Devine Scripture

Luke 19:21

What does Luke 19:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:21 means

This servant explained his inaction by stating he feared the nobleman, whom he perceived as a harsh man who profited from what he didn't invest. His fear was based on a distorted, inaccurate understanding of his master's character. This highlights how an improper view of God can lead to paralysis, preventing individuals from engaging with their spiritual responsibilities and exercising their gifts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because I was in fear of you, for you are a hard man: you take up what you have not put down, and get in grain where you have not put seed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I was afraid of thee, because thou art an austere man; thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and reapest what thou didst not sow.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou didst not lay down: and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I feared thee because thou art a harsh man: thou takest up what thou hast not laid down, and thou reapest what thou hast not sowed.

Context

This verse directly offers the third servant's explanation for his inactivity, revealing his flawed perception of his master. His fear and misunderstanding are central to his failure, leading directly to the nobleman's rebuke in the subsequent verses. This explanation is crucial for understanding the moral failure the parable addresses.

v.20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin:

v.21This passage

v.22He saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow;

Cross references

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

  • Malachi 3:14

    Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Jehovah of hosts?

  • Romans 8:7

    because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:

  • Exodus 20:19

    And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

  • Job 21:14

    And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

  • 1 Samuel 12:20

    And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart:

  • James 2:10

    For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all.

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