Devine Scripture

Luke 19:20

What does Luke 19:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:20 means

Another servant approached, presenting only his original pound, which he had kept wrapped in a napkin. He had made no attempt to trade or invest it. This servant represents those who, out of fear or spiritual laziness, fail to utilize the gifts and opportunities God has given them, neglecting their stewardship responsibilities by hiding their resources rather than deploying them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And another came, saying, Lord, here is your pound, which I put away in a cloth;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And another came, saying, Sir, lo, thy pound, that I had lying away in a napkin;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And another came, saying: Lord, behold here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And another came, saying, [My] Lord, lo, [there is] thy mina, which I have kept laid up in a towel.

Context

Following the reports and rewards of the two faithful servants, this verse introduces the third servant, whose actions stand in stark contrast. His failure to engage with the entrusted funds sets up the negative consequences that follow and highlights the parable's warning against spiritual inactivity. This serves as a critical turning point in the parable's message.

v.19And he said unto him also, Be thou also over five cities.

v.20This passage

v.21for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that which thou didst not sow.

Cross references

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

  • James 4:17

    To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

  • Luke 6:46

    And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

  • Luke 19:13

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

  • Matthew 25:24

    And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter;

  • Luke 3:9

    And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Proverbs 26:13

    The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.

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