Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The master doesn't just want his original money back; he expects to receive its increase, or "produce," from the banker. This highlights that God isn't just looking for us to preserve what He's given us, but to actively grow it through wise investment.
Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus tells this parable because the crowds think his kingdom is about to be revealed, but he’s actually heading toward Jerusalem for his crucifixion. He’s entrusting resources to his followers, who will then be held accountable for how they use them during his absence before he returns to claim his kingdom. This question is posed to the servant who buried his master's money instead of investing it.
Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem, and people are expecting His kingdom to show up right then. But Jesus has a different picture in mind.
The disciples, like many people then and now, were focused on an immediate, visible kingdom. They thought Jesus was about to claim His throne and power.
But Jesus reveals that the 'kingdom' first requires Him to go on a 'journey' – a journey that includes His death and ascension. This means a delay, not an immediate takeover. He entrusts His 'money' (His authority, His resources, His message) to His servants while He's away.
The core idea is that His reign is established, but its full manifestation is future. This absence is not abandonment, but a period for His followers to actively manage what He's entrusted to them.
The master isn't just asking 'What did you do with my money?' He's asking, 'Did you make more money with my money?'
The parable highlights two main responses to the master's resources: faithful investment and fearful hoarding. The servants who 'traded' with the money and gained interest (or 'usury,' meaning profit) were commended as 'good and faithful servants.'
Jesus uses the term 'bank' (or 'table' of the money-changer) and 'interest' to illustrate a principle: God's resources entrusted to us are meant to be actively used and multiplied. This isn't about greed, but about responsible stewardship that yields a return.
The servant who hid the money in the ground is rebuked not for losing it, but for not putting it to productive use. Even a simple act like placing it with bankers to earn interest would have been better than doing nothing.
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When the master returns, there's an accounting. It's not just about what you have, but what you've done with what you were given.
The parable culminates in a 'reckoning' where servants are evaluated based on their stewardship. The master's response to the faithful servants is a commendation: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' He entrusts them with more, signifying greater responsibility and reward.
However, the servant who hid the money faces a harsh judgment. His excuse of fearing the master's perceived harshness is rejected. The master points out that even a minimal effort (like depositing the money with bankers) would have yielded a return. The consequence is severe: the unused talent is taken away and given to the one who proved faithful.
This shows that God expects us to use our gifts and resources faithfully. Inaction is considered rebellion, and faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility, pointing toward the joy of sharing in Christ's kingdom.
This parable was spoken as Jesus approached Jerusalem, knowing his disciples were misunderstanding his kingdom. The context highlights their expectation of an immediate, earthly kingdom versus Jesus' teaching of a future reign after his departure, the faithful use of entrusted gifts, and his eventual return.
c. 33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry
Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and leading his disciples to believe the Kingdom of God would be immediately established.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, demonstrating his victory over death and setting the stage for his ascension.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Ascension to Heaven
Jesus ascends to the right hand of the Father, signifying his departure to 'receive his kingdom' and his absence from earth until his return.
c. 33 AD - Future
The Church Age
The period during which Jesus' followers are entrusted with spiritual gifts and responsibilities to 'trade' or use them for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Future
The Return of Christ
Jesus will return to Earth to judge his servants and settle accounts, rewarding the faithful and punishing the unfaithful.
This passage uses similar imagery of entrusted money and the expectation of profit, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship of God-given resources. It directly echoes the idea of earning 'interest' or 'usury' on what was given.
Romans 12:6-8This New Testament passage speaks about using our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others, much like the parable emphasizes using the master's money to generate more. It underscores the principle of actively employing what we've been given, rather than letting it lie dormant.
1 Corinthians 4:2This verse directly addresses the concept of being entrusted with 'mysteries' or responsibilities, and the ultimate requirement of faithfulness and accountability. It aligns with the parable's theme of servants being held responsible by their master upon his return.
Hebrews 10:35-36This passage encourages perseverance and faithfulness, reminding believers that their actions have eternal significance and will be rewarded. It connects to the parable's idea that diligent effort ('trading') leads to a positive outcome upon the master's return.
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…
vincentLuke 19:23: "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?"
Bank (τράπεζαν)Lit., the table of the money-changer. Wyc., board. See on exchangers, Matthew 25:27.Usury (τόκῳ)Better interest, as Rev. See on usury, Matthew 25:27.
The master doesn't just want his original money back; he expects to receive its increase, or "produce," from the banker. This highlights that God isn't just looking for us to preserve what He's given us, but to actively grow it through wise investment.
Jesus tells this parable because the crowds think his kingdom is about to be revealed, but he’s actually heading toward Jerusalem for his crucifixion. He’s entrusting resources to his followers, who will then be held accountable for how they use them during his absence before he returns to claim his kingdom. This question is posed to the servant who buried his master's money instead of investing it.
Jesus tells this parable because the crowds think his kingdom is about to be revealed, but he’s actually heading toward Jerusalem for his crucifixion. He’s entrusting resources to his followers, who will then be held accountable for how they use them during his absence before he returns to claim his kingdom. This question is posed to the servant who buried his master's money instead of investing it.
"Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’" — The master doesn't just want his original money back; he expects to receive its increase, or "produce," from the banker. This highlights that God isn't just looking for us to preserve what He's giv…
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Last reviewed October 2026