Devine Scripture

Luke 19:13

What does Luke 19:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:13 means

Before departing, the nobleman summoned ten of his servants and entrusted each with ten pounds (minas), instructing them to engage in trade until his return. This act represents Christ entrusting his followers with spiritual gifts and resources—His gospel, His power, and responsibilities—during His absence. The command to "trade" emphasizes active stewardship and diligent service in anticipation of His eventual return and reckoning.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he sent for ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds and said to them, Do business with this till I come.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having called ten servants of his own, he gave to them ten pounds, and said unto them, Do business--till I come;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds and said to them: Trade till I come.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having called his own ten bondmen, he gave to them ten minas, and said to them, Trade while I am coming.

Context

Following the introduction of the nobleman and his journey, this verse details his delegation of responsibility to his servants. He gives them a specific amount of money and a clear instruction, establishing the core task of the parable. This action sets the stage for the servants' individual conduct and the subsequent evaluation of their faithfulness.

v.12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

v.13This passage

v.14But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 4:9

    using hospitality one to another without murmuring:

  • Galatians 1:10

    For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

  • James 1:1

    James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

  • Matthew 25:14

    Forit isaswhena man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

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