Jesus compares the situation to a man preparing for a journey who entrusts his property to his servants.

One servant receives five talents, another two, and another one, each according to ability. A talent represents a very large sum of money.

The servants with five and two talents put the money to work and double what they received.

The servant with one talent digs a hole and hides his master’s money.

After a long time the master returns and settles accounts.

The first two servants present the gains they have made. Each receives the same praise for being good and faithful and is invited to share the master’s joy.

The third servant describes the master as harsh and explains that fear led him to hide the money.

The master condemns the servant’s response, arguing that even depositing the money with bankers would have produced a return.

The unused talent is taken and given to the servant who has ten.

The parable’s focus is not on equal results from equal resources. The servants begin with different amounts, while the first two are commended for faithful action with what was entrusted to them.