Luke 19:12

KJV

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {G2036} therefore {G3767}, A certain {G5100} nobleman {G444}{G2104} went {G4198} into {G1519} a far {G3117} country {G5561} to receive {G2983} for himself {G1438} a kingdom {G932}, and {G2532} to return {G5290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore he said, “A nobleman went to a country far away to have himself crowned king and then return.

Berean Standard Bible

So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return.

American Standard Version

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:12 introduces the foundational premise of the Parable of the Minas, spoken by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a profound lesson on the nature of the Kingdom of God, revealing that the Messiah's full reign would not be immediately established upon His first coming but would involve a period of His absence, during which His followers are entrusted with responsibilities, awaiting His eventual return to assert His full authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable immediately follows the narrative of Zacchaeus' conversion in Jericho, a story that highlights Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. As Jesus drew "nigh to Jerusalem" [Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Context for the Parable of the Minas"), the prevailing expectation among His disciples and the crowds was that "the kingdom of God should immediately appear." This anticipation was likely fueled by the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which was imminent, and the popular understanding of Messiah's role as an earthly king. Jesus tells this parable directly to correct this misconception, to temper their immediate eschatological expectations, and to teach about the necessary interim period between His departure and His glorious return, during which His followers are called to faithful stewardship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable's setting, with a nobleman traveling to a distant country to receive a kingdom, would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience. In the Roman Empire, it was a common practice for rulers of client states, such as Judea, to travel to Rome to have their authority confirmed or to receive a new appointment from the emperor. For instance, Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, traveled to Rome after his father's death to secure his rule over Judea, a journey that was met with opposition from a delegation of Jews who did not want him to reign over them (Josephus, *Antiquities of the Jews*, 17.11.4). This historical reality provides a familiar backdrop for the parable, making its allegorical elements immediately comprehensible to those listening.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:12 introduces several critical themes that permeate the Parable of the Minas and the broader Lukan narrative. Firstly, it establishes the **sovereignty and rightful authority of the nobleman**, who clearly represents Christ Himself, destined to rule. Secondly, the journey "into a far country" symbolizes Christ's **ascension to heaven** after His resurrection, signifying a period of His physical absence from the earth, as described in [Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus' Ascension"). Thirdly, the act of "receiving a kingdom" underscores Christ's **supreme and ultimate dominion**, which He receives from the Father, not through immediate earthly conquest but through divine investiture at His right hand [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exalted Position"). Finally, the nobleman's promised "return" is a direct and crucial reference to the **Second Coming of Christ**, emphasizing that there will be a significant, indeterminate period of time between His departure and His glorious return to fully establish His visible kingdom on earth [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Christ's Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nobleman (Greek, _eugenḗs'_):** From G2104, meaning "well born" or "high in rank." This term emphasizes the inherent authority, royal lineage, and rightful claim of the central figure in the parable. It points to Jesus' divine origin and His pre-existent status as the rightful heir to the Kingdom, underscoring His natural right to reign.
* **Receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** From G2983, meaning "to take" or "to get hold of." In this context, it signifies the formal act of acquiring or being granted authority, rather than merely seizing it. The nobleman goes to "receive" his kingdom, indicating a legitimate investiture of power, which for Christ means receiving all authority from the Father, not by force, but by divine decree and inheritance.
* **Kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, meaning "royalty," "rule," or "a realm." This term denotes the sovereign dominion and royal power that the nobleman is destined to exercise. For Jesus, this refers to His spiritual and ultimate universal reign, which He receives and will fully manifest at His return, encompassing both the spiritual realm of believers and His future visible reign on earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said therefore":** This phrase indicates that Jesus is about to deliver a teaching or parable, often in response to a particular situation or question. Here, it signals His intention to address the disciples' mistaken belief that the Kingdom of God would immediately appear, setting the stage for a corrective and instructive narrative.
* **"A certain nobleman went into a far country":** This introduces the central character and the initial action of the parable. The "nobleman" is a figure of inherent authority and high status. His journey "into a far country" signifies a deliberate and necessary departure, establishing a period of absence before his return. This immediately begins the allegorical connection to Jesus' own departure (ascension).
* **"to receive for himself a kingdom":** This clause reveals the specific purpose of the nobleman's journey. He is not merely traveling but is undertaking a mission to acquire royal authority and dominion. This highlights the legitimacy of his claim and the formal process by which he will be invested with power, foreshadowing Christ's enthronement at the right hand of God.
* **"and to return":** This crucial phrase establishes the expectation of the nobleman's eventual reappearance. It signifies that the period of absence is temporary and purposeful, culminating in his glorious return to exercise the authority he has received. For the parable's audience, this directly addresses the timing of the Kingdom's full manifestation, pointing to Christ's Second Coming.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:12, as the opening of the Parable of the Minas, primarily employs **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire narrative functions as an allegory, where characters and events directly correspond to spiritual realities. The "nobleman" is a clear **symbol** for Jesus Christ, representing His inherent authority and divine right to rule. His journey "into a far country" **symbolizes** Jesus' ascension to heaven after His resurrection, signifying a period of His physical absence from the earth. The act of "receiving a kingdom" **symbolizes** Christ's investiture with all authority and dominion by the Father, while the promise "to return" is a profound **symbol** of His promised Second Coming. These symbolic elements work together to convey complex theological truths about the timing and nature of the Kingdom of God, correcting the immediate expectations of Jesus' audience and providing a framework for understanding the interim period between His first and second advents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:12 sets the stage for a profound theological understanding of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that its full manifestation is not immediate but involves a period of the King's absence. This verse underscores the reality of Christ's ascension and His present reign in heaven, where He has received all authority. It also firmly establishes the certainty of His future return to fully consummate His kingdom on earth. This truth calls believers to a posture of patient expectation and diligent stewardship, recognizing that the time between Christ's departure and His return is a period for active service and faithful management of the resources and gifts entrusted to them. The parable, initiated by this verse, therefore becomes a powerful teaching on accountability and the importance of living fruitfully in light of the Master's eventual reckoning.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "The Parable of the Talents")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "Stewardship of God's Grace")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:12 serves as a foundational reminder for every believer about the nature of our present existence in light of Christ's past work and future return. We live in the "far country" period, entrusted with the Master's resources while He is away, receiving His kingdom. This truth should ignite within us a deep sense of purpose and urgency. Our lives are not our own, nor is our time or talent. We are stewards, called to faithfully invest what God has given us for the advancement of His kingdom, knowing that a day of reckoning will come. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into sacred opportunities and challenges us to live with intentionality, productivity, and a longing for His glorious appearing. It combats complacency and encourages active participation in God's redemptive plan, reminding us that our ultimate reward is tied to our faithfulness in His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the nobleman's journey to "receive a kingdom" shape your understanding of Christ's current reign and authority?**
* **What "minas" or resources (time, talents, spiritual gifts, finances) has the Master entrusted to you during His absence?**
* **How does the certainty of the nobleman's "return" impact your daily choices and long-term priorities?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Luke 19:12 within the Parable of the Minas?**

Answer: Luke 19:12 primarily establishes the setting and core premise of the Parable of the Minas: that the King (Jesus) will depart for a period to receive His full authority and then return. This immediately corrects the disciples' expectation that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately [Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Disciples' Expectation"). It sets up the subsequent teaching on faithful stewardship during the King's absence and accountability upon His return.

**Who does the "nobleman" in this verse represent?**

Answer: The "nobleman" unequivocally represents Jesus Christ. Just as the nobleman travels to receive a kingdom, Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection to be enthroned at the right hand of God, receiving all authority and dominion [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). He is the rightful King, though His full, visible reign on earth is yet to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:12 is profoundly Christ-centered, serving as an allegorical blueprint for Jesus' own redemptive work and future reign. The "nobleman" is Jesus Himself, the Son of God, who possesses an inherent right to the "kingdom" by virtue of His divine nature and His Father's decree. His journey "into a far country" is a direct foreshadowing of His ascension into heaven after His resurrection, as recorded in [Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus"). There, at the right hand of the Father, He has indeed "received a kingdom"—not a mere earthly realm, but universal dominion and authority over all things, as affirmed in [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy"). This period of His heavenly reign, while physically absent from earth, is a time of active intercession for His people [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession") and preparation for His ultimate return. The promise "and to return" points unequivocally to the Second Coming of Christ, when He will descend from heaven with power and great glory [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man's Coming") to fully establish His visible, eternal Kingdom, bringing justice, judgment, and everlasting peace [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). Thus, Luke 19:12 encapsulates the entire sweep of Christ's redemptive history: His rightful claim, His temporary absence, His present sovereignty, and His glorious future return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:14

¶ For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 19:12

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

Luke 19:27

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.

John 18:37

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Luke 20:9

¶ Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.