Luke 19:18

KJV

And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the second {G1208} came {G2064}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, thy {G4675} pound {G3414} hath gained {G4160} five {G4002} pounds {G3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The second one came and said, ‘Sir, your maneh has earned five more manim;

Berean Standard Bible

The second servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’

American Standard Version

And the second came, saying, Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:18 captures the report of the second servant in Jesus' Parable of the Ten Minas, a pivotal teaching delivered as Christ journeyed towards Jerusalem, anticipating His departure and eventual return. This verse highlights the servant's diligent stewardship, revealing that the single pound (mina) entrusted to him by the nobleman has yielded a fivefold increase, underscoring the themes of faithful investment and accountability in the master's absence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 19:18 is situated within the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27), which Jesus tells immediately after His encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho. The parable serves to correct the prevailing misconception among His followers that [the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - The Kingdom of God Not Appearing Immediately"). Instead, Jesus illustrates a period of delay between the master's departure and his return, during which servants are expected to be actively engaged in their duties. This verse follows the report of the first servant, who gained ten pounds ([Luke 19:16](/luke/19-16 "Luke 19:16 - The First Servant's Report")), and precedes the account of the third, unfaithful servant ([Luke 19:20-24](/luke/19-20-24 "Luke 19:20-24 - The Unfaithful Servant")). The sequence of reports builds a narrative arc that contrasts faithful diligence with fear-driven inaction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects the socio-political realities of Jesus' time. The figure of a nobleman departing to receive a kingdom would have resonated strongly with His audience, particularly in Judea, where such events were known. For instance, Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, traveled to Rome to secure his rule over Judea, encountering opposition from Jewish delegations (Josephus, _Antiquities_ 17.9.3-4). This historical backdrop lends realism to the nobleman's journey and the citizens' subsequent rejection of him. The "pound" (Greek _mina_) was a significant unit of currency, roughly equivalent to 100 denarii or 100 days' wages for a common laborer, emphasizing that even a seemingly modest initial investment from the master was substantial and carried a serious expectation of return. The act of entrusting resources for investment was a common practice in the ancient world, reflecting a culture of economic enterprise and accountability.

* **Key Themes:** The Parable of the Ten Minas, and specifically this verse, contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Stewardship and Accountability**, highlighting that believers are entrusted with God-given resources—whether talents, time, spiritual gifts, or material wealth—and will be held accountable for their management during Christ's absence. The instruction to "[occupy till I come](/luke/19-13 "Luke 19:13 - Occupy Till I Come")" encapsulates this expectation of active engagement. Closely related is the theme of **Diligence and Fruitfulness**, as the second servant's fivefold gain exemplifies the importance of productive effort and growth in the Lord's service, rather than mere preservation. Finally, the parable underscores the principle of **Reward for Faithfulness**, demonstrating that diligent service will be commended and recompensed by the returning master, mirroring the reward given to the first servant in [Luke 19:17](/luke/19-17 "Luke 19:17 - Reward for Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **second (Greek, _deúteros'_):** This ordinal number signifies the arrival of the next servant in sequence, immediately following the first. In the context of the parable, it highlights that the master's expectation for diligent stewardship applies to multiple individuals, not just an exceptional few. The "second" servant's report, while not as spectacular as the first's, still demonstrates commendable faithfulness and productivity.
* **pound (Greek, _mnâ'_):** Translating "mina," this term refers to a specific unit of currency or weight, a significant sum representing a substantial trust. The fact that each servant received the same initial amount (one mina) emphasizes that the parable is not about differing initial endowments (as in the Parable of the Talents where amounts varied), but about the varying diligence and faithfulness in managing what was equally given.
* **gained (Greek, _poiéō'_):** While _poiéō_ is a broad verb meaning "to make or do," in this context, it specifically denotes "to gain" or "to acquire" profit. The use of this verb emphasizes the active, productive effort of the servant. It's not passive growth, but the result of intentional work and investment, signifying the expected outcome of faithful stewardship—an increase or multiplication of the entrusted resource.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the second came,"**: This phrase marks the orderly progression of the servants reporting to the nobleman. It signifies a moment of accountability, where each individual is called to present the results of their stewardship. The "coming" implies a deliberate act of presenting oneself and one's work before the master.
* **"saying, Lord,"**: This addresses the nobleman with respect and submission, acknowledging his authority and position. The servant's direct address indicates readiness to report and to accept the master's judgment, whether commendation or critique. It sets the stage for the crucial financial report.
* **"thy pound hath gained five pounds."**: This is the core of the servant's report, detailing the outcome of his investment. The phrase "thy pound" acknowledges that the initial capital belonged to the master, not the servant, reinforcing the concept of stewardship. The "gained five pounds" reveals a significant return on investment, a 500% increase, demonstrating diligence, skill, and faithfulness in managing the entrusted resource. This positive outcome sets the servant apart from the unfaithful one and aligns him with the productive first servant.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Ten Minas, in which Luke 19:18 is embedded, is a masterful example of **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The nobleman clearly symbolizes Christ, who departs (ascension) to receive His kingdom (exaltation and enthronement) and will return (Second Coming). The servants represent Christ's followers, each entrusted with "pounds" (symbolizing spiritual gifts, opportunities, the Gospel message, or resources) to manage in His absence. The "gaining" or multiplication of the pounds symbolizes the fruitfulness and spiritual growth expected of believers as they faithfully serve the Kingdom. Furthermore, the parable employs **Contrast** between the diligent servants (who gain 10 and 5 pounds) and the unfaithful servant (who gains nothing), highlighting the stark difference in outcomes based on one's response to the master's trust. The narrative structure also uses **Repetition** in the reporting format of the servants, emphasizing the consistent expectation of accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:18 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine entrustment and human responsibility. God, as the ultimate sovereign, bestows gifts, talents, and opportunities upon His people, not for their sole benefit, but for the advancement of His Kingdom. This verse emphasizes that faithfulness is not merely about preserving what has been given, but actively laboring to multiply it for the Master's glory. It speaks to an eschatological reality where every believer will stand before Christ to give an account of their stewardship, and divine commendation and reward will be directly proportional to their diligence and fruitfulness in His service. The parable thus links present obedience and diligent work to future glory and increased responsibility in the coming Kingdom.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:18 serves as a potent call to action for every believer, reminding us that our lives are not our own, but have been entrusted to us by a sovereign God. The "pound" represents whatever God has given us – our time, talents, spiritual gifts, material resources, influence, and even the very breath we breathe. The question posed by this verse is not merely "What have I kept safe?" but "What have I _gained_ for my Lord?" It challenges us to move beyond passive preservation to active, diligent, and creative engagement in the work of the Kingdom. This means intentionally developing our spiritual gifts, investing our time in eternal pursuits, using our resources to advance the Gospel, and seeking opportunities to serve others for Christ's sake. Our faithfulness in seemingly small areas can yield significant spiritual returns, and this verse encourages us to embrace the responsibility of stewardship with joy and purpose, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and will be richly rewarded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pounds" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God entrusted to me, and how am I currently investing them for His Kingdom?**
* **Am I striving for mere preservation, or am I actively seeking to multiply what God has given me?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to be a more diligent and fruitful steward of my time, talents, or resources?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "five pounds" gained by the second servant?**

Answer: The "five pounds" (five minas) signifies a significant return on the initial investment of one mina. While not as great as the first servant's ten-mina gain, it still represents a 500% increase, demonstrating commendable diligence, faithfulness, and effective stewardship. The specific number highlights that different levels of fruitfulness are acceptable and rewarded, as long as there is active and productive engagement. It underscores the principle that God rewards faithfulness and effort, even if the results vary among individuals.

**How does this parable relate to the Parable of the Talents in Matthew's Gospel?**

Answer: Both the Parable of the Ten Minas ([Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Ten Minas")) and the Parable of the Talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")) teach about stewardship, accountability, and the return of the master. However, there are key differences. In Luke, each servant receives the same initial amount (one mina), emphasizing equal opportunity and the expectation of diligent effort from all. In Matthew, the servants receive differing amounts (five, two, and one talent) according to their ability, highlighting that responsibility is proportional to capacity. Both parables converge on the themes of diligence, the condemnation of idleness, and the reward for faithfulness, preparing disciples for the period between Christ's ascension and His return.

**Does this parable suggest that our salvation is based on our works or "gains"?**

Answer: No, the Parable of the Ten Minas, like other parables of the Kingdom, does not teach salvation by works. Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Instead, this parable addresses the **discipleship** and **stewardship** of those who are already part of the master's household (i.e., believers). The "gains" represent the fruit of a life lived in response to God's grace and in service to His Kingdom, demonstrating genuine faith and love for the Master. It speaks to the **reward** and **responsibility** of believers, not the basis of their initial salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:18, nestled within the Parable of the Ten Minas, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The nobleman, who departs to receive a kingdom and then returns, is a profound symbol of Christ Himself. His ascension to heaven ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")) was not an abandonment but a journey to the Father's right hand, where He received all authority and dominion, thus being enthroned as King ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). The "pounds" entrusted to the servants represent the spiritual resources, gifts, and the very Gospel message that Christ has committed to His followers during His physical absence. The second servant's faithful "gaining five pounds" beautifully illustrates the active, fruitful ministry of the church and individual believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to expand Christ's kingdom on earth. Our diligence in stewarding these divine trusts is not only an act of obedience but also an eager anticipation of His glorious return, when every believer will stand before the [Bema Seat of Christ](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment") to give an account, and the faithful will be invited to "enter into the joy of your Lord" ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")), sharing in His eternal 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

Mark 4:20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

Matthew 13:23

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.