Abstract

Abstract:

This article challenges popular interpretations of the parable of the talents, which underlie economic views blaming poverty on laziness. It carefully compares the versions in Matthew and Luke and argues that the more original version is the one in Luke. This is based on a historical incident, linked to Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great, and makes sense as a story told in the context of Herod-ruled Galilee after the execution of John the Baptist. It argues for the parable as a story of open resistance with a dual message: a "public" and a "hidden" transcript.

pdf