Luke 19:20

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary on Luke 19:20 (KJV)

Luke 19:20 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Parable of the Pounds (or Minas), delivered as He approached Jerusalem and people mistakenly thought the Kingdom of God would immediately appear. This parable highlights the responsibilities of His followers while He is away and the accountability they will face upon His return.

Historical and Cultural Context

The "pound" mentioned in the KJV is a translation of the Greek word mna, which refers to a mina, a unit of currency roughly equivalent to 100 drachmas or about three months' wages for a common laborer. It was a significant sum, though less than a talent (which is used in the similar Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30). The "napkin" (Greek: soudarion) was a piece of cloth, often used for sweat, wrapping, or even as a burial shroud, implying that the servant carefully wrapped and hid the money, rendering it completely unproductive. This action starkly contrasts with the first two servants who actively invested their pounds and brought back significant returns.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The parable fundamentally addresses the concept of biblical stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources, gifts, or opportunities by a higher authority (God). The master expects a return on his investment, signifying that God expects His followers to actively use what He has given them for His kingdom.
  • Fear Leading to Inaction: This servant's excuse, detailed in the subsequent verse (Luke 19:21), reveals a fear-driven paralysis. He claims to have known his master was a harsh man, so he chose to preserve the original sum rather than risk losing it through investment. This illustrates how fear, misunderstanding of God's character, or a desire for self-preservation can hinder faithful service and spiritual growth.
  • Consequences of Idleness: Unlike the productive servants who were rewarded, this servant's idleness led to rebuke and loss. The message is clear: passive preservation is not enough; active and productive engagement with what God has entrusted to us is required.
  • Accountability: The return of the master signifies a time of reckoning or divine accountability, where each person will give an account for how they managed their responsibilities.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "pound" is mna (mina), a unit of weight and currency. The term "napkin" is soudarion, which literally means a "sweat-cloth" or "face-cloth." Its use here implies not just a simple cloth, but a deliberate act of concealment, ensuring the money was out of circulation and thus unproductive. This highlights the servant's intention to do nothing with the entrusted resource.

Practical Application

Luke 19:20 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual laziness and the paralysis of fear. We are all given "pounds" by God—whether they are spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8), talents, time, resources, or opportunities. The verse challenges us to:

  • Identify and Utilize Your Gifts: Do not hide your God-given abilities or resources. God expects us to actively develop and deploy them for His purposes.
  • Overcome Fear of Failure: The servant's fear led to his downfall. We must trust in God's provision and guidance, stepping out in faith even when uncertain, rather than allowing fear to keep us from serving.
  • Embrace Active Faith: Christianity is not a passive waiting game. It calls for diligent effort, growth, and fruitful living, leveraging every opportunity to honor God and advance His kingdom.

Ultimately, Luke 19:20 compels us to reflect on how we are stewarding what God has given us, urging us to be faithful and productive until He returns.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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