Luke 19:12
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εὐγενὴς
G2104
εὐγενὴς
Strong's:
G2104
Word #:
5 of 14
well born, i.e., (literally) high in rank, or (figuratively) generous
ἐπορεύθη
went
G4198
ἐπορεύθη
went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
6 of 14
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
χώραν
country
G5561
χώραν
country
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
8 of 14
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
λαβεῖν
to receive
G2983
λαβεῖν
to receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
10 of 14
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἑαυτῷ
for himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
for himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
11 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
βασιλείαν
a kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
a kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.Luke 20:9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.Mark 12:1And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.1 Corinthians 15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.Matthew 21:38But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.John 18:37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Historical Context
Jesus's audience would immediately recognize the historical parallel to Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, who traveled to Rome in 4 BC to receive confirmation as king of Judea from Caesar Augustus. A delegation of Jews followed him to oppose his appointment (echoing v. 14). Though Augustus gave him the lesser title of ethnarch rather than king, the story was infamous in Jewish memory. By invoking this imagery, Jesus warns that His path to kingship involves rejection, absence, and eventual vindication—not the immediate triumph His followers expected.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the nobleman's journey to a far country parallel Christ's ascension and session at God's right hand?
- What does the necessity of receiving the kingdom 'officially' teach about divine authority versus human power?
- Why is the promise of return (Second Coming) essential to Christian hope and endurance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. The word eugenes (εὐγενής, "nobleman") means someone of noble birth or high rank. This nobleman journeys eis chōran makran (εἰς χώραν μακράν, "into a far country") to labein heautō basileian (λαβεῖν ἑαυτῷ βασιλείαν, "receive for himself a kingdom") and then return. This detail reflects historical practice: client kings in the Roman Empire had to travel to Rome to receive official appointment from the emperor before returning to rule their territories.
The parable's nobleman represents Christ, who would ascend to heaven (the "far country") to receive His kingdom from the Father before returning in glory. The journey's length implies a period of absence—contradicting expectations of immediate manifestation. The purpose labein basileian ("to receive a kingdom") emphasizes that even Christ's authority comes by divine appointment, not human revolt. His kingdom is established through heavenly investiture, not earthly insurrection. The phrase "and to return" (kai hypostrepsai, καὶ ὑποστρέψαι) anticipates the Second Coming, when Christ will return to judge and reign.