Luke 19:13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

And {G1161} he called {G2564} his {G1438} ten {G1176} servants {G1401}, and delivered {G1325} them {G846} ten {G1176} pounds {G3414}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Occupy {G4231} till {G2193} I come {G2064}.

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten manim [a maneh is about three months’ wages] and said to them, ‘Do business with this while I’m away.’

Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said.

And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.

Commentary

Luke 19:13 (KJV) is a pivotal verse from the Parable of the Pounds, also known as the Parable of the Minas. This parable, told by Jesus, offers profound insights into Christian stewardship and readiness for His return.

Context of Luke 19:13

This verse is part of a longer narrative (Luke 19:11-27) that Jesus shared as He journeyed towards Jerusalem, just before His triumphal entry. The parable was specifically prompted by the disciples' mistaken belief that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately (Luke 19:11). To correct this, Jesus introduces a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then returns. This nobleman represents Jesus Himself, who would ascend to heaven and later return in power and glory. The "ten servants" represent His followers, and the "ten pounds" (minas) symbolize the resources, opportunities, or gifts entrusted to them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The core message is that believers are entrusted with valuable resources—whether spiritual gifts, talents, time, or financial means—to be used for God's purposes. Each servant received an equal initial sum, emphasizing equal responsibility for the resources given.
  • Diligence and Productive Engagement: The command, "Occupy till I come," is a direct call to active, diligent service. It’s not about passively waiting but about actively investing and growing what has been given. This theme underscores the importance of faithfulness in utilizing one's spiritual and material blessings.
  • Anticipation of Christ's Return: The phrase "till I come" points directly to the future return of Jesus Christ. It serves as a powerful motivator for faithful service, reminding believers that there will be a day of reckoning where their stewardship will be evaluated (Luke 19:15).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "pounds" comes from the Greek word mina (μνᾶ). A mina was a significant unit of currency, typically worth about 100 drachmas or days' wages, indicating a substantial amount of capital given to each servant. This highlights the value of what God entrusts to His people.

The crucial phrase "Occupy till I come" uses the Greek word pragmateuomai (πραγματεύομαι). This word literally means "to be engaged in business," "to trade," or "to do business." It implies an active, industrious effort to make a profit or increase the initial investment. It's far more than merely "occupying a space"; it's about being busy and productive with the resources at hand, reflecting a dynamic and proactive faith.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 19:13 is a powerful call to action. It encourages us to:

  • Utilize Our Gifts: Identify and faithfully use the unique spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) and talents God has given us to serve Him and others.
  • Manage Resources Wisely: Be good stewards of our time, finances, and opportunities, investing them in ways that honor God and advance His kingdom.
  • Live with Eternal Perspective: Remember that our actions and faithfulness in this life have eternal consequences. Our service now is preparation for Christ's ultimate return and the accounting that will follow. The command to "occupy" challenges us to live with purpose and diligence while we await our Lord's coming.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:14 (16 votes)

    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 25:15 (16 votes)

    And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

  • John 12:26 (13 votes)

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

  • 1 Peter 4:9 (12 votes)

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • 1 Peter 4:11 (12 votes)

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:7 (12 votes)

    But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:11 (12 votes)

    But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.