of Latin origin; a mna (i.e. mina), a certain weight:-- pound.
Transliteration:mnâ
Pronunciation:mnah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μνᾶ (mnâ, `{{G3414}}`) refers to a "mina" or "mna," an ancient unit of weight and currency. Derived from a Latin term, which itself has Semitic roots (compare Hebrew מָנֶה, maneh, `{{H4488}}`), the mina represented a substantial sum. In the Hellenistic world, a mina was typically valued at 100 drachmas (`{{G1406}}`) and was equivalent to one-sixtieth of a talent (`{{G5007}}`). As a unit of weight, it was approximately 50 shekels. Its semantic range is primarily financial, denoting a specific monetary value or weight. However, in the New Testament, its usage transcends mere economic calculation, serving as a powerful symbol for entrusted resources, opportunities, and responsibilities within the context of God's kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μνᾶ appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically within the Parable of the Minas (often translated as "Pounds") found in [[Luke 19:11-27]]. This parable is narrated by Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem, addressing the misguided expectation among some that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately.
In the parable, a nobleman (representing Christ) departs to a distant country to receive a kingdom. Before his departure, he entrusts ten of his servants with one mina each, instructing them, "Engage in business until I come" ([[Luke 19:13]]). Upon his return, after having received his kingdom, he summons these servants to account for their stewardship. The first servant reports a gain of ten minas from his initial one, receiving commendation and authority over ten cities ([[Luke 19:16-17]]). The second reports a gain of five minas, similarly commended and granted authority over five cities ([[Luke 19:18-19]]). However, the third servant presents his original mina, having kept it safely wrapped in a cloth due to fear of his master ([[Luke 19:20-21]]). This servant is condemned for his idleness and lack of productivity, and his mina is taken from him and given to the one who had ten ([[Luke 19:22-24]]).
In this context, the mina symbolizes the spiritual and material resources, gifts, and opportunities that God entrusts to His followers during the period between Christ's first and second comings. The parable underscores the imperative for active, faithful stewardship and investment of these divine endowments for the advancement of God's kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The μνᾶ (mina) is closely related to other ancient units of currency and weight mentioned in the New Testament. Most notably, it stands in a direct relationship to the τάλαντον (talent, `{{G5007}}`), which was a much larger sum, typically comprising 60 minas. The Parable of the Talents in [[Matthew 25:14-30]] parallels the Parable of the Minas in Luke, though with different details regarding the initial distribution and the specific amounts. While the talent represents an even greater sum, both parables convey similar theological truths about stewardship.
Other related terms include the δραχμή (drachma, `{{G1406}}`), a smaller unit, with 100 drachmas making up one mina. In Hebrew contexts, the מָנֶה (maneh, `{{H4488}}`) was the Old Testament equivalent of the mina, often equated to 50 shekels (e.g., `{{H8255}}`).
Thematically, the word μνᾶ is inextricably linked to concepts such as:
* **Stewardship:** The responsible management of resources entrusted by another.
* **Responsibility:** The obligation to utilize given opportunities and gifts for a purpose.
* **Accountability:** The future reckoning for how one has managed what was given.
* **Productivity/Fruitfulness:** The expectation of growth and return on investment.
* **Faithfulness:** The diligent and trustworthy discharge of duties.
* **Kingdom of God:** The sphere of God's rule and the active participation of His subjects within it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μνᾶ in the Parable of the Minas is profound, extending beyond its literal monetary value to represent spiritual realities.
Firstly, the mina symbolizes the **diverse spiritual and material resources, gifts, and opportunities** that Christ, as the returning King, entrusts to His servants. These are not merely inherent abilities but divine endowments meant for active deployment in His service. The parable emphasizes that every believer, regardless of their perceived capacity, receives a share of these entrusted assets.
Secondly, the parable highlights the **imperative of active engagement and faithful stewardship** during the "interim" period between Christ's ascension and His glorious return. The command "Engage in business until I come" ([[Luke 19:13]]) underscores that the Christian life is not one of passive waiting but of diligent labor and investment for the expansion of God's kingdom. It challenges believers to multiply the spiritual capital they have received.
Thirdly, the varying outcomes for the servants reveal the principles of **divine commendation and proportionate reward**. Those who faithfully invested and multiplied their minas received greater authority and responsibility in the coming kingdom, demonstrating that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater trust and blessing ([[Luke 19:17-19]]). This underscores the principle that God honors diligent service.
Finally, the fate of the servant who hid his mina serves as a sobering warning against **spiritual idleness, fear, and unfaithfulness**. His condemnation is not for outright malice, but for a lack of productive engagement and a failure to act on the master's trust. This illustrates that inaction and fear can be as detrimental as overt sin in the eyes of the Master, leading to the forfeiture of even what little one has ([[Luke 19:24-26]]). The parable thus strongly affirms the reality of future accountability and judgment based on one's stewardship of entrusted grace.
### Summary
The Greek term μνᾶ (mnâ, `{{G3414}}`), transliterated as "pound" or "mina," denotes a significant unit of ancient currency and weight. Its primary biblical occurrence is in the Parable of the Minas in [[Luke 19:11-27]], where it serves as a powerful symbol. The μνᾶ represents the resources, opportunities, and spiritual gifts that Christ entrusts to His followers. The parable underscores the theological principles of faithful stewardship, active engagement in kingdom service, and the inevitable accountability that awaits believers upon Christ's return. It contrasts the commendation and reward for productive faithfulness with the condemnation of idleness and fear, urging all believers to diligently invest what they have received for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
TRV