He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The parable begins with a "nobleman" heading to a "far country" not just to gain a kingdom, but specifically to "receive" it. This detail highlights that his authority wasn't immediately recognized or fully established, subtly countering the disciples' expectation of an instant, visible kingdom and pointing to a future reception of His reign.
He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The people are expecting Jesus' kingdom to appear immediately, so he tells them this parable. It concerns a nobleman who travels to a distant land to secure his kingdom and then return, mirroring Jesus' own departure to heaven after his resurrection and before fully establishing his reign.
Why did Jesus, right before entering Jerusalem triumphantly, start telling a story about a nobleman leaving? It wasn't about immediate power, but a future reality.
Jesus is setting the stage with this parable. The crowd expected the Kingdom of God to appear right then, with triumphant earthly power. But Jesus, as the 'nobleman,' explains that his path to kingship involves a journey.
Imagine being given something valuable, only to hide it away out of fear. What does this say about our faith and responsibilities?
While the nobleman is away, he entrusts his possessions to his servants. This highlights that Jesus, even in his absence, commissions his followers and expects them to be responsible.
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Understand the original words
eugenēs · Greek Noun/Adjective
A person of high rank or noble birth. In this context, it represents one possessing the right and authority to be king.
This parable draws from the historical reality of Jewish rulers traveling to Rome to receive their kingdom from the Roman emperor, a practice Jesus' hearers would have known well, especially concerning Archelaus. This historical context highlights the nobleman's journey to secure his kingship before returning to rule and hold his servants accountable.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Appointed King
Herod the Great, a powerful Idumean, was appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate. He later traveled to Rome to receive confirmation of his kingdom.
c. 4 BC
Archelaus Goes to Rome
After Herod the Great's death, his son Archelaus traveled to Rome to secure his claim to the throne. He faced opposition from Jewish representatives who appealed to Caesar Augustus not to appoint him.
c. AD 6
Archelaus Deposed and Exiled
Archelaus's rule was unpopular, and he was eventually deposed by the Roman emperor Augustus and exiled. This led to direct Roman rule in Judea.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and shortly after, tells the parable of the nobleman to the crowds. The disciples believed the kingdom of God would immediately appear.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ascension to Heaven
After His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven to be with the Father. This is seen as the 'far country' where He goes to receive His full authority and kingdom.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event is seen as a fulfillment of judgment against the Jews who rejected Jesus and His kingdom.
This passage shares the core theme of a master entrusting resources to servants before leaving, highlighting accountability and the use of gifts.
Philippians 2:8-9This passage illuminates the 'receiving of a kingdom' by referencing Jesus' humiliation, death, and subsequent exaltation to receive all authority.
Hebrews 1:3This verse directly connects Jesus' ascension to the 'far country' with His establishment of His reign and sitting at the right hand of God after completing purification.
Luke 19:27This verse, which follows immediately, shows the 'citizens' who rejected the nobleman and their fate, mirroring the rejection Jesus faced and its consequences.
calvinLuke 19:11-28: "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
- For as a certain man, setting out on a journey, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every one according to his own ability; and immediately set out. 16. And he who had received five talents went away and trad…
pulpitLuke 19:12: "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return."
Verse 12. - He said therefore, A certain noblemen went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. There was a singular fitness in the Master's choice of a framework for his parable, which at first sight would seem strange and unreal. Two nobles, Herod and Archelaus, in that age had literally gone from Jericho, where the Speaker of the parable-stor…
The parable begins with a "nobleman" heading to a "far country" not just to gain a kingdom, but specifically to "receive" it. This detail highlights that his authority wasn't immediately recognized or fully established, subtly countering the disciples' expectation of an instant, visible kingdom and pointing to a future reception of His reign.
The people are expecting Jesus' kingdom to appear immediately, so he tells them this parable. It concerns a nobleman who travels to a distant land to secure his kingdom and then return, mirroring Jesus' own departure to heaven after his resurrection and before fully establishing his reign.
The people are expecting Jesus' kingdom to appear immediately, so he tells them this parable. It concerns a nobleman who travels to a distant land to secure his kingdom and then return, mirroring Jesus' own departure to heaven after his resurrection and before fully establishing his reign.
"He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return." — The parable begins with a "nobleman" heading to a "far country" not just to gain a kingdom, but specifically to "receive" it. This detail highlights that his authority wasn't immediately recognized o…
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Last reviewed October 2026