Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
δοῦλε
servant
G1401
δοῦλε
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
6 of 17
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐλαχίστῳ
a very little
G1646
ἐλαχίστῳ
a very little
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
9 of 17
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
ἐγένου
thou hast been
G1096
ἐγένου
thou hast been
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
11 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐξουσίαν
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
13 of 17
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἔχων
have
G2192
ἔχων
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Luke 16:10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.Matthew 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Genesis 39:4And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Romans 2:29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.Luke 22:30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Historical Context
In Roman client-kingdoms, loyal servants of the king often received governorships over cities as rewards for faithful service. The audience, living under Herodian client-kings appointed by Rome, understood this dynamic. The disproportionate reward (ten cities for one mina's profit) illustrates grace: God's rewards exceed what strict justice would require. Jesus was teaching that kingdom service in this age—though often despised and difficult—would be rewarded with governmental authority in the Messianic kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God test faithfulness 'in a very little' before granting greater kingdom authority?
- How should the promise of reigning with Christ motivate present faithfulness in seemingly small tasks?
- What does 'good servant' reveal about the character God values more than mere productivity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Well, thou good servant (Εὖγε, ἀγαθὲ δοῦλε, Euge, agathe doule)—'well done' (εὖγε, euge) is a rare exclamation of approval, used only here and in the parallel. Agathos (good) describes moral character, not just competence. Faithful in a very little (ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ πιστὸς ἐγένου, en elachistō pistos egenou)—the mina, though valuable, was 'very little' (ἐλάχιστος, elachistos, superlative form) compared to the authority granted. Faithfulness in testing qualifies for greater responsibility.
Have thou authority over ten cities (ἴσθι ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπάνω δέκα πόλεων, isthi exousian echōn epanō deka poleōn)—the reward vastly exceeds the task. The Greek exousia (authority) indicates delegated governmental power. This previews the coming kingdom where Christ's faithful servants will reign with Him (Revelation 2:26-27, 20:4-6). Small faithfulness in the age of grace qualifies believers for co-regency in the age to come. This isn't about earning salvation (which is by grace through faith alone) but about rewards for service.