Devine Scripture

Luke 19:17

What does Luke 19:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:17 means

The nobleman commended the first servant with "Well done, thou good servant," recognizing his faithfulness in managing a small amount. As a reward, he granted the servant authority over ten cities. This shows that faithfulness in seemingly minor tasks results in greater responsibilities and blessings in the kingdom, illustrating the principle that those who demonstrate trustworthiness with little will be entrusted with much.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to him, You have done well, O good servant: because you have done well in a small thing you will have authority over ten towns.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to him, Well done, good servant, because in a very little thou didst become faithful, be having authority over ten cities.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to him: Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to him, Well [done], thou good bondman; because thou hast been faithful in that which is least, be thou in authority over ten cities.

Context

Responding to the first servant's successful report, this verse details the nobleman's commendation and reward. This positive affirmation and significant promotion serve as a direct consequence of faithful stewardship and set a benchmark for the subsequent evaluations. This interaction underscores the theme of reward for diligent service within the parable.

v.16And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.

v.17This passage

v.18And the second came, saying, Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 22:30

    that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Romans 2:29

    but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

  • Genesis 39:4

    And Joseph found favor in his sight, and he ministered unto him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

  • Matthew 25:21

    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.

  • 1 Peter 5:4

    And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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