King James Version

What Does Luke 19:20 Mean?

Luke 19:20 in the King James Version says “And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:”

Luke 19:20 · KJV

Context

18

And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19

And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

20

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin (Κύριε, ἰδοὺ ἡ μνᾶ σου ἣν εἶχον ἀποκειμένην ἐν σουδαρίῳ, Kyrie, idou hē mna sou hēn eichon apokeimenēn en soudariō)—the unfaithful servant returns the exact amount, boasting of 'safety.' The perfect participle apokeimenēn (laid away, stored) indicates continuous, deliberate inaction. The soudarion (napkin, face-cloth) was used for wrapping small valuables or wiping sweat—utterly inadequate for 'investing' resources.

This servant represents professing believers who do nothing with gospel opportunities. He didn't steal the mina (like Judas) or openly rebel, but he failed to engage. His religion was entirely defensive: 'Don't lose what you have.' No risks, no investment, no kingdom advance. The napkin symbolizes dead orthodoxy—doctrine preserved but unproductive. James warned: 'Faith without works is dead' (James 2:26). True saving faith produces fruit; fruitless profession proves spurious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century practice, burying valuables in the ground was considered minimally responsible stewardship (as in Matthew 25:18), but wrapping money in a cloth was negligent. The servant couldn't claim even basic precaution. The napkin might gather dust or be stolen—he didn't even protect the capital properly. This detail exposes his excuse as false: he didn't 'fear' the master enough to take even minimal precautions. His inaction stemmed from indifference, not reverence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'napkins' keep your spiritual gifts and gospel opportunities wrapped up and unproductive?
  2. How can you distinguish between wise caution and faithless inaction in kingdom stewardship?
  3. What does the third servant's preservation of capital without multiplication reveal about the danger of dead orthodoxy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἕτερος2 of 14

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἦλθεν3 of 14

“came”

G2064

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

λέγων,4 of 14

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Κύριε5 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἰδού,6 of 14

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἡ7 of 14
G3588

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

μνᾶ8 of 14

“pound”

G3414

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

σου9 of 14

“here is thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἣν10 of 14

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶχον11 of 14

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀποκειμένην12 of 14

“kept laid up”

G606

to be reserved; figuratively, to await

ἐν13 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σουδαρίῳ·14 of 14

“a napkin”

G4676

a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e., towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse)

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 19:20 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 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:24Proverbs 26:13-16Luke 6:46Luke 19:13Luke 3:9James 4:17

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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