Luke 19:18
And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεύτερος
the second
G1208
δεύτερος
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
4 of 12
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
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 fivefold return still represented extraordinary success in the ancient economy. The parable's structure—presenting two faithful servants before the unfaithful one—builds dramatic tension while establishing that varying levels of productivity all receive commendation if they represent genuine engagement with the master's resources. The first-century audience would recognize that both servants succeeded remarkably; the contrast comes with the third servant's complete failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you battle comparison and competition with other believers while pursuing faithful stewardship?
- What does God's equal pleasure with different levels of fruitfulness teach about His evaluation of your service?
- How should understanding that 'God gave the increase' shape your response to both success and limited results?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds (καὶ ἦλθεν ὁ δεύτερος λέγων· Ἡ μνᾶ σου, κύριε, ἐποίησεν πέντε μνᾶς, kai ēlthen ho deuteros legōn· Hē mna sou, kyrie, epoiēsen pente mnas)—a 500% return, still excellent though half that of the first servant. The verb poieō (to make, produce) differs slightly from verse 16's prosergazomai (to gain by trading), but both indicate active, productive stewardship.
Significantly, Jesus gives no criticism of the lesser return. The parable emphasizes faithfulness with what was entrusted, not competition between servants. Different servants produce different results based on opportunities, abilities, and circumstances, but God evaluates faithfulness to what each received. This counters both envy ('Why didn't I receive more?') and pride ('Look how much I produced!'). Paul taught this principle: ministers are fellow workers, but 'God gave the increase' (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).