαὶAll nations assembled and divided — the shepherd-image of separating mingled flocks pictures the Judge's effortless discrimination.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συναχθήσονταιwill be gatheredFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · συνάγωmain verb (divine passive)→ predictive futureσυνάγω: 'gather together'; the universal assembling for judgment.
ἔμπροσθενbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (place)ἔμπροσθεν: 'before, in front of.'
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθεν
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive scope — every nation.
τὰtheNominativearticle
ἔθνηnationsNominativesubjectἔθνος: 'nation, people'; πάντα τὰ ἔθνη = all humanity gathered for judgment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀφορίσειhe will separateFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφορίζωmain verb→ predictive futureἀφορίζω: 'separate, mark off' (ἀπό + ὁρίζω); the act of judicial division.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
ἀλλήλωνone anotherGenitivereciprocal pronoun (object of ἀπό)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the mingled mass parted into two.
ὥσπερas/just ascomparative conjunctionὥσπερ: 'just as'; introduces the shepherd simile.
theNominativearticle
ποιμὴνshepherdNominativesubject (of simile)ποιμήν: 'shepherd'; the Palestinian shepherd who pastures sheep and goats together, parting them at evening.
ἀφορίζειseparatesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφορίζωmain verb (simile)→ gnomic presentἀφορίζω: 'separate.'
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πρόβαταsheepAccusativedirect objectπρόβατον: 'sheep'; the prized flock, here the righteous.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἐρίφωνgoatsGenitiveobject of ἀπόἔριφος: 'goat, kid'; here the condemned — less valued, here set apart for judgment.
33

καὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων.

and he will set the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

PositioningκαὶRight hand = favor and honor, left = rejection: the placement already anticipates the verdict before a word is spoken.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
στήσειhe will set/placeFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb→ predictive futureἵστημι: 'set, place, stand'; the positioning of the two groups.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
μὲνon the one handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
πρόβαταsheepAccusativedirect objectπρόβατον: 'sheep.'
ἐκon/atpreposition + genitive (position)ἐκ δεξιῶν: idiom, 'on the right side.'
δεξιῶνrightGenitiveobject of ἐκ (position)δεξιός: 'right (hand)'; the place of honor and acceptance.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
τὰtheAccusativearticle
δὲbut on the othercorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
ἐρίφιαgoatsAccusativedirect objectἐρίφιον: 'kid, goat' (diminutive of ἔριφος); the condemned.
ἐξon/atpreposition + genitive (position)ἐξ εὐωνύμων: idiom, 'on the left side.'
εὐωνύμωνleftGenitiveobject of ἐξ (position)εὐώνυμος: lit. 'of good name' (a euphemism for the ill-omened left); the place of rejection.
34

τότε ἐρεῖ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ· Δεῦτε, οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ πατρός μου, κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου.

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Verdict for the sheepτότεThe Judge is now 'the King'; the righteous inherit a kingdom prepared from creation — election and gift, not earned wage, frame the reward.
τότεthentemporal adverb
ἐρεῖwill sayFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ predictive futureλέγω: 'say'; the King pronounces the verdict.
theNominativearticle
βασιλεὺςKingNominativesubjectβασιλεύς: 'king'; the Son of Man now named King — royal judge of the nations.
τοῖςto thoseDativearticle (substantival)
ἐκonpreposition + genitive (position)
δεξιῶνrightGenitiveobject of ἐκ (position)δεξιός: 'right.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
Δεῦτεcomeadverb of summons (functions as imperative)δεῦτε: 'come!'; a plural hortatory adverb-particle, the gracious invitation.
οἱtheNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.; nom. of address)
εὐλογημένοιblessed onesPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · εὐλογέωsubstantival ptc. (nom. for vocative)→ intensive perfect (settled state)εὐλογέω: 'bless, speak well of'; 'the blessed of my Father' — those on whom God's favor rests.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πατρόςFatherGenitivegenitive of agency (blessed by)πατήρ: 'Father'; the King's own Father, source of the blessing.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
κληρονομήσατεinheritAor Act Impv 2 Pl · κληρονομέωimperative (invitation)→ aorist imperative (decisive grant)κληρονομέω: 'inherit, receive as heir'; the kingdom is an inheritance, not a wage.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἡτοιμασμένηνpreparedPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · ἑτοιμάζωattributive participle→ intensive perfect (standing readiness)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready'; the kingdom long since made ready (contrast the fire 'prepared for the devil,' v.41).
ὑμῖνfor youDativedative of advantage
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativedirect object of κληρονομήσατεβασιλεία: 'kingdom'; the inheritance of the righteous.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (time/source)
καταβολῆςfoundationGenitiveobject of ἀπό (point of origin)καταβολή: 'foundation, laying-down'; 'from the foundation of the world' — eternal divine purpose.
κόσμουof the worldGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveκόσμος: 'world, ordered universe.'
35

ἐπείνασα γὰρ καὶ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα καὶ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην καὶ συνηγάγετέ με,

For I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in,

Ground of the verdict (1)γὰρThe basis given: deeds of mercy done to the King himself — the first three of six (food, drink, welcome) that disclose true faith.
ἐπείνασαI was hungryAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πεινάωmain verb→ constative aoristπεινάω: 'be hungry'; the King identifies himself with the hungry.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐδώκατέyou gaveAor Act Indic 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
μοιmeDativeindirect object
φαγεῖνto eatAor Act Inf · ἐσθίωepexegetical infinitive→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat'; 'gave me [something] to eat.'
ἐδίψησαI was thirstyAor Act Indic 1 Sg · διψάωmain verb→ constative aoristδιψάω: 'be thirsty.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐποτίσατέyou gave drinkAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποτίζωmain verb→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ξένοςa strangerNominativepredicate nominativeξένος: 'stranger, foreigner, guest'; the King as the alien needing hospitality.
ἤμηνI wasImpf Mid Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνηγάγετέyou took inAor Act Indic 2 Pl · συνάγωmain verb→ constative aoristσυνάγω: here 'receive as a guest, take in' (of hospitality to a stranger).
μεmeAccusativedirect object
36

γυμνὸς καὶ περιεβάλετέ με, ἠσθένησα καὶ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, ἐν φυλακῇ ἤμην καὶ ἤλθατε πρός με.

naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

Ground of the verdict (2)asyndetonThe second three deeds (clothing, visiting the sick, coming to the prisoner) complete the sixfold list of ordinary mercy.
γυμνὸςnakedNominativepredicate adjectiveγυμνός: 'naked, poorly clothed'; the King as the destitute.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
περιεβάλετέyou clothedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · περιβάλλωmain verb→ constative aoristπεριβάλλω: 'put around, clothe'; you gave clothing.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἠσθένησαI was sickAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀσθενέωmain verb→ constative/ingressive aoristἀσθενέω: 'be weak, be sick.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπεσκέψασθέyou visitedAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἐπισκέπτομαι: 'look after, visit, care for'; the visit that brings help, not mere presence.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
φυλακῇprisonDativedative of placeφυλακή: 'prison, guard'; the King as the imprisoned.
ἤμηνI wasImpf Mid Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἤλθατεyou cameAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; coming to the prisoner — an act of costly solidarity.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
μεmeAccusativeobject of πρός
37

τότε ἀποκριθήσονται αὐτῷ οἱ δίκαιοι λέγοντες· Κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα καὶ ἐθρέψαμεν, ἢ διψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν;

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

The righteous' surprise (1)τότεThe righteous are unaware of serving the King — their mercy was unselfconscious, done to the needy for their own sake, not for reward.
τότεthentemporal adverb
ἀποκριθήσονταιwill answerFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer, reply.'
αὐτῷhimDativeindirect object
οἱtheNominativearticle
δίκαιοιrighteousNominativesubject (substantival adj.)δίκαιος: 'righteous, just'; the verdict's term for the sheep — those right with God, shown by mercy.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεLordVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'Lord'; reverent address to the King-Judge.
πότεwheninterrogative adverbπότε: 'when?'
σεyouAccusativedirect object of εἴδομεν
εἴδομενdid we seeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see.'
πεινῶνταhungryPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · πεινάωpredicate participle (object complement)→ progressive presentπεινάω: 'be hungry'; 'saw you [being] hungry.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐθρέψαμενfedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · τρέφωmain verb→ constative aoristτρέφω: 'nourish, feed.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
διψῶνταthirstyPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · διψάωpredicate participle (object complement)→ progressive presentδιψάω: 'be thirsty.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐποτίσαμενgave drinkAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ποτίζωmain verb→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink.'
38

πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον καὶ συνηγάγομεν, ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν;

And when did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?

The righteous' surprise (2)δέThe questioning continues through the list, each echoing the King's words — the righteous cannot recall any service to him as such.
πότεwheninterrogative adverbπότε: 'when?'
δέanddevelopmental conjunction
σεyouAccusativedirect object of εἴδομεν
εἴδομενdid we seeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see.'
ξένονa strangerAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement)ξένος: 'stranger, guest.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνηγάγομενtook inAor Act Indic 1 Pl · συνάγωmain verb→ constative aoristσυνάγω: 'take in, receive as guest.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
γυμνὸνnakedAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement)γυμνός: 'naked.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
περιεβάλομενclothedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · περιβάλλωmain verb→ constative aoristπεριβάλλω: 'clothe, put around.'
39

πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ἀσθενοῦντα ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ καὶ ἤλθομεν πρός σε;

And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?'

The righteous' surprise (3)δέThe final pair (sick, imprisoned) closes the puzzled question — the whole speech underlining that mercy, not calculation, marks the righteous.
πότεwheninterrogative adverbπότε: 'when?'
δέanddevelopmental conjunction
σεyouAccusativedirect object of εἴδομεν
εἴδομενdid we seeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see.'
ἀσθενοῦνταsickPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἀσθενέωpredicate participle (object complement)→ progressive presentἀσθενέω: 'be sick, weak.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
φυλακῇprisonDativedative of placeφυλακή: 'prison.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἤλθομενcameAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come.'
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
σεyouAccusativeobject of πρός
40

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς· Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ' ὅσον ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων, ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε.

And the King will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

The King's identificationκαὶThe verse that unlocks the parable: the King is so bound to 'the least of these my brothers' that mercy (or its lack) to them is done to him.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιptc. of attendant circumstance→ antecedent aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer.'
theNominativearticle
βασιλεὺςKingNominativesubjectβασιλεύς: 'king.'
ἐρεῖwill sayFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ predictive futureλέγω: 'say.'
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
Ἀμὴνtrulyasseverative particle (indeclinable)ἀμήν: 'truly, surely'; the solemn formula.
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ performative presentλέγω: 'say.'
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ἐφ'inasmuch aspreposition (ἐφ' ὅσον = idiom)ἐπί: in the phrase ἐφ' ὅσον, 'insofar as, to the degree that.'
ὅσονas much asAccusativerelative (degree; w/ ἐπί)ὅσος: 'as much/many as'; the correlative of degree.
ἐποιήσατεyou didAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, make'; the deed of mercy.
ἑνὶto oneDativeindirect objectεἷς: 'one'; even a single act to a single needy person counts.
τούτωνof theseGenitivepartitive genitive (demonstrative)οὗτος: 'this'; 'these' — the present, visible needy.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivepartitive genitiveἀδελφός: 'brother'; 'my brothers' — debated: Christ's disciples/missionaries, or all the needy (see crux). The King identifies with them.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἐλαχίστωνleastGenitiveattributive superlative adjectiveἐλάχιστος: 'least, smallest' (superlative of μικρός); 'the least of these' — the lowly with whom the King makes common cause.
ἐμοὶto meDativeindirect object (emphatic)ἐγώ: emphatic 'to me' — the climactic identification.
ἐποιήσατεyou didAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (apodosis)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do'; mercy to the least is mercy to the King.
41

Τότε ἐρεῖ καὶ τοῖς ἐξ εὐωνύμων· Πορεύεσθε ἀπ' ἐμοῦ οἱ κατηραμένοι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ.

Then he will say also to those on the left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Verdict for the goatsΤότεThe dark counterpart to v.34: dismissal into the fire 'prepared for the devil' — a destiny not made for humans, into which they nonetheless go.
Τότεthentemporal adverb
ἐρεῖwill sayFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ predictive futureλέγω: 'say.'
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
τοῖςto thoseDativearticle (substantival)
ἐξonpreposition + genitive (position)
εὐωνύμωνleftGenitiveobject of ἐξ (position)εὐώνυμος: 'left'; the rejected side.
Πορεύεσθεdepart/goPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · πορεύομαιimperative (command)→ present imperativeπορεύομαι: 'go, proceed'; the dismissal — the antithesis of δεῦτε (v.34).
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)ἐγώ: 'me'; 'away from me' — exclusion from the King's presence (cf. 7:23).
οἱtheNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.; nom. for vocative)
κατηραμένοιcursed onesPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · καταράομαιsubstantival ptc. (nom. of address)→ intensive perfect (settled state)καταράομαι: 'curse'; 'the cursed' — note: not 'cursed of my Father' (contrast 'blessed of my Father,' v.34); the curse is left unattributed.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
πῦρfireAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)πῦρ: 'fire'; the image of final judgment (cf. 13:42; 18:8).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive)
αἰώνιονeternalAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, age-long'; the fire of the age to come — its lasting character (cf. v.46).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive)
ἡτοιμασμένονpreparedPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Neut · ἑτοιμάζωattributive participle→ intensive perfect (standing readiness)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare'; the fire was prepared for the devil, not (as the kingdom for the blessed) for humans — a telling asymmetry.
τῷfor theDativearticle
διαβόλῳdevilDativedative of advantage (for whom prepared)διάβολος: 'slanderer, devil'; the adversary for whom the fire was made ready.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ἀγγέλοιςangelsDativedative of advantage (coordinate)ἄγγελος: 'angel'; the devil's fallen angels, sharers of his doom.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
42

ἐπείνασα γὰρ καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με,

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

Ground of condemnation (1)γὰρThe verdict's basis, mirroring vv.35–36 but in the negative: the same deeds, this time left undone — sin as omission, mercy withheld.
ἐπείνασαI was hungryAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πεινάωmain verb→ constative aoristπεινάω: 'be hungry.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐδώκατέyou gaveAor Act Indic 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
μοιmeDativeindirect object
φαγεῖνto eatAor Act Inf · ἐσθίωepexegetical infinitive→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat.'
ἐδίψησαI was thirstyAor Act Indic 1 Sg · διψάωmain verb→ constative aoristδιψάω: 'be thirsty.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐποτίσατέyou gave drinkAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποτίζωmain verb→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
43

ξένος ἤμην καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με, ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με.

I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'

Ground of condemnation (2)asyndetonThe remaining failures complete the negative list — hospitality, clothing, and care all withheld; the omissions condemn.
ξένοςa strangerNominativepredicate nominativeξένος: 'stranger, guest.'
ἤμηνI wasImpf Mid Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative imperfect
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐnotnegative particle
συνηγάγετέyou took inAor Act Indic 2 Pl · συνάγωmain verb→ constative aoristσυνάγω: 'take in, receive.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
γυμνὸςnakedNominativepredicate adjectiveγυμνός: 'naked.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐnotnegative particle
περιεβάλετέyou clothedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · περιβάλλωmain verb→ constative aoristπεριβάλλω: 'clothe.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἀσθενὴςsickNominativepredicate adjectiveἀσθενής: 'weak, sick'; the adjective replaces the participle of v.36.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
φυλακῇprisonDativedative of placeφυλακή: 'prison.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐπεσκέψασθέyou visitedAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἐπισκέπτομαι: 'visit, care for'; here covering both sickness and prison.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
44

τότε ἀποκριθήσονται καὶ αὐτοὶ λέγοντες· Κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα ἢ διψῶντα ἢ ξένον ἢ γυμνὸν ἢ ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι;

Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not serve you?'

The goats' protestτότεThe cursed echo the righteous' question — but theirs is self-justifying; they would have served the King, just not 'the least.' Their blindness condemns.
τότεthentemporal adverb
ἀποκριθήσονταιwill answerFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer.'
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
αὐτοὶtheyNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
ΚύριεLordVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'Lord'; even the condemned acknowledge his lordship — but too late.
πότεwheninterrogative adverbπότε: 'when?'
σεyouAccusativedirect object of εἴδομεν
εἴδομενdid we seeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ὁράωmain verb→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see.'
πεινῶνταhungryPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · πεινάωpredicate participle→ progressive presentπεινάω: 'be hungry.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
διψῶνταthirstyPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · διψάωpredicate participle→ progressive presentδιψάω: 'be thirsty.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
ξένονa strangerAccusativepredicate accusativeξένος: 'stranger.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
γυμνὸνnakedAccusativepredicate accusativeγυμνός: 'naked.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
ἀσθενῆsickAccusativepredicate accusativeἀσθενής: 'sick, weak.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
φυλακῇprisonDativedative of placeφυλακή: 'prison.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐnotnegative particle
διηκονήσαμένwe served/ministeredAor Act Indic 1 Pl · διακονέωmain verb→ constative aoristδιακονέω: 'serve, minister to'; the goats sum the six deeds as 'serving' — willing for the King, blind to the least.
σοιyouDativeindirect object
45

τότε ἀποκριθήσεται αὐτοῖς λέγων· Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ' ὅσον οὐκ ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε.

Then he will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, neither did you do it to me.'

The King's counter-identificationτότεThe negative of v.40: failure toward the least is failure toward the King. Note 'the least of these' now without 'my brothers' — the scope perhaps widened.
τότεthentemporal adverb
ἀποκριθήσεταιwill answerFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer.'
αὐτοῖςthemDativeindirect object
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωptc. of attendant circumstance→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say.'
Ἀμὴνtrulyasseverative particle (indeclinable)ἀμήν: 'truly.'
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ performative presentλέγω: 'say.'
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ἐφ'inasmuch aspreposition (ἐφ' ὅσον = idiom)ἐπί: 'insofar as' (ἐφ' ὅσον).
ὅσονas much asAccusativerelative (degree)ὅσος: 'as much as.'
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐποιήσατεyou didAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do.'
ἑνὶto oneDativeindirect objectεἷς: 'one.'
τούτωνof theseGenitivepartitive genitive (demonstrative)οὗτος: 'these.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἐλαχίστωνleastGenitiveattributive superlative adjectiveἐλάχιστος: 'least'; here without 'my brothers' (v.40), which some take to broaden the referent to the needy generally.
οὐδὲneithernegative coordinating conjunctionοὐδέ: 'and not, neither.'
ἐμοὶto meDativeindirect object (emphatic)ἐγώ: emphatic 'to me.'
ἐποιήσατεyou didAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (apodosis)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do.'
46

καὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον, οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον.

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Final two destiniesκαὶThe discourse's last word: a balanced antithesis — 'eternal punishment' and 'eternal life,' the same adjective αἰώνιος weighing both, the two final outcomes of the judgment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπελεύσονταιwill go awayFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἀπέρχομαι: 'go away, depart'; the departure into final destiny.
οὗτοιtheseNominativesubject (demonstrative)οὗτος: 'these'; the goats, the condemned.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
κόλασινpunishmentAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)κόλασις: 'punishment, chastisement' (orig. 'pruning'); the penal destiny of the cursed.
αἰώνιονeternalAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, age-long'; the same word qualifies both punishment and life — the parallel weighs against a merely temporary sense for either.
οἱtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
δίκαιοιrighteousNominativesubject (substantival adj.)δίκαιος: 'righteous'; the sheep, the vindicated.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
ζωὴνlifeAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)ζωή: 'life'; ζωὴ αἰώνιος, 'eternal life' — the life of the age to come, the inheritance of v.34.
αἰώνιονeternalAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal'; balancing κόλασιν αἰώνιον — the Gospel's closing antithesis of the two ways.