Luke 19:17

KJV

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Well {G2095}, thou good {G18} servant {G1401}: because {G3754} thou hast been {G1096} faithful {G4103} in {G1722} a very little {G1646}, have {G2192} thou authority {G2468}{G1849} over {G1883} ten {G1176} cities {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

‘Excellent!’ he said to him. ‘You are a good servant. Because you have been trustworthy in a small matter, I am putting you in charge of ten towns.’

Berean Standard Bible

His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:17 captures the commendation and reward given to a faithful servant in the Parable of the Minas, illustrating principles of stewardship, diligence, and divine accountability. As Jesus journeyed towards Jerusalem, He taught this parable to correct His disciples' misconception that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately. The verse highlights the master's approval of the servant who, having been entrusted with a modest sum, diligently invested it and yielded a significant return, thereby earning greater responsibility and honor in the master's returning kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 19:17 is a pivotal moment within the [Parable of the Minas](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"), which Jesus tells immediately after His encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho and just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The narrative flow indicates Jesus' awareness of the disciples' heightened expectation that the Kingdom of God was about to appear in a visible, immediate, and political form. To temper these expectations and teach about the interim period before His return and the nature of His kingdom, Jesus presents this parable. It contrasts the faithful servants who diligently work in their master's absence with the unfaithful servant who does nothing, and the rebellious citizens who reject their king. This specific verse focuses on the positive example, setting the stage for the subsequent commendation of the second faithful servant and the condemnation of the unfaithful one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws on familiar cultural elements of the time. The "nobleman going to a distant country to receive a kingdom" (Luke 19:12) would have resonated with Jesus' audience, as it mirrored historical events, such as Herod Archelaus's journey to Rome to secure his rule after Herod the Great's death. This context underscores the idea of a delayed but certain return of the king, who would then settle accounts with his subjects. The "mina" (Greek: `mna`) was a significant monetary unit, roughly equivalent to 100 denarii or about three months' wages for a common laborer, signifying a substantial but not overwhelming sum entrusted to each servant. The concept of entrusting funds to servants for investment was a common practice, highlighting the expectation of productive stewardship and the accountability inherent in such relationships.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **faithfulness and stewardship**, particularly in the interim period before Christ's return. The master's commendation of the servant's diligence with "a very little" underscores that God values the quality and heart of service, regardless of the perceived scale of the initial gift or task. This theme is echoed in other parables, such as the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), where similar principles of investment and reward are taught. Secondly, it highlights **divine reward and increased responsibility** for faithful service. The grant of "authority over ten cities" is a tangible symbol of future honor and governance within the master's kingdom, indicating that faithfulness in small matters in this life prepares believers for greater responsibilities in the life to come. This principle is also seen in Jesus' teaching that "one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much" in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"). Lastly, the parable underscores the theme of **accountability**, as all servants are expected to give an account of their stewardship upon the master's return, a concept central to the eschatological teachings of Jesus throughout the Gospels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This term refers to a slave or bond-servant, emphasizing a relationship of complete subjection and subservience to a master. In a spiritual context, it signifies one who voluntarily dedicates themselves to the service of God, highlighting humility, obedience, and devotion rather than forced labor. The master's commendation of a "good `doûlos`" elevates the status of faithful service.
* **good (Greek, _agathós'_):** This word denotes intrinsic goodness, moral excellence, and beneficial quality. When the master calls the servant "good," it's not merely an assessment of his financial acumen but a moral and characterological affirmation, indicating that his actions were pleasing and aligned with the master's will. It implies a heart rightly oriented towards the master's interests.
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** This adjective describes someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and full of faith. It encompasses both objective trustworthiness (being dependable) and subjective trust (having faith). The servant's faithfulness implies he genuinely believed in his master's eventual return and diligently acted upon that belief by investing the mina, demonstrating loyalty and commitment.
* **very little (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** This is the superlative form of a word meaning "small," indicating the absolute least or smallest in size, amount, or dignity. The phrase "faithful in a very little" emphasizes that the initial sum, while not insignificant, was considered small in comparison to the master's vast wealth or the ultimate reward. It underscores that God values the quality of faithfulness even in seemingly minor tasks or resources.
* **authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term signifies privilege, power, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery. It can refer to delegated influence or jurisdiction. The reward of "authority over ten cities" is not merely a symbolic honor but a grant of genuine administrative power and responsibility, reflecting the master's trust and the servant's proven capability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant:"** This opening phrase conveys the master's immediate and enthusiastic approval. The Greek word translated "Well" (`eû`) is an adverb meaning "excellently" or "rightly done," expressing profound satisfaction. The address " thou good servant" is a powerful affirmation, recognizing both the character (`good`) and the role (`servant`) of the individual, highlighting that his actions were not just correct but morally commendable and aligned with the master's desires.
* **"because thou hast been faithful in a very little,"** This clause provides the reason for the master's commendation. The servant's faithfulness (`pistós`) is the key virtue, demonstrating trustworthiness and diligence. The phrase "in a very little" (`en eláchistos`) underscores that the initial entrusted sum, while valuable, was relatively small in the grand scheme of the master's wealth. This emphasizes that the quality of faithfulness is what truly matters, rather than the magnitude of the initial opportunity or resource. It implies that consistent diligence with what is given, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is highly valued.
* **"have thou authority over ten cities."** This final clause declares the reward. The "authority" (`exousía`) granted is a significant increase in responsibility and honor, symbolizing a share in the master's rule and kingdom. "Ten cities" represents a substantial domain, far exceeding the initial "mina." This reward illustrates the principle that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibility and blessing, signifying not merely a passive reward but active participation in the master's future reign.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Minas, in which this verse is embedded, is a masterful example of **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The "nobleman" **symbolizes** Christ, who departs to receive His kingdom (His ascension and anticipation of His second coming). The "servants" **symbolize** believers, and the "minas" **symbolize** the resources, gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities entrusted to them during Christ's absence. The "return" of the nobleman **symbolizes** Christ's second coming, at which point an **accounting** will take place. The reward of "authority over ten cities" is a **metaphor** for increased responsibility, honor, and participation in the future Messianic kingdom, emphasizing that spiritual rewards are often tied to active, faithful service. The contrast between the diligent servants and the unfaithful one highlights the **dramatic irony** of the unfaithful servant's fear-based inaction leading to loss, while the faithful servant's proactive investment leads to exponential gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:17 powerfully articulates the New Testament theology of stewardship and eschatological reward. It teaches that God, as the ultimate Master, entrusts His people with various resources—spiritual gifts, financial means, time, talents, and opportunities—during the "interim" period between Christ's first and second comings. Our response to this divine trust, characterized by diligence and faithfulness, is not only observed but also deeply valued by God. This verse underscores that the measure of our faithfulness is not determined by the size of the initial gift, but by the integrity and effort with which we manage what we have been given, however "little" it may seem. The promise of "authority over ten cities" reveals that God's rewards are often expressed as increased capacity for service and participation in His eternal reign, linking present faithfulness to future glory and responsibility in His Kingdom.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents Commendation")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Revelation 2:26](/revelation/2-26 "Revelation 2:26 - Authority Over Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:17 offers profound encouragement and a clear challenge for believers today. It assures us that every act of faithfulness, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant in the eyes of the world, is seen and deeply valued by our Master. Whether it's the diligent management of our finances, the consistent exercise of our spiritual gifts in our local church, the faithful discharge of our daily duties, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor, God observes the heart and effort behind our actions. This verse motivates us to cultivate a mindset of proactive stewardship, recognizing that everything we possess and every opportunity we encounter is a trust from God. It reminds us that our present faithfulness is not just about immediate results, but about preparing us for greater responsibilities and blessings in God's eternal kingdom. We are called to live with an awareness of Christ's eventual return, knowing that our diligent service now will culminate in His commendation and a share in His glorious reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "little" things has God entrusted to me (talents, resources, relationships, time) where I can demonstrate greater faithfulness?**
* **How does the promise of "authority over ten cities" motivate my daily service and stewardship?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to underestimate the value of consistent, diligent effort?**
* **How does the master's commendation of the "good servant" shape my understanding of what pleases God?**

### FAQ

**What is a "mina" and why is it described as "a very little"?**

Answer: A "mina" (Greek: `mna`) was a unit of currency, roughly equivalent to 100 denarii. A denarius was a typical day's wage for a laborer, so a mina represented about three months' wages, a substantial sum for an individual. However, in the context of the master's vast wealth and the ultimate reward of "authority over ten cities," it is described as "a very little" (`eláchistos`). This highlights that the initial investment, while significant to the servant, was small in comparison to the master's resources and the immense future reward. The emphasis is not on the quantity of the initial gift, but on the quality of faithfulness in managing it.

**What does "authority over ten cities" symbolize?**

Answer: "Authority over ten cities" symbolizes a significant increase in responsibility, honor, and participation in the master's future kingdom. It is a reward that reflects the servant's proven trustworthiness and capability. In a spiritual sense, it represents the increased capacity for service, leadership, and shared rule that faithful believers will experience in Christ's eternal kingdom. It signifies that God's rewards are not merely abstract blessings but involve active participation and governance, reflecting the principle that faithfulness in this life prepares us for greater responsibilities in the next.

**Is this parable only about managing money?**

Answer: While the parable uses money (minas) as its primary example, its message extends far beyond financial stewardship. The "minas" symbolize all the resources, gifts, talents, opportunities, and responsibilities that God entrusts to His people. This includes spiritual gifts (e.g., teaching, serving, encouraging), time, relationships, influence, and even our daily tasks. The core message is about being a faithful steward of everything God has given us, using it productively for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, while awaiting the return of our Master.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:17, though part of a parable, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential "good servant," not in the sense of receiving commendation for His faithfulness, but as the one whose perfect faithfulness enables and empowers ours. Christ, the true Nobleman, willingly "went to a distant country" through His ascension to the Father, having accomplished our salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. He entrusted His disciples, and by extension all believers, with the "minas" of the Gospel, spiritual gifts, and the mission of the Kingdom, promising His return. Our capacity to be "faithful in a very little" is not a self-generated virtue, but a fruit of His indwelling Spirit, made possible by His atoning work on the cross. He is the one who, in His perfect obedience, demonstrated the ultimate faithfulness, even to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Furthermore, the "authority over ten cities" foreshadows the believer's co-reign with Christ in His coming kingdom. Just as the master shares his authority with his faithful servants, so too will Christ share His glorious reign with those who have been faithful in His service, fulfilling the promise that "if we endure, we will also reign with him" found in [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - Reigning with Christ"). Thus, Luke 19:17 points to Christ as the source of our faithfulness, the pattern of perfect service, and the ultimate bestower of eternal reward and shared dominion in His glorious Kingdom.

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

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Revelation 2:26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 2:29

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.