King James Version

What Does Luke 19:11 Mean?

Luke 19:11 in the King James Version says “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 19:11 · KJV

Context

9

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

11

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.

12

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. pounds: mina, here translated a pound, is twelve ounces and an half: which according to five shillings the ounce is three pounds two shillings and sixpence

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The conjunction "as they heard these things" connects the parable of the minas (pounds) to Zacchaeus's conversion. The phrase prosetheto eipein parabolēn (προσέθετο εἰπεῖν παραβολήν, "he added and spake a parable") indicates Jesus appended this teaching to address a specific misunderstanding. Two reasons are given: geographical proximity (engys einai Ierousalēm, ἐγγὺς εἶναι Ἰερουσαλήμ, "nigh to Jerusalem") and theological confusion (dokein autous hoti parachrēma mellei hē basileia tou theou anaphainesthai, δοκεῖν αὐτοὺς ὅτι παραχρῆμα μέλλει ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἀναφαίνεσθαι, "they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear").

The disciples and crowd expected Jesus to enter Jerusalem and immediately establish His visible, political kingdom—overthrowing Rome and restoring Israel's sovereignty. The word parachrēma (παραχρῆμα) means "immediately," "instantly." The verb anaphainesthai (ἀναφαίνεσθαι) means "to appear," "to be manifested." They anticipated an instant, apocalyptic revelation of God's kingdom in earthly power and glory. Jesus's parable corrects this misunderstanding, teaching that His kingdom would come through a period of absence, testing, and faithful stewardship before the final consummation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectations in the first century were intensely political. Most Jews expected Messiah to be a warrior-king like David who would liberate Israel from Roman occupation and establish an eternal, earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem. The proximity to Jerusalem during Passover—when messianic fervor ran highest and crowds were largest—intensified these expectations. Jesus had recently raised Lazarus (John 11), healed Bartimaeus, and converted Zacchaeus—demonstrations of power that fueled belief He would soon reveal Himself as conquering King. The parable deliberately challenges this triumphalist eschatology.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false assumptions about God's kingdom did the disciples and crowd hold?
  2. How does Jesus's teaching about delayed manifestation of the kingdom challenge instant-gratification spirituality?
  3. Why is it crucial to understand both the 'already' and 'not yet' dimensions of God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ἀκουόντων1 of 24

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοὺς3 of 24

“as they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ταῦτα4 of 24

“these things”

G5023

these things

προσθεὶς5 of 24

“he added”

G4369

to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat

εἶπεν6 of 24

“and spake”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

παραβολὴν7 of 24

“a parable”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

διὰ8 of 24

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ9 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐγγὺς10 of 24

“nigh”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

αὐτοὺς11 of 24

“as they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶναι12 of 24

“was”

G1511

to exist

Ἰερουσαλὴμ13 of 24

“to Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ14 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δοκεῖν15 of 24

“because they thought”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

αὐτοὺς16 of 24

“as they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι17 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

παραχρῆμα18 of 24

“immediately”

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

μέλλει19 of 24

“should”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἡ20 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία21 of 24

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ22 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ23 of 24

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀναφαίνεσθαι24 of 24

“appear”

G398

to show, i.e., (reflexively) appear, or (passively) to have pointed out

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 19:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 17:20Acts 1:62 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 19 →

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