King James Version

What Does Luke 19:13 Mean?

Luke 19:13 in the King James Version says “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. pounds: mina, her...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Luke 19:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

14

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15

And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Before departing, the nobleman summons deka doulous (δέκα δούλους, "ten servants") and gives each deka mnas (δέκα μνᾶς, "ten minas/pounds"). A mina was roughly three months' wages—significant but not overwhelming. The identical distribution (unlike the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes equal opportunity and responsibility. Every servant receives the same resources; differences emerge in their faithfulness, not their initial advantage.

The command pragmateusasthe (πραγματεύσασθε, "occupy") is better translated "do business" or "trade." It's an imperative demanding active engagement, not passive waiting. The phrase "till I come" (heōs erchomai, ἕως ἔρχομαι) establishes the timeframe: the servants must work during the master's absence until his return. Christ's followers are not to wait idly for His return but to actively invest His resources for kingdom advancement. The parable teaches stewardship, accountability, and the expectation that disciples will be productive during the inter-advent period.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, masters often entrusted business affairs to servants during extended absences. The servant's responsibility was to invest wisely and increase the master's wealth through legitimate trade. Burying money or hiding it was considered irresponsible (v. 20-21). The parable's structure would resonate with Jesus's audience: a period of absence, delegated responsibility, expectation of return, and final accounting. This framework applies to the church age—Christ has ascended, entrusted His work to His people, and will return to evaluate our faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'pounds' (resources, gifts, opportunities) has Christ entrusted to you during His absence?
  2. How does the command to 'occupy' (do business) challenge passive Christianity that merely waits for Christ's return?
  3. What does equal distribution of minas teach about equal responsibility despite varying results?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καλέσας1 of 16

“he called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

δέκα3 of 16

“ten”

G1176

ten

δούλους4 of 16

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἑαυτοῦ5 of 16

“his”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔδωκεν6 of 16

“and delivered”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτούς7 of 16

“them”

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

δέκα8 of 16

“ten”

G1176

ten

μνᾶς9 of 16

“pounds”

G3414

a mna (i.e., mina), a certain weight

καὶ10 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

εἶπεν11 of 16

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς12 of 16

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς13 of 16

“them”

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

Πραγματεύσασθε14 of 16

“Occupy”

G4231

to busy oneself with, i.e., to trade

ἕως15 of 16

“till”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἔρχομαι16 of 16

“I come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 19:13 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 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:14-15John 12:261 Corinthians 12:7-111 Peter 4:9-11Romans 12:6-81 Corinthians 12:28-29

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