Luke 19:16

What does Luke 19:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:16 means

The first servant presented his accounts, reporting that his initial pound had generated an additional ten pounds through his diligent trading. This servant exemplifies faithful and productive stewardship, having maximized the resources entrusted to him. His success highlights the principle of diligence and effective use of God-given talents and opportunities, yielding a significant return for the master.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the first came before him, saying, Lord, your pound has made ten pounds.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the first came near, saying, Sir, thy pound did gain ten pounds;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the first came saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the first came up, saying, [My] Lord, thy mina has produced ten minas.

Context

Following the nobleman's return and his call for an accounting, this verse presents the first servant's report. His successful stewardship immediately demonstrates the positive outcome of faithful service, providing a clear example of obedience and productivity. This report contrasts with the actions of other servants and sets the standard for diligent engagement with entrusted resources.

v.15And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.

v.16This passage

v.17And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Cross references

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

  • James 2:18

    Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  • Colossians 1:28

    whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14

    But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

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