Luke 19:22
What does Luke 19:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 19:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 19:22 means
The nobleman responded by judging the wicked servant by his own words. He acknowledged the servant's skewed perception of his character but used it to demonstrate the servant's inexcusable inaction. If the servant truly believed his master was austere, he should have acted even more diligently to avoid punishment, showing that his excuse was ultimately self-condemning.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He said to him, By the words of your mouth you will be judged, you bad servant. You had knowledge that I am a hard man, taking up what I have not put down and getting in grain where I have not put seed;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And he saith to him, Out of thy mouth I will judge thee, evil servant: thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He saith to him: Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down and reaping that which I did not sow.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He says to him, Out of thy mouth will I judge thee, wicked bondman: thou knewest that I am a harsh man, taking up what I have not laid down and reaping what I have not sowed.
Context
In response to the third servant's explanation, this verse records the nobleman's direct and sharp rebuke, using the servant's own words against him. This judgment immediately establishes the severity of the servant's failure and sets the stage for the specific consequence for his inactivity. This interaction highlights the principle of accountability and self-incrimination.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 12:37
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
- Matthew 22:12
and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.
- Job 15:5
For thine iniquity teacheth thy mouth, And thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
- 2 Samuel 1:16
And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain Jehovah’s anointed.
- Romans 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:
- Matthew 25:26
But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 19
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 19.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.