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τάλαντον

tálanton

G5007 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A large unit of weight, particularly used as a standard of mass in commercial and monetary contexts; by extension, a sum of money equivalent to the value of this weight in precious metals. The term is not a coin or specific currency but denotes a substantial measure of weight, especially of gold or silver, which may represent great wealth or a significant financial obligation. In figurative or parabolic contexts, may represent something of great entrusted value or responsibility.

Semantic Range

weighing scale, balance; unit of weight (especially of silver or gold, with regionally variable standard); large sum of money/equivalent monetary unit; symbol in parable for entrusted value or responsibility

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root τάλαν- (possibly connected to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to bear' or 'to support'), with etymology sometimes linked to βάλλω ('to throw'), but this is uncertain. The term was likely borrowed from an older Semitic source, but precise earlier derivation is debated. The word entered Greek already with the meaning of a significant unit of weight.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, τάλαντον referred primarily to a scale or balance, and by extension, the weight measured. It became a standard term for a substantial weight unit, widely used in the Aegean and Near Eastern worlds, and was standardized to various specific values (e.g., about 26–36 kilograms, though the exact amount varied by region and time period). By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, τάλαντον came to denote not only the physical mass, especially of silver, but also, by metonymy, a large monetary value or obligation. In the Septuagint, it commonly translates Hebrew כִּכָּר (kikkār), also a weight measure. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 18:24; 25:15–28), τάλαντον functions as a literary symbol for immense sums, and in parables, it metaphorically represents something of enormous value entrusted for stewardship. English translations often preserve the Greek word 'talent,' but in archaizing fashion; its referent, the ancient weight and large sum, can be lost on modern readers. The later English meaning 'talent' (personal aptitude or gift) is derived from the word's use in the Gospel parable but is foreign to the Greek usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "talent" 15 occurrences

τάλαντον is conventionally and idiomatically rendered in English as “talent” to denote the large unit of weight or its monetary equivalent and to serve as the parable/metaphor for entrusted value. This choice matches the majority of English Bible traditions, preserves the technical sense (weight/money) while working naturally in literal and figurative contexts, and is preferable to vague alternatives like “large” or “weight.”

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of (to bear; equivalent to φέρω); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent":--talent.

Root Family

τάλαντον (talanton) — to weigh, to support, balance, unit of weight, large sum of value

Root τάλαν- to weigh, to support

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5007-01 τάλαντα talanta N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents 11
G5007-02 ταλάντων talanton N GEN N PL talent of great weight-units talent 4

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5007-02 Matthew 18:24 ταλάντων talanton N GEN N PL talents of great weight-units of talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:15 τάλαντα talanta N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:16 τάλαντα talanta N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:16 τάλαντα talanta-2 N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:20 τάλαντα talanta N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:20 τάλαντα talanta-2 N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:20 τάλαντά talanta-3 N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:20 τάλαντα talanta-4 N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:22 τάλαντα talanta N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
G5007-01 Matthew 25:22 τάλαντά talanta-2 N ACC N PL talents large weight-units talents
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