Luke 19:23
What does Luke 19:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 19:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 19:23 means
The nobleman challenged the negligent servant, asking why he didn't at least deposit the money in a bank, where it could have earned interest. This demonstrates that even minimal effort would have been better than complete idleness. It underscores that spiritual sloth and an unwillingness to take even small risks with God's resources are unacceptable, emphasizing the expectation of some return on what is entrusted.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000then wherefore gavest thou not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have required it with interest?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901then wherefore gavest thou not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have required it with interest?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Why then did you not put my money in a bank, so that when I came I would get it back with interest?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and wherefore didst thou not give my money to the bank, and I, having come, with interest might have received it?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have exacted it with usury?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And why didst thou not give my money to [the] bank; and I should have received it, at my coming, with interest?
Context
Following the nobleman's initial rebuke, this verse further details his challenge to the unfaithful servant. It provides a specific, minimal alternative the servant could have taken, highlighting the unreasonableness of his complete inaction. This question directly leads to the immediate consequence for the servant, emphasizing the importance of even basic stewardship.
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;
v.23This passage
v.24And he said unto them that stood by, Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 22:25
If thou lend money to any of my people with thee that is poor, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest.
- Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
- Deuteronomy 23:19
Thou shalt not lend upon interest to thy brother; interest of money, interest of victuals, interest of anything that is lent upon interest.
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