Luke 19:16

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Luke 19:16

This verse is a crucial moment within the Parable of the Pounds (or Minas), which Jesus told as He approached Jerusalem. The parable, detailed in Luke 19:11-27, concerns a nobleman who goes to a "far country" to receive a kingdom and returns to settle accounts with his servants. Before leaving, he entrusts each of ten servants with one "pound" (Greek: mina), a significant sum of money representing about three months' wages for a laborer. This particular servant is the first to report, demonstrating diligence and success in managing the entrusted resource.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faithful Stewardship: The servant's report highlights the theme of responsible management of resources. He didn't merely preserve what was given; he actively invested and multiplied it. This illustrates the principle of faithfulness in stewardship, where believers are expected to use their gifts, talents, time, and material possessions for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
  • Accountability: The return of the nobleman and the servants' reports underscore the concept of ultimate accountability. Just as the servants had to give an account of their pounds, individuals will give an account to God for how they have used what He has entrusted to them.
  • Reward for Diligence: The servant's positive report foreshadows the reward that follows faithful and productive service. His diligent effort in turning one pound into ten pounds will be met with commendation and further responsibility, as seen in Luke 19:17.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the Greek word mna (μνᾶ) as "pound." This unit of currency was a specific weight of silver, equivalent to 100 drachmas or about 1/60th of a talent. While a significant sum, it was less than a "talent" mentioned in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, where different servants received varying amounts based on their ability. In the Parable of the Pounds, each servant initially received the same amount, emphasizing equal opportunity and individual responsibility to make the most of what was given.

Practical Application

Luke 19:16 challenges believers today to consider how they are "gaining" with the "pounds" God has entrusted to them. This isn't just about financial resources, but about all aspects of life:

  • Spiritual Gifts: Are we actively using and developing the spiritual gifts God has given us (Romans 12:6-8)?
  • Time and Talents: Are we investing our time and natural abilities wisely for eternal purposes?
  • Opportunities: Are we seizing opportunities to serve others, share the Gospel, and build up the Body of Christ?

This verse encourages a proactive, fruitful approach to Christian living, reminding us that diligence in God's service brings commendation and greater responsibility in His kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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