In AV 'ability' is either material (Le 27:8; Ezr 2:69; Ac 11:29) or personal (Da 1:4; Mt 25:15) capacity. The mod. meaning ('mental power') is not found in AV.
The person who is too poor to pay the required amount must stand in front of the priest. The priest will determine the amount based on what the person can afford.
Every one, as he was able, gave for the work sixty-one thousand drachmas of gold, five thousand pounds of silver and a hundred priests' robes.
These were young people who had no defects. They were good looking and intelligent, with knowledge. They showed wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of science. They had ability to serve in the king's court and were taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. He assigned according to the servants' ability. Then he went on his journey.
The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea.