Luke 19:16

KJV

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} came {G3854} the first {G4413}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, thy {G4675} pound {G3414} hath gained {G4333} ten {G1176} pounds {G3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The first one came in and said, ‘Sir, your maneh has earned ten more manim.’

Berean Standard Bible

The first servant came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has produced ten more minas.’

American Standard Version

And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:16 captures the pivotal moment in the Parable of the Pounds (or Minas) where the first servant reports to his returning master. Having been entrusted with one pound, this diligent servant joyfully declares that through his efforts, the initial sum has multiplied tenfold, setting the stage for the master's commendation and the subsequent revelation of the principles of faithful stewardship, accountability, and reward in the coming kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' Parable of the Pounds, recorded in [Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "The Parable of the Pounds"). Jesus tells this parable as He is "nigh to Jerusalem" ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Jesus Nears Jerusalem")), directly addressing the disciples' expectation that the Kingdom of God would immediately appear. The parable serves as a corrective, emphasizing that there would be a delay before the King's return and that His followers must be productive during His absence. The nobleman's journey to "receive for himself a kingdom" and his subsequent return to settle accounts with his servants forms the narrative framework, with Luke 19:16 presenting the first and most successful report, contrasting sharply with the unfaithful servant later in the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects a common historical reality in the ancient world where a nobleman might travel to a distant imperial power (like Rome) to be officially invested with kingship over a territory. This would have resonated with the Jewish audience, who were familiar with figures like Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, undertaking such a journey to Rome to secure his rule. The "pound" (Greek: *mina*) was a significant unit of currency, roughly equivalent to 100 drachmas or a worker's wages for about three months, representing a substantial investment. Entrusting such sums to servants highlights the master's trust and the expectation of diligent management, mirroring the societal norms of principal-agent relationships in that era.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the parable and the broader Gospel of Luke. Foremost is the theme of **faithful stewardship**, where the servant's active multiplication of the entrusted resource exemplifies the expectation for believers to wisely manage their God-given gifts, talents, time, and resources for the advancement of His kingdom. This directly ties into the theme of **accountability**, as the master's return necessitates a reckoning for how each servant has used what was given. The verse also introduces the theme of **reward for diligence**, as the servant's success foreshadows the commendation and increased responsibility that will be granted to those who are found faithful upon the master's return, a concept further elaborated in [Luke 19:17](/luke/19-17 "Luke 19:17 - The Servant's Reward").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, used by the servant to address the nobleman, signifies supreme authority and mastery. It is a respectful title acknowledging the nobleman's position as controller and owner. In the broader biblical context, *kýrios* is frequently used to refer to God or Christ, underscoring the ultimate authority to whom all are accountable.
* **pound (Greek, _mnâ'_):** Referring to a "mina," this word denotes a specific weight of silver, a significant sum of money. In the parable, it symbolizes the resources, opportunities, and responsibilities (spiritual, material, and relational) that God entrusts to His followers. The fact that each servant receives the same amount emphasizes equal opportunity and individual responsibility rather than differing initial capacities.
* **gained (Greek, _prosergázomai'_):** This verb means "to work additionally" or "to acquire besides." It implies active, diligent effort beyond mere preservation. The servant did not simply keep the pound safe; he engaged in productive labor to increase its value, highlighting the expectation of fruitfulness and growth from what has been entrusted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the first, saying":** This clause establishes the sequence of events upon the nobleman's return. The "first" servant is the initial one to present his report, indicating an eagerness or readiness to account for his stewardship. The act of "saying" introduces his verbal declaration of success.
* **"Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds":** This is the core declaration of the faithful servant. He attributes the initial "pound" to his "Lord," acknowledging the source of the resource. The phrase "hath gained ten pounds" (literally, "your mina has produced ten minas") signifies a remarkable multiplication. This outcome is a direct result of the servant's diligent labor and wise investment, demonstrating exceptional fruitfulness and a keen understanding of his master's expectations.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Pounds, of which Luke 19:16 is a part, is primarily an **Allegory**. Each element within the narrative corresponds to a deeper spiritual reality: the nobleman represents Jesus Christ, who departs to receive a kingdom (His ascension and enthronement at the Father's right hand); the servants are His disciples; the pounds symbolize the gifts, resources, and opportunities entrusted to believers; and the nobleman's return signifies Christ's second coming and the final judgment. The "gaining ten pounds" is **Symbolism** for the faithful and fruitful use of God-given resources, illustrating the principle that diligence in God's service leads to spiritual growth and the expansion of His kingdom. The servant's report also employs **Direct Speech**, making the interaction immediate and emphasizing the personal accountability of the servant to his master.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:16 powerfully illustrates the divine expectation for active, productive stewardship from those to whom God has entrusted His resources. It underscores that God's gifts are not meant for passive preservation but for diligent investment and multiplication for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This verse, within the larger parable, teaches that our present actions in managing what God has given us have eternal consequences, culminating in a future reckoning where faithfulness will be rewarded and unfaithfulness judged. It calls believers to a life of purposeful engagement, recognizing that every talent, opportunity, and material possession is a trust from the Lord, to be utilized for His purposes until His return.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Reward for Good and Faithful Servant")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirement of Stewardship")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Account to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:16 challenges every believer to a profound self-examination regarding their stewardship. The servant's joyous declaration, "Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds," should inspire us to consider not just what we have received from God, but what we are actively doing with it. This isn't merely about financial resources, but encompasses the entirety of our lives: our time, talents, spiritual gifts, relationships, and opportunities to serve. Are we merely holding onto what God has given us, or are we diligently investing it, seeking to multiply its impact for His kingdom? This verse calls us to a proactive, fruitful faith, reminding us that our ultimate reward is tied to our faithfulness in the present. It encourages us to cultivate a mindset of diligent service, knowing that every effort made in His name, no matter how small, contributes to a greater harvest and will be acknowledged by our returning Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pounds" (resources, talents, opportunities) has God entrusted to me?**
* **In what specific ways am I actively "gaining" or multiplying these resources for God's kingdom?**
* **What areas of my life might I be neglecting in terms of faithful stewardship?**
* **How does the expectation of Christ's return motivate my current efforts in serving Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between the Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19) and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25)?**

Answer: While both parables teach about stewardship, accountability, and the master's return, they have distinct emphases. In the Parable of the Pounds ([Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "The Parable of the Pounds")), each of the ten servants receives the same initial amount (one pound or mina), emphasizing equal opportunity and the expectation of diligent effort from *all* believers, regardless of their perceived initial capacity. The focus is on *equal responsibility* to make the most of what is given. In contrast, the Parable of the Talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "The Parable of the Talents")), the master distributes varying amounts (five, two, and one talent) "according to his ability" ([Matthew 25:15](/matthew/25-15 "Matthew 25:15 - Talents Given According to Ability")). This highlights that God gives different gifts and responsibilities based on individual capacity, and the expectation is to be faithful with what *you* have been given. Both parables underscore the importance of productive faithfulness and the reality of future accountability, but from slightly different angles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:16, within the Parable of the Pounds, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The nobleman who goes to a "far country" to receive a kingdom is a clear **type of Christ**, who, after His earthly ministry, ascended to heaven to be enthroned at the right hand of God, receiving all authority and power ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Christ's Ascension"); [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). His future return to settle accounts with His servants directly points to the **Second Coming of Christ**, when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom in its fullness ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"); [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). The faithful servant's declaration, "Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds," not only highlights diligent stewardship but also foreshadows the commendation and reward that Christ will bestow upon those who have faithfully served Him during His absence, inviting them into the joy of their Master ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")). Ultimately, all our "gaining" and fruitfulness are not of ourselves but are empowered by Christ, through His Spirit, for His glory, as He is the source of all gifts and the one to whom all labor is due ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me to Bear Fruit"); [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")).

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 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

1 Chronicles 29:16

O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name [cometh] of thine hand, and [is] all thine own.

James 2:18

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.