Luke 19:16
Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
Original Language Analysis
παρεγένετο
came
G3854
παρεγένετο
came
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
1 of 12
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
A tenfold return would be considered phenomenal in ancient economics, where 5-10% annual returns were typical. This wasn't normal business success but extraordinary kingdom fruitfulness. In agrarian Palestine, a hundredfold harvest was miraculous (Mark 4:8); similarly, tenfold trading gains demonstrated unusual blessing on faithful labor. The first-century audience understood this wasn't describing ordinary economic activity but spiritual kingdom multiplication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does attributing both resources and results to God ('thy pound hath gained') shape your view of ministry success?
- What prevents you from the kind of bold, risk-taking faithfulness that produces tenfold returns?
- How can you distinguish between faithful stewardship and mere activity that produces no kingdom multiplication?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds (Κύριε, ἡ μνᾶ σου δέκα προσηργάσατο μνᾶς, Kyrie, hē mna sou deka prosērgasato mnas)—a tenfold return demonstrating extraordinary faithfulness. The servant uses the possessive sou (your), acknowledging that both the original capital and the gains belong to the master. The verb prosergazomai (to gain in addition) emphasizes productive labor, not speculation or luck.
The servant gives a simple report without excuses, explanations, or self-congratulation. His 1,000% return wasn't mentioned as personal achievement but as the master's possession multiplied. This models proper stewardship: recognizing that gifts, opportunities, and results all belong to God. Paul captured this: 'What hast thou that thou didst not receive?' (1 Corinthians 4:7). Kingdom work produces supernatural multiplication when faithful servants invest divine resources in gospel advance.