Luke 19:19

KJV

And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} likewise {G2532} to him {G5129}, Be {G1096} thou {G4771} also {G2532} over {G1883} five {G4002} cities {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and to this one he said, ‘You be in charge of five towns.’

Berean Standard Bible

And to this one he said, ‘You shall have authority over five cities.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto him also, Be thou also over five cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:19 records the nobleman's commendation and reward to his second servant in the Parable of the Minas, who faithfully doubled his entrusted sum. This verse encapsulates the principle of proportional reward for diligent stewardship, where demonstrated trustworthiness in managing limited resources leads to greater authority and responsibility within the nobleman's newly acquired kingdom, illustrating a foundational truth about service and accountability in God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 19:19 is an integral part of the [Parable of the Minas](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"), which Jesus tells as He approaches Jerusalem, immediately before His triumphal entry. The parable addresses the disciples' expectation that the Kingdom of God was about to appear immediately ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Expectation of the Kingdom")). It follows the account of Zacchaeus's conversion ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector")), transitioning from individual salvation to kingdom responsibilities. The nobleman in the parable goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom, entrusting his servants with minas to "do business" until his return ([Luke 19:12-13](/luke/19-12-13 "Luke 19:12-13 - The Nobleman and His Servants")). Upon his return, he calls them to account. The first servant, who gained ten minas, was rewarded with authority over ten cities ([Luke 19:17](/luke/19-17 "Luke 19:17 - Reward of the First Servant")). Luke 19:19 then presents the reward for the second servant, who gained five minas, demonstrating a consistent principle of reward based on faithfulness and productivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects common practices in the ancient world, particularly the concept of a nobleman or king traveling to a superior authority (e.g., the Roman emperor) to have his claim to a kingdom validated or confirmed. This was a known political reality, as seen with figures like Archelaus, Herod the Great's son, who traveled to Rome to secure his rule. The "mina" (Greek: *mna*) was a unit of currency, roughly equivalent to 100 drachmas or a significant sum, representing about three months' wages for a laborer. Entrusting servants with such funds for investment was a common practice, highlighting the master's expectation of diligent management and profit. The reward of authority "over cities" signifies a tangible grant of power and responsibility within the nobleman's newly established kingdom, consistent with the administrative structures of the time where loyal subjects or officials were granted governance over territories.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Jesus's teaching on the Kingdom of God. Firstly, it underscores **Faithful Stewardship**, emphasizing that God entrusts His followers with resources, gifts, and opportunities, expecting them to be actively managed and multiplied for His purposes. The second servant, like the first, demonstrates diligence and productivity with what he was given, regardless of the initial amount. Secondly, the theme of **Proportional Reward** is evident: the servant's reward of authority "over five cities" is directly commensurate with his demonstrated faithfulness and the profit he generated. This principle suggests that God rewards faithful effort and trustworthiness in His service, aligning future responsibility with proven character and fruitfulness. Thirdly, the parable highlights **Accountability**, reminding believers that there will be a future reckoning for how they have managed what has been entrusted to them, as seen in the nobleman's return to settle accounts ([Luke 19:15](/luke/19-15 "Luke 19:15 - The Return of the Nobleman")). Finally, the "cities" symbolize **Kingdom Principles** of authority and influence, teaching that those who are faithful in "little" (the mina) will be entrusted with "much" (governance over cities), a concept also articulated in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it signifies the nobleman's direct, authoritative pronouncement of commendation and reward. It highlights the direct communication of the master's judgment and the servant's new assignment.
* **Be (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, a versatile verb meaning "to cause to be," or reflexively, "to become" or "come into being." Here, it functions as a command, indicating a transition into a new state or role. The servant is commanded to *become* or *be* in a position of authority, signifying a divinely ordained or master-appointed reality.
* **over (Greek, _epánō'_):** From G1883, meaning "up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)." This preposition clearly denotes a position of authority, superiority, or governance. The servant is placed in a ruling capacity, exercising dominion *over* the designated cities.
* **cities (Greek, _pólis'_):** From G4172, referring to "a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)." In the parable, "cities" represent tangible administrative units or territories. As a reward, they signify a significant grant of governmental authority and influence within the nobleman's kingdom, directly proportional to the servant's faithful stewardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said likewise to him,":** This opening phrase connects the nobleman's interaction with the second servant to his previous commendation of the first servant. The "likewise" (Greek: *kai*, G2532, and *dé*, G1161) indicates a similar, yet distinct, response based on the servant's specific performance. It sets the stage for the nobleman's direct address, emphasizing the individualized assessment and reward.
* **"Be thou also over five cities.":** This is the nobleman's direct command and reward. The phrase "Be thou also" (Greek: *gínomai sý kai*) reinforces the idea of a new status or role being conferred upon the servant. The reward of "five cities" is precisely half of the reward given to the first servant, directly correlating with the five minas gained. This highlights the principle of proportional reward based on demonstrated faithfulness and fruitfulness, signifying a tangible grant of authority and governance within the nobleman's newly acquired kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Minas, of which Luke 19:19 is a part, is a prime example of **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire narrative functions as an **Allegory**, where elements of the story directly correspond to spiritual realities. The nobleman represents Jesus Christ, who departs to receive His kingdom (His ascension and future return), and the servants represent His disciples. The minas symbolize the gifts, resources, and opportunities entrusted to believers. The "cities" in this verse are powerful **Symbolism** for the authority and responsibility that faithful servants will receive in God's future kingdom. The proportional reward system (ten cities for ten minas, five cities for five minas) serves as a **Metaphor** for divine justice and the principle that faithfulness in "little things" leads to greater responsibility in God's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:19 reinforces the profound theological truth that God is a God of justice who rewards faithfulness and diligent stewardship. It teaches that our present actions in managing the gifts and opportunities He entrusts to us have eternal consequences and directly impact our future roles and responsibilities in His kingdom. The proportional nature of the reward underscores that God's commendation is not arbitrary but is based on demonstrated character, trustworthiness, and fruitfulness in His service. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to live with a kingdom mindset, actively investing their lives for God's glory, knowing that their labor is not in vain and will be recognized and honored by the returning King.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Reward for All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:19 calls us to a profound self-examination of our stewardship. It challenges us to consider what "minas" God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, spiritual gifts, material resources, relationships, and opportunities—and how faithfully we are investing them for His kingdom. Are we merely holding onto what we have been given, or are we actively seeking to multiply it for God's glory and the advancement of His purposes? This verse reminds us that our faithfulness today directly correlates with the authority and responsibility we may be given in the future. It encourages us to leverage every aspect of our lives for eternal impact, knowing that our diligent efforts, no matter how small they seem, are seen and valued by our Master. The promise of reward should motivate us not for personal gain, but for the joy of hearing "Well done, good servant!" and participating more fully in His glorious reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "minas" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God entrusted to you, and how are you currently stewarding them?**
* **In what specific areas of your life can you be more diligent and fruitful for the Kingdom of God?**
* **How does the idea of proportional reward motivate or challenge your current approach to serving God?**
* **What does "authority over cities" symbolize for your life and service in God's kingdom today and in the future?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "five cities" as a reward?**

Answer: The reward of "five cities" in Luke 19:19 is significant because it directly corresponds to the five minas (or units of money) that the second servant successfully gained through diligent stewardship. This proportional reward highlights a key principle in the Parable of the Minas: faithfulness in managing what has been entrusted leads to greater responsibility and authority in the master's kingdom. The "cities" symbolize tangible administrative power and influence, indicating a significant position of governance. It underscores that God rewards proven trustworthiness and fruitfulness, granting greater spheres of influence to those who have demonstrated their reliability in smaller matters, as Jesus teaches in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things").

**How does the Parable of the Minas differ from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25?**

Answer: While both the [Parable of the Minas](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas") (Luke 19:11-27) and the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") (Matthew 25:14-30) teach about stewardship, faithfulness, and accountability, they have distinct nuances. In the Parable of the Minas, each servant initially receives the *same* amount (one mina), emphasizing that faithfulness is expected from all, regardless of their starting capacity. The reward is then proportional to their *gain*. In contrast, the Parable of the Talents gives servants *different* initial amounts (five, two, and one talent) "according to his ability," highlighting that God gives according to individual capacity. The reward in Matthew is the same ("enter into the joy of your master") but the responsibility is also proportional. Luke's parable focuses more on the universal call to productivity, while Matthew's emphasizes varying capacities and the expectation of proportionate return on those capacities. Both, however, underscore the importance of actively using what God has given for His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:19, within the Parable of the Minas, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Nobleman who "went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return" ([Luke 19:12](/luke/19-12 "Luke 19:12 - The Nobleman's Journey")). This parable prefigures Christ's ascension to the Father's right hand to receive His kingly authority ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")), and His promised return in power and glory to establish His full reign ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as King")). The servants' faithful stewardship and subsequent reward of authority "over cities" foreshadows the glorious reality that believers, who are united with Christ, will participate in His future reign. As co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and members of His body, the Church, our faithfulness in this life—our diligent use of the spiritual gifts, time, and resources He entrusts to us—is not merely for earthly benefit but prepares us for eternal responsibility alongside our King. The promise of ruling with Christ ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Endure, We Will Also Reign")) is a profound aspect of our Christ-centered hope, demonstrating that our present service is a training ground for future glory in His 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

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

1 Corinthians 15:41

[There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory.

1 Corinthians 15:42

So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: