Luke 19:20

KJV

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} another {G2087} came {G2064}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, behold {G2400}, here is thy {G4675} pound {G3414}, which {G3739} I have {G2192} kept laid up {G606} in {G1722} a napkin {G4676}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“Then another one came and said, ‘Sir, here is your maneh. I kept it hidden in a piece of cloth,

Berean Standard Bible

Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth.

American Standard Version

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:20 presents the third servant in Jesus's Parable of the Pounds (or Minas), who, unlike the others, chose to preserve his entrusted sum rather than invest it. This verse introduces the servant's defensive posture and his explanation for his inaction, setting the stage for the master's rebuke and highlighting the critical themes of stewardship, accountability, and the consequences of fear-driven idleness in the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 19:20 is an integral part of the [Parable of the Pounds](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Pounds"), which Jesus delivered as He journeyed towards Jerusalem. The immediate preceding verses (Luke 19:11-19) establish the narrative: a nobleman departs to receive a kingdom and entrusts ten servants with one pound each, expecting them to "do business" until his return. The first two servants report significant gains, receiving commendation and greater responsibility. Verse 20 then introduces the third servant, whose approach starkly contrasts with his diligent counterparts, setting up the climax of the parable where the master's expectations for productivity and the servant's fear-based inaction clash. This parable directly addresses the disciples' mistaken belief that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately, emphasizing a period of waiting, diligent service, and future accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "pound" (Greek: _mna_) was a significant unit of currency in the ancient world, roughly equivalent to 100 drachmas or about three months' wages for a common laborer. While substantial, it was less than a talent, a larger sum used in the parallel [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") in Matthew's Gospel. The "napkin" (Greek: _soudarion_) was a common piece of cloth, often used for wiping sweat, but also for wrapping valuables or even as a burial shroud. Its use here signifies not merely storage, but deliberate concealment and rendering the asset unproductive. In a culture where wealth was often invested or traded, hiding money in this manner was a clear act of avoiding risk and, by extension, avoiding the master's expected return. This action would have been understood by Jesus's audience as a failure of basic financial stewardship and loyalty.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the [Gospel of Luke](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke - A Comprehensive Overview") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Stewardship and Responsibility**, highlighting that God entrusts His followers with resources, gifts, and opportunities, expecting them to be actively used for His Kingdom's advancement, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace"). Secondly, the servant's action, further explained in [Luke 19:21](/luke/19-21 "Luke 19:21 - The Servant's Excuse"), reveals the destructive power of **Fear Leading to Inaction**. His fear of a "harsh" master paralyzes him, preventing him from engaging in productive service. This contrasts with a faith that trusts God even in risk. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **Accountability**, as the master's return signifies a future reckoning for how each servant managed their entrusted resources, a concept echoed in [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This interjection serves as an imperative, meaning "look!" or "see!" It functions to draw immediate attention to what follows, often introducing something significant or surprising. In this context, the servant uses it to dramatically present his "preserved" pound, perhaps expecting commendation for its safety, ironically highlighting his misguided understanding of stewardship.
* **kept laid up (Greek, _apókeimai_): (from) and (to lie), this verb means "to be reserved," "to be laid away," or "to await." It implies a deliberate act of putting something aside for safekeeping, often with the intention of future use or preservation. Here, it emphasizes the servant's conscious decision to store the pound, rather than invest it, signifying a state of being unproductive and inactive.
* **napkin (Greek, _soudárion_):** Of Latin origin, this noun refers to a "sweat-cloth" or "face-cloth." Its primary function was for wiping perspiration. In this context, it symbolizes concealment and idleness. Wrapping the money in a napkin meant it was completely out of circulation, earning no interest, and contributing nothing to the master's enterprise, directly contrasting with the expected commercial activity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And another came, saying, Lord, behold,"**: This opening introduces the third servant, distinct from the first two who had reported their gains. The phrase "another came" signals a new perspective and outcome. The servant addresses the master with "Lord," indicating recognition of his authority, yet his subsequent actions betray a misunderstanding or misapplication of that authority. The interjection "behold" is a dramatic flourish, drawing attention to his presentation.
* **"here is thy pound,"**: The servant emphasizes that the pound he presents is still the master's, implying he has preserved it and not claimed it as his own. This highlights his focus on preservation rather than multiplication, a key point of contention in the parable. He returns the exact amount entrusted, signaling a lack of initiative or risk-taking.
* **"which I have kept laid up in a napkin:"**: This clause reveals the servant's method of "stewardship." "Kept laid up" signifies a deliberate act of storage and inactivity. The "napkin" is the instrument of this idleness, symbolizing not just a safe place, but a place where the money is rendered completely unproductive and out of circulation. This action directly contravenes the master's explicit instruction to "do business" or "trade" (Luke 19:13).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The entire narrative is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson, making abstract concepts relatable. Within this verse, **Symbolism** is prominent: the "pound" (mina) symbolizes the resources, gifts, opportunities, or responsibilities God entrusts to His followers, while the "napkin" symbolizes idleness, fear, and the unproductive burying of potential. There is also a clear **Contrast** between this servant and the previous two, highlighting the difference between active, faithful stewardship and passive, fear-driven inaction. The servant's dramatic "behold" combined with his subsequent justification (in the following verse) creates a subtle **Irony**, as his perceived act of caution and faithfulness is ultimately revealed as a profound failure in the master's eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:20 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of divine entrustment and the expectation of faithful stewardship. God, as the ultimate Master, bestows gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities upon His people, not for passive preservation, but for active deployment and multiplication in His service. The servant's fear-driven inaction reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the master's character and purpose, leading to a missed opportunity for growth and reward. This parable challenges believers to examine their own lives, ensuring they are not "hiding" their God-given potential out of fear, apathy, or a distorted view of God's expectations, but are actively investing what they have received for the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "The Parable of the Talents") - A parallel parable emphasizing the same themes of stewardship and accountability, with different units of currency (talents).
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Spiritual Gifts and Service") - Encourages believers to use their diverse spiritual gifts actively and diligently according to the grace given to them.
* [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control") - States that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, directly countering the servant's motivation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:20 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider how we are stewarding the "pounds" God has entrusted to us. These "pounds" can represent our spiritual gifts, natural talents, financial resources, time, relationships, and even the very breath in our lungs. The servant's choice to hide his pound in a napkin is a stark warning against spiritual laziness, risk aversion, and a distorted perception of God's character. True faith is active, not passive; it involves taking calculated risks for the Kingdom, stepping out of comfort zones, and diligently working with what we have been given. We are called to be productive, to grow, and to multiply the influence of Christ in our spheres, understanding that our ultimate reward comes from faithful engagement, not mere preservation. This verse compels us to move beyond fear and embrace courageous, active participation in God's redemptive plan for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pounds" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God entrusted to you?**
* **In what "napkins" might you be hiding or underutilizing these gifts due to fear, apathy, or busyness?**
* **How does your understanding of God's character influence your willingness to take risks and actively serve Him?**
* **What is one practical step you can take this week to "do business" with a "pound" God has given you?**

### FAQ

**What is a "pound" in the context of this parable?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "pound" translates the Greek word _mna_ (mina). A mina was a unit of weight and currency in the ancient world, roughly equivalent to 100 drachmas or about three months' wages for a common laborer. It was a substantial sum, representing a significant investment for the master and a considerable responsibility for the servant. It symbolizes the resources, gifts, and opportunities God entrusts to His followers.

**Why did the servant hide the money in a "napkin"?**

Answer: The "napkin" (Greek: _soudarion_) was a common piece of cloth, often used for wiping sweat. Its use here signifies a deliberate act of concealment and rendering the money unproductive. Instead of investing the pound to gain a return, the servant chose to wrap it up and store it safely, ensuring it would not be lost, but also guaranteeing it would not grow. This action reveals his fear of risk and his misunderstanding of the master's expectation for active stewardship, as further explained in [Luke 19:21](/luke/19-21 "Luke 19:21 - The Servant's Excuse").

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

Answer: The [Parable of the Pounds](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Pounds") in Luke and the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") in Matthew share similar themes of stewardship, accountability, and the master's return. While both highlight the expectation of productivity and the consequences of idleness, there are key differences: in Luke, each servant receives the same amount (one pound), emphasizing equal opportunity and responsibility, whereas in Matthew, servants receive varying amounts (talents) based on their ability, highlighting differing capacities. Both parables, however, convey the vital message that God expects His followers to actively use what they have been given for His glory until His return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:20, within the Parable of the Pounds, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "nobleman" who has gone to receive His kingdom, and who will surely return as the reigning King, as promised in [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Ascension and Promise of Return"). The "pounds" entrusted to us are, in essence, the spiritual gifts, the gospel message, and the very life we have received through Him. Our stewardship is not merely about managing earthly resources, but about participating in His ongoing mission to redeem the world. The servant's fear-driven inaction stands in stark contrast to Christ's own life of perfect obedience and sacrificial service, culminating in His death and resurrection for our sake. Furthermore, Christ is the One who empowers us with the Holy Spirit to "do business" for the Kingdom, providing the "power, love, and self-control" that overcomes the spirit of fear (cf. [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control")). Our faithful use of what He has given us is an act of worship and anticipation of His glorious return, when we will give an account before Him, the righteous Judge and gracious Lord (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")).

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

Matthew 25:24

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

Proverbs 26:13

¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

Proverbs 26:16

¶ The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

Luke 3:9

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 19:13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?