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.
to thoroughly occupy oneself, i.e., (transitively and by implication) to earn in business
Analysis & Commentary
When he was returned, having received the kingdom (ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἐπανελθεῖν αὐτὸν λαβόντα τὴν βασιλείαν, egeneto de en tō epanelthein auton labonta tēn basileian)—the nobleman's return mirrors Christ's Second Coming after receiving kingdom authority from the Father. He commanded these servants to be called (εἶπεν φωνηθῆναι αὐτῷ τοὺς δούλους, eipen phōnēthēnai autō tous doulous), initiating the reckoning. The purpose: that he might know how much every man had gained by trading (ἵνα γνοῖ τί διεπραγματεύσαντο, hina gnoi ti diepragmateusanto)—not because he was ignorant, but to publicly acknowledge faithfulness.
This depicts the bēma (judgment seat) of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where believers give account of their stewardship. The Greek diapragmateuomai (to gain by trading) emphasizes active engagement, not passive holding. The mina (μνᾶ, mna, about three months' wages) represents gospel opportunities, spiritual gifts, and kingdom responsibilities entrusted equally to all believers.
Historical Context
The parable reflects first-century Palestinian economics where aristocrats traveled to Rome to receive client-kingdom appointments from the emperor. Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, did exactly this in 4 BC—traveling to Rome to receive Judea while a Jewish delegation followed to oppose him. The audience would immediately grasp the political subtext: Jesus would leave (ascension), receive His kingdom (session at God's right hand), then return to settle accounts. The reckoning day was certain, though its timing unknown.
Questions for Reflection
How does the certainty of Christ's return and reckoning shape your daily use of time, gifts, and opportunities?
What does it mean that the nobleman tested servants with 'a very little' before granting greater authority?
How should the coming judgment motivate faithful engagement rather than passive waiting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When he was returned, having received the kingdom (ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἐπανελθεῖν αὐτὸν λαβόντα τὴν βασιλείαν, egeneto de en tō epanelthein auton labonta tēn basileian)—the nobleman's return mirrors Christ's Second Coming after receiving kingdom authority from the Father. He commanded these servants to be called (εἶπεν φωνηθῆναι αὐτῷ τοὺς δούλους, eipen phōnēthēnai autō tous doulous), initiating the reckoning. The purpose: that he might know how much every man had gained by trading (ἵνα γνοῖ τί διεπραγματεύσαντο, hina gnoi ti diepragmateusanto)—not because he was ignorant, but to publicly acknowledge faithfulness.
This depicts the bēma (judgment seat) of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where believers give account of their stewardship. The Greek diapragmateuomai (to gain by trading) emphasizes active engagement, not passive holding. The mina (μνᾶ, mna, about three months' wages) represents gospel opportunities, spiritual gifts, and kingdom responsibilities entrusted equally to all believers.