Luke 19:17

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

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}.

‘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.’

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

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

Context of Luke 19:17

Luke 19:17 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27), also known as the Parable of the Ten Pounds. Jesus told this parable as He was nearing Jerusalem, addressing a misconception among His followers that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately upon His arrival. To correct this, He depicted a nobleman who went to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then returned. Before leaving, he entrusted his servants with a sum of money (a "mina," a monetary unit of significant value) to invest and manage in his absence. This verse describes the nobleman's commendation and reward to the first servant who faithfully and profitably managed his entrusted funds.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faithfulness and Stewardship: The core message is the importance of being a faithful steward of the resources, talents, and opportunities God entrusts to us. The servant's faithfulness with "a very little" (relative to the master's vast wealth) is highly commended.
  • Reward for Diligence: The master's enthusiastic approval, "Well, thou good servant," signifies divine pleasure in diligent effort. The reward of "authority over ten cities" illustrates that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibility and blessing in God's kingdom. This principle is also evident in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:23.
  • Accountability: The parable underscores the idea that all believers are accountable to God for how they utilize what has been given to them during their earthly lives, awaiting the return of the "nobleman" (Christ).
  • The Nature of God's Kingdom: The reward of authority in the kingdom is not simply abstract but involves active participation and governance, reflecting the responsibility that comes with spiritual maturity and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Well" translates the Greek word kalos (καλῶς), which means "beautifully," "excellently," or "rightly." It's a strong affirmation of the servant's actions, implying not just correctness but also moral goodness and aptitude. The phrase "faithful in a very little" highlights that God values the quality and heart behind our service, even if the scale of our earthly contribution seems small to us. It's not about the quantity of the initial gift, but the diligence in its management.

Practical Application

Luke 19:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that:

  • Every Act of Faithfulness Matters: No act of service, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, goes unnoticed by God if done with a faithful heart. Whether it's managing finances, using spiritual gifts, or serving others, our diligence is seen and valued.
  • Growth and Responsibility: God often uses our faithfulness in present, smaller tasks to prepare us for greater responsibilities and blessings in the future, both in this life and in eternity. The promise of "authority over ten cities" symbolizes increased honor and leadership in God's eternal kingdom, a concept also found in Revelation 2:26.
  • Motivation for Service: This verse motivates us to live a life of diligent service to God, knowing that our efforts are not in vain and that our Master will return to commend and reward us for our stewardship. It encourages a proactive and productive approach to our spiritual lives.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 16:10 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Revelation 2:29 (7 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 2:30 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.