Notice how this servant immediately gives credit to his master, saying, "Lord, your mina has made ten minas more." This isn't just humility; it's a profound recognition that any increase or fruitfulness comes not from his own strength, but from the resources and trust his master has already given him. It highlights that true faithfulness is acknowledging the source of our ability and success.
The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples on his way to Jerusalem, knowing they expect him to immediately establish a glorious earthly kingdom. To correct their misunderstanding and prepare them for his impending suffering and departure, he tells a parable about a nobleman who goes away to receive a kingdom and then returns. This first servant represents those who have been entrusted with resources and are reporting back on how they've used them during their master's absence.
Why would a nobleman going to claim a kingdom entrust his servants with such a small amount of money? It seems almost absurdly little.
The parable begins with a 'mina,' which was a relatively small sum of money – about four British pounds today. This is a deliberate contrast to the 'talents' in Matthew's version, which were vastly larger sums.
The Master's Humiliation
This small sum reflects the humble state of Jesus at the time He told this parable. He was nearing Jerusalem, not for a glorious earthly reign, but to face suffering and death. He was entrusting his followers with the 'Gospel,' a gift that, while infinitely valuable, was received by a world that largely rejected Him.
A Hint of What's to Come
Yet, this 'very little' also hints at the incredible future rewards. The servant who multiplied his mina ten times is given authority over ten cities. This isn't about literal cities, but a powerful symbol of the immense glory and responsibility faithful servants will share with Christ in His future kingdom.
Listen to how the first servant responds. Does he boast about his business acumen or his clever trading strategies?
The servant’s response is beautifully humble: 'Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.' He doesn't say, 'Look what I did!' Instead, he clearly acknowledges that the initial investment – the 'mina' – was the Lord's, and its success was a result of the Lord's provision and enablement.
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The Grace of God in Action
This is crucial! When we are faithful with what God has given us – whether it's a talent, a spiritual gift, or simply our time – any 'gain' or fruitfulness isn't ultimately ours. It's God's grace working through us. Our efforts are multiplied by His power and purpose.
A Model for Ministry
This principle applies directly to our service for Christ. Whether we are apostles, evangelists, or serving in quieter ways, our success is credited to the Lord. We are stewards, not owners, and our greatest wisdom is recognizing where the true source of growth lies.
What's the starkest contrast between the faithful servants and the one who did nothing?
The parable presents two distinct responses to the master's entrustment: faithful investment and fearful hiding. The first servant, and others like him, took the 'mina' and actively 'worked with it' to gain more. They saw the gift as an opportunity to increase their master's property.
The Danger of Inaction
In contrast, the third servant, paralyzed by fear, simply 'hid the talent in the earth.' He viewed the master as 'harsh' and decided that the safest option was to return the principal exactly as he received it, with no gain whatsoever. This is the ultimate failure in stewardship – not necessarily doing harm, but doing nothing.
Consequences of Idleness
Jesus makes it clear that this inaction is not acceptable. The fearful servant is called 'wicked and slothful' and has his single 'pound' taken away and given to the one who proved faithful. This highlights that God expects us to use and multiply the gifts He has given, not to bury them out of fear or laziness.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, sovereignty, or deity, acknowledging the authority of the one addressed. In this context, it highlights the master's ownership over the resources entrusted to the servants.
mna · Greek Noun
A monetary unit in the ancient world, often representing a significant amount of labor or value. In parables, it symbolizes the spiritual resources, gifts, or gospel message entrusted to believers by God.
agathos · Greek Adjective
A moral or ethical state of being excellent, virtuous, or morally sound in accordance with God's standards. It describes the character of one who fulfills their duties in alignment with divine expectation.
doulos · Greek Noun
A person who serves another, specifically used in the New Testament to describe the believer's role in relation to Christ. It implies total dedication, humility, and the fulfilling of the Master's will.
pistos · Greek Adjective
Possessing trust, reliability, and steadfastness in keeping commitments or stewarding responsibilities. It is the quality of a person who produces fruit because they remain constant in their devotion to their Master.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power or right to act, command, judge, or rule. Biblically, this often refers to the delegated responsibility given by God to His people to manage His kingdom affairs.
This parable is spoken as Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the final time, knowing his rejection and impending suffering. It addresses the disciples' misunderstanding of his kingdom, clarifying that it will be established after a period of his absence and that faithful service in his absence will be rewarded upon his return.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC
Herod the Great's Death and Succession Dispute
King Herod the Great dies, leaving a disputed will. His kingdom is divided among his sons, leading to political instability and conflict.
AD 6
Judea becomes a Roman Province
Following further unrest and the deposition of Herod Archelaus, Judea is placed under direct Roman rule, intensifying Roman influence and taxation.
c. AD 27-29
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, while moving towards Jerusalem.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Approaches Jerusalem
Jesus is nearing Jerusalem, aware of the political and religious tensions there, and begins to teach a parable about his upcoming kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, but rises again, establishing the foundation of his spiritual kingdom.
c. AD 30-50s
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The apostles and early believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, actively preach the Gospel and lead the growing Church, managing the 'resources' of God's kingdom.
This passage presents a very similar parable where a master entrusts varying amounts of 'talents' to his servants, highlighting the concept of stewardship and accountability, just like the 'mina' in Luke.
Romans 12:6This verse speaks about using our spiritual gifts according to the grace given to us, mirroring the idea that the 'mina' (representing God's gifts) is meant to be used to produce more for God's kingdom.
1 Corinthians 4:2Paul emphasizes that stewards must be found faithful, which directly relates to the parable's focus on how the servants handle the resources entrusted to them by their master.
Colossians 3:23This verse instructs believers to 'do all to the glory of God,' which aligns with the parable's underlying message that any increase or 'gain' is ultimately for the master's honor and is attributed back to him.
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 19:16: "Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds."
Verse 16. - Thy pound. At first the smallness of the sum given to each of the servants is striking. Was it not a sum unworthy of a noble about to receive a kingdom? The Attic pound was in value somewhat less than £4 sterling. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where although very different lessons are inculcated, yet the imagery is somewhat similar, the amounts, however, are vastly larger, varying…
Notice how this servant immediately gives credit to his master, saying, "Lord, your mina has made ten minas more." This isn't just humility; it's a profound recognition that any increase or fruitfulness comes not from his own strength, but from the resources and trust his master has already given him. It highlights that true faithfulness is acknowledging the source of our ability and success.
Jesus is teaching his disciples on his way to Jerusalem, knowing they expect him to immediately establish a glorious earthly kingdom. To correct their misunderstanding and prepare them for his impending suffering and departure, he tells a parable about a nobleman who goes away to receive a kingdom and then returns. This first servant represents those who have been entrusted with resources and are reporting back on how they've used them during their master's absence.
Jesus is teaching his disciples on his way to Jerusalem, knowing they expect him to immediately establish a glorious earthly kingdom. To correct their misunderstanding and prepare them for his impending suffering and departure, he tells a parable about a nobleman who goes away to receive a kingdom and then returns. This first servant represents those who have been entrusted with resources and are reporting back on how they've used them during their master's absence.
"The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, sa…" — Notice how this servant immediately gives credit to his master, saying, "Lord, your mina has made ten minas more." This isn't just humility; it's a profound recognition that any increase or fruitfu…
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Last reviewed October 2026
