Luke 19:24

KJV

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them that stood by {G3936}, Take {G142} from {G575} him {G846} the pound {G3414}, and {G2532} give {G1325} it to him that hath {G2192} ten {G1176} pounds {G3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To those standing by, he said, ‘Take the maneh from him and give it to the one with ten manim.’

Berean Standard Bible

Then he told those standing by, ‘Take the mina from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto them that stood by, Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:24, a pivotal command within Jesus's Parable of the Minas (or Pounds), reveals the master's decisive judgment against the unfaithful servant. This verse underscores the severe consequence for neglecting entrusted resources, as the master orders the single mina taken from the idle servant and given to the one who demonstrated exceptional diligence and fruitfulness, possessing ten minas. It powerfully illustrates the principle of divine accountability and the amplification of resources for faithful stewardship, while idleness leads to loss.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the "Parable of the Minas" (or "Pounds"), recorded in [Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"). Jesus tells this parable immediately after the conversion of Zacchaeus in [Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus's Conversion"). The narrative flow indicates that the disciples and the crowd mistakenly believed the Kingdom of God was about to appear immediately ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - Expectation of the Kingdom")). Jesus uses this parable to correct their eschatological misunderstanding, teaching them about the period of His absence, the necessity of faithful service during that time, and the eventual reckoning upon His return. The verse specifically follows the master's scathing rebuke of the servant who buried his entrusted pound out of fear, rather than engaging in productive investment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects the socio-economic realities of the ancient world, particularly the practice of a nobleman or king traveling to a distant land to receive his kingdom, often from a higher authority like the Roman Emperor. Such journeys were common, and upon their return, these rulers would settle accounts with their subjects or servants, rewarding loyalty and punishing rebellion or negligence. The "pound" (Greek: _mna_ or mina) was a significant unit of currency, equivalent to about 100 denarii, or roughly three months' wages for a common laborer, emphasizing the substantial trust placed in each servant. This context highlights the master's absolute authority and the expectation of a return on investment, mirroring the divine expectation of stewardship from believers.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According to Luke") and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **Stewardship and Accountability**, emphasizing that God entrusts His people with various resources—time, talents, spiritual gifts, opportunities—and expects diligent management and multiplication for His glory. The verse starkly illustrates the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, showing that spiritual idleness or fear leads not merely to a lack of reward but to the loss of even what was initially possessed, a principle articulated by Jesus in [Luke 19:26](/luke/19-26 "Luke 19:26 - The Principle of Gain and Loss"). Conversely, it implicitly highlights the **Reward for Faithfulness**, as the transfer of the pound serves to further reward the already diligent servant, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibility and blessing, a concept echoed in [Matthew 25:23](/matthew/25-23 "Matthew 25:23 - Reward for Faithful Service").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb signifies to speak or say, often by word or writing. In [Luke 19:24](/luke/19-24 "Luke 19:24 - The Master's Command"), it denotes the master's authoritative utterance, a definitive command that carries the weight of judgment and immediate execution, underscoring his sovereign power and the finality of his decision regarding the unfaithful servant.
* **Take (Greek, _aírō'_):** A primary root meaning "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away." Here, it conveys a forceful and decisive removal. It's not a gentle request but an imperative command for the immediate confiscation of the pound from the unprofitable servant, symbolizing the stripping away of resources and privilege due to negligence.
* **pound (Greek, _mnâ'_):** Of Latin origin, referring to a "mina," a certain weight or unit of currency. As a significant sum, its mention emphasizes the value of what was entrusted. The taking of the "pound" from the unfaithful servant represents the loss of the very opportunity or resource that was given, highlighting the severe penalty for failing to utilize what was provided.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them that stood by":** This opening clause establishes the master's authority and the public nature of the judgment. The "them that stood by" are the master's attendants or other servants, who are now commanded to execute his will. This highlights that the master's judgment is not private but a public demonstration of justice and accountability.
* **"Take from him the pound":** This is the core command, a direct imperative to confiscate the single mina from the servant who had done nothing with it. It signifies the immediate and irreversible consequence of the servant's idleness and fear. The "pound" represents the entrusted resource, opportunity, or gift that was squandered, and its removal symbolizes the forfeiture of divine favor and privilege.
* **"and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds":** This second imperative specifies the destination of the confiscated pound. It is to be given to the servant who had multiplied his initial pound tenfold, demonstrating exceptional diligence and faithfulness. This action reinforces the principle that those who are faithful with what they have will be given more, while those who are unfaithful will lose even what they possess. It is a tangible reward for productivity and a further illustration of the master's commendation of faithful stewardship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:24, as part of the larger narrative, employs several literary devices. The entire parable functions as an **Allegory**, where the nobleman represents Jesus, the servants represent believers, the journey to a distant country symbolizes Jesus's ascension and period of absence, and the return signifies His Second Coming and final judgment. The "pound" itself is a powerful **Symbolism** for the resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts entrusted to believers. The master's command to "Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds" is a direct **Imperative**, conveying the absolute authority of the master and the immediate execution of his judgment. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Contrast** between the unfaithful servant's loss and the faithful servant's gain, highlighting the stark difference in outcomes based on stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:24 profoundly articulates the theological principle of divine accountability and the economy of God's kingdom. It teaches that God, as the ultimate Master, entrusts His people with various "pounds"—talents, spiritual gifts, time, financial resources, and opportunities—and expects them to be actively and fruitfully engaged in His service during His period of absence. The severe consequence for the unfaithful servant underscores that idleness, fear, or neglect of these divine trusts is not merely a passive failure but an active offense that results in loss, not just of reward, but of what was initially given. Conversely, the transfer of the pound to the diligent servant highlights God's propensity to bless and empower those who are faithful, amplifying their capacity for service and responsibility. This principle reveals God's justice, where diligence is rewarded and negligence incurs loss, emphasizing that true spiritual wealth is measured by faithful stewardship.

* [Matthew 25:29](/matthew/25-29 "Matthew 25:29 - To Him Who Has, More Will Be Given")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewardship of God's Grace")
* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each Will Give an Account")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:24 serves as a potent and sobering call to self-examination for every believer. It challenges us to honestly assess how we are stewarding the manifold gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Are we actively investing our time, talents, and resources for the advancement of His kingdom, or are we burying them out of fear, apathy, or a misunderstanding of God's expectations? This verse reminds us that our spiritual lives are not meant for passive consumption but for active, productive engagement. The master's command to take from the unfaithful servant and give to the faithful one is a stark warning against spiritual stagnation and a powerful encouragement towards diligent service. It compels us to live with an awareness of future accountability, knowing that our Master will return to settle accounts, and our faithfulness in the "little things" now will determine our capacity for greater responsibilities in His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pounds" (gifts, resources, opportunities) has God entrusted to me?**
* **Am I actively investing these "pounds" for God's glory, or am I burying them out of fear or idleness?**
* **How does the principle of losing what I have if I don't use it motivate me to greater diligence?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to be a more faithful steward of God's grace?**

### FAQ

**What is the "pound" or "mina" in this parable, and what does it represent?**

Answer: The "pound" in the King James Version translates the Greek word _mna_ (mina). It was a significant unit of currency in the ancient world, equivalent to about 100 denarii, or roughly three months' wages for a common laborer. In the parable, the mina represents the resources, opportunities, talents, and spiritual gifts that God entrusts to His followers. It symbolizes anything that God gives us for the purpose of His kingdom, which He expects us to manage diligently and multiply for His glory during the time of His absence.

**Why did the master take the pound from the unfaithful servant?**

Answer: The master took the pound from the unfaithful servant because the servant had failed to use what was entrusted to him. Instead of investing it or putting it to work, he buried it out of fear, yielding no return. This action demonstrates the master's displeasure with idleness and waste. It illustrates a divine principle: those who are given resources and opportunities are expected to be productive with them. As Jesus states in [Luke 19:26](/luke/19-26 "Luke 19:26 - The Principle of Gain and Loss"), "For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." The removal of the pound is a consequence of unfaithfulness and a warning against spiritual apathy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:24, while a command from an earthly master in a parable, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His ongoing reign. The "nobleman" who goes away to receive a kingdom and returns is a clear representation of Christ Himself, who, after His earthly ministry, ascended to heaven to receive His glorious kingdom at the right hand of the Father ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus's Ascension")). His eventual return ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man's Return")) will be a time of reckoning, where He, as the rightful King and Judge, will settle accounts with His servants. The "pounds" represent the spiritual blessings, gifts, and the very Gospel message entrusted to believers, which are to be faithfully proclaimed and lived out until His return ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The unfaithful servant's loss foreshadows the judgment awaiting those who neglect the abundant grace and opportunities given through Christ, while the reward of the faithful servant points to the eternal inheritance and increased responsibility that Christ bestows upon those who diligently serve Him with the gifts of the Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")). Thus, Luke 19:24 is not merely about financial stewardship, but about living a life of active, fruitful discipleship in anticipation of Christ's glorious return and the establishment of His full 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

Luke 16:2

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?