Luke 19:15

And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that when {G1722} he {G846} was returned {G1880}, having received {G2983} the kingdom {G932}, then {G2532} he commanded {G2036} these {G5128} servants {G1401} to be called {G5455} unto him {G846}, to whom {G3739} he had given {G1325} the money {G694}, that {G2443} he might know {G1097} how much {G5101} every man {G5101} had gained by trading {G1281}.

“However, he returned, having been made king, and sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned in his business dealings.

When he returned from procuring his kingship, he summoned the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned.

And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.

Commentary

Luke 19:15 is a pivotal verse in the Parable of the Ten Minas (or Pounds), narrated by Jesus. Following the master's journey to a distant country to receive a kingdom, this verse describes his return and immediate action: calling his servants to account for the money he had entrusted to them. This moment highlights the master's authority and his expectation of diligent stewardship from those under his charge, setting the stage for the judgment and reward that follow in the parable.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching in Luke 19:11-27, often referred to as the Parable of the Pounds or Minas. Jesus told this parable as He was approaching Jerusalem, specifically because people thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately (Luke 19:11). The master in the parable represents Jesus Himself, who would soon ascend to heaven (Acts 1:11) and return at a later, unspecified time to establish His kingdom fully and judge His servants. The "money" (minas) given to each servant symbolizes the resources, gifts, and opportunities entrusted to believers during Christ's absence.

Key Themes

  • Accountability: The primary theme is the master's demand for an accounting. This underscores the biblical principle that believers are accountable to God for how they use what He has given them.
  • Stewardship: The servants were given money to "trade" with, implying an expectation of active and productive management. This highlights the importance of faithful stewardship of all resources—time, talents, spiritual gifts, and material possessions—for God's glory.
  • The Return of Christ: The master's return, having "received the kingdom," directly points to the future return of Jesus Christ in power and glory, when He will fully establish His kingdom and judge the living and the dead.
  • Faithfulness and Reward: The subsequent verses (Luke 19:16-26) show that the master rewards those who were faithful and productive, and punishes those who were idle. This verse sets the stage for the demonstration of divine justice and the recognition of diligent service.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "money" from the Greek word mnas (μνᾶς), which refers to a "mina" or "pound." A mina was a significant sum, approximately equivalent to 100 days' wages for a common laborer, indicating that each servant was given a substantial trust. The phrase "gained by trading" comes from dietragmateusato (διετραγματεύσατο), which implies diligent business activity or profitable investment, not merely passive holding. This emphasizes the expectation of active engagement and fruitfulness from the servants.

Practical Application

Luke 19:15 serves as a profound reminder for believers today. Just as the master returned to demand an account, so too will Jesus return, and we will each give an account of our lives and how we have used the "minas" He has entrusted to us. This includes our time, talents, spiritual gifts, financial resources, and opportunities to serve. The verse encourages us to live with an awareness of future accountability, motivating us to be diligent, productive, and faithful in our service to God, always seeking to invest our lives for His kingdom's purposes and to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 (3 votes)

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

  • Romans 14:10 (3 votes)

    But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

  • Romans 14:12 (3 votes)

    So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

  • Psalms 2:4 (2 votes)

    He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

  • Psalms 2:6 (2 votes)

    Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

  • Matthew 18:23 (2 votes)

    Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.