Luke 19:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:15 marks a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Ten Minas, depicting the master's anticipated return after securing his kingdom. Upon his arrival, he immediately summons the servants to whom he had entrusted his money, not merely to greet them, but to meticulously assess their stewardship and productivity during his absence. This verse sets the stage for the accountability and judgment that follow, underscoring themes of diligent service, faithful management of resources, and the ultimate reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Parable of the Ten Minas (or Pounds), recorded in [Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Ten Minas"). Jesus tells this parable as he journeys toward Jerusalem, specifically to correct the disciples' misunderstanding that the Kingdom of God was about to appear immediately ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Disciples' Expectation of the Kingdom")). The parable's structure, moving from the master's departure to his return and subsequent judgment, directly addresses the interim period between Jesus' first and second comings. Verse 15 serves as the turning point, initiating the phase of reckoning after the period of entrusted responsibility, directly preceding the individual accounts of the servants and the master's pronouncements of reward or punishment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects a common practice in the ancient world where a nobleman might travel to a distant authority (like a Roman emperor) to receive official recognition or investiture of a kingdom or governorship. Such journeys were often fraught with political intrigue, as seen in the detail of the citizens sending a delegation to oppose the nobleman ([Luke 19:14](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - Citizens' Opposition to the Nobleman")). Upon successful reception of the kingdom, the newly empowered ruler would return to assert his authority, settle accounts, and deal with both loyal and disloyal subjects. The "mina" (Greek: *mna*, plural *mnai*) was a unit of currency, roughly equivalent to 100 denarii (a denarius being a day's wage for a laborer), making it a substantial sum. Entrusting such amounts to servants for "trading" (*diapragmateúomai*) was a common business practice, expecting profitable investment rather than mere safekeeping, reflecting the economic realities of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and broader biblical theology. It emphasizes **divine sovereignty and the delayed nature of the kingdom**, correcting the immediate eschatological expectations of Jesus' audience by portraying a period of waiting before the master's return. The master's command to account for the money highlights the theme of **stewardship and accountability**, underscoring that God entrusts resources, gifts, and opportunities to His people, expecting them to be faithfully managed and multiplied for His purposes. This verse also foreshadows the **future judgment and the return of Christ**, where believers will give an account of their lives and service, a theme echoed in passages like [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") and [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each Will Give an Account to God"). The master's authority, now solidified by "having received the kingdom," reinforces the theme of **Christ's ultimate kingship and judicial authority**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Greek, _epanérchomai'_):** From G1880, meaning "to come up on, i.e. return." This word signifies the master's physical re-entry into his domain, having successfully achieved his objective of receiving the kingdom. In the allegorical sense, it points directly to the certain and decisive Second Coming of Jesus Christ, who will return to fully establish His reign and execute judgment.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, meaning "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)." This term emphasizes the complete subservience and obligation of those entrusted with the master's resources. In the parable, these are not mere employees but bond-servants, whose very lives and possessions belong to the master, highlighting the total claim God has on His people and their stewardship.
* **gained by trading (Greek, _diapragmateúomai'_):** From G1281, meaning "to thoroughly occupy oneself, i.e. (transitively and by implication) to earn in business." This compound verb stresses active, diligent, and profitable engagement with the entrusted funds. It implies not just the preservation of the initial investment, but its multiplication through shrewd and industrious effort, underscoring the expectation of fruitfulness and growth in the spiritual application of the parable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom,"**: This opening clause establishes the critical shift in the narrative. The master's journey, undertaken to secure his royal authority, has concluded successfully. His return is not merely a homecoming but an arrival as a fully invested king, signifying the establishment of his dominion. This allegorically represents Jesus' ascension to the Father's right hand to receive His kingly authority and His future return in power and glory to fully inaugurate His kingdom.
* **"then he commanded these servants to be called unto him,"**: Immediately upon his return, the master exercises his newly confirmed authority by issuing a direct command. The summoning of the servants indicates a formal and purposeful gathering, not a casual reunion. This action highlights the master's sovereign right to demand an account from those under his charge, symbolizing Christ's ultimate authority to summon all people before Him for judgment.
* **"to whom he had given the money,"**: This phrase specifies the particular group of servants being summoned: those who had been entrusted with the master's resources. It underscores the prior act of delegation and trust, reminding the audience that responsibility was previously bestowed. The "money" (minas) represents the various gifts, talents, opportunities, and spiritual resources that God bestows upon His people during the time of His physical absence.
* **"that he might know how much every man had gained by trading."**: The explicit purpose of the summons is revealed: an audit. The master desires a precise accounting of the profitability of his investment. He wants to "know" (Greek: *ginōskō*, G1097), implying a thorough understanding and evaluation of their diligent work. This clause emphasizes the principle of accountability and the expectation of fruitfulness, serving as a powerful reminder that God will assess how His followers have utilized the spiritual and material blessings entrusted to them for the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Ten Minas, of which [Luke 19:15](/luke/19-15 "Luke 19:15 - The Master's Return and Summons") is a central turning point, is a profound **Allegory**. Each element within the narrative corresponds to a deeper spiritual reality: the nobleman represents Jesus Christ, his journey to receive a kingdom symbolizes His ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God, and his return signifies His Second Coming. The servants are believers, and the money (minas) represents the gifts, resources, and opportunities God entrusts to them. The act of "gaining by trading" is **Symbolism** for faithful stewardship and the multiplication of spiritual fruit. The master's return and demand for an account serve as **Foreshadowing** of the future judgment seat of Christ, where believers will be evaluated for their service. The contrast between the diligent servants and the idle one (in subsequent verses) highlights **Juxtaposition** to underscore the importance of active engagement versus passive neglect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:15 serves as a theological anchor, firmly connecting the present reality of Christian life to the future certainty of Christ's return and the subsequent judgment. It underscores the profound biblical truth that life on earth is a period of stewardship, where believers are entrusted with divine resources—whether spiritual gifts, material wealth, time, or opportunities—to be actively invested for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. The master's return to demand an accounting is a powerful reminder that accountability is an inherent aspect of discipleship, motivating believers to live with intentionality and purpose, knowing that their actions will be evaluated by their sovereign Lord. This verse calls us to a life of diligent service, not out of fear, but out of grateful recognition of God's trust and the anticipation of His righteous assessment.

* [Matthew 25:19](/matthew/25-19 "Matthew 25:19 - The Master's Return in the Parable of the Talents")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each Will Give an Account to God")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirement for Stewards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:15 profoundly impacts our understanding of Christian living. It challenges the notion of passive faith, asserting that our lives are not our own, but rather a trust from God. The master's return and immediate demand for an account should ignite a sense of urgency and purpose in every believer. We are called to be active participants in God's kingdom work, diligently investing the "minas" He has given us—our time, talents, spiritual gifts, financial resources, and spheres of influence—for His glory. This verse encourages us to regularly assess our own stewardship: Are we multiplying what God has entrusted to us, or merely preserving it? Are we living with an eternal perspective, mindful that one day we will stand before our King? Our faithfulness in the small things now prepares us for greater responsibilities in His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "minas" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God specifically entrusted to me?**
* **How am I actively "trading" with these resources to bring glory to God and advance His kingdom?**
* **What areas of my life might I be neglecting in terms of faithful stewardship?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return and my accountability motivate my daily decisions and actions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the master "having received the kingdom" before his return?**

Answer: The phrase "having received the kingdom" is crucial because it signifies the nobleman's successful investiture of authority. He departed as a nobleman seeking a kingdom and returned as a king. In the allegorical context of the parable, this represents Jesus' ascension to heaven and His enthronement at the right hand of God the Father, where He has indeed received all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His return, therefore, is not merely a homecoming but a triumphant re-entry as the sovereign King, ready to exercise His judicial authority and fully establish His reign. This detail corrects the immediate eschatological expectations of Jesus' audience, indicating a period of time between His initial departure (ascension) and His ultimate return in power and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:15, while part of a parable, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "nobleman" who "received the kingdom" is none other than Christ Himself, who, after His atoning death and glorious resurrection, ascended to the Father's right hand, where He was indeed crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). His future "return" is the promised Second Coming, when He will descend from heaven with power and great glory to fully establish His eternal kingdom and bring all things under His dominion ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promised Return"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The summoning of the servants to account for their stewardship foreshadows the Bema Seat judgment for believers, where Christ, as the righteous Judge, will evaluate their faithfulness and service, not for salvation (which is by grace through faith), but for rewards and responsibilities in His coming kingdom ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")). Thus, Luke 19:15 powerfully portrays Christ as the sovereign King who has received His kingdom, will certainly return, and will righteously assess the stewardship of His people, ultimately bringing all things to their proper culmination under His glorious reign.

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

1 Corinthians 4:1

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

1 Corinthians 4:5

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

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

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

Psalms 2:4

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

Psalms 2:6

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

Matthew 18:23

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