Luke 19:20
And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
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 #:
3 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 14
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 #:
5 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἶχον
I have
G2192
εἶχον
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Historical Context
In first-century practice, burying valuables in the ground was considered minimally responsible stewardship (as in Matthew 25:18), but wrapping money in a cloth was negligent. The servant couldn't claim even basic precaution. The napkin might gather dust or be stolen—he didn't even protect the capital properly. This detail exposes his excuse as false: he didn't 'fear' the master enough to take even minimal precautions. His inaction stemmed from indifference, not reverence.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'napkins' keep your spiritual gifts and gospel opportunities wrapped up and unproductive?
- How can you distinguish between wise caution and faithless inaction in kingdom stewardship?
- What does the third servant's preservation of capital without multiplication reveal about the danger of dead orthodoxy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin (Κύριε, ἰδοὺ ἡ μνᾶ σου ἣν εἶχον ἀποκειμένην ἐν σουδαρίῳ, Kyrie, idou hē mna sou hēn eichon apokeimenēn en soudariō)—the unfaithful servant returns the exact amount, boasting of 'safety.' The perfect participle apokeimenēn (laid away, stored) indicates continuous, deliberate inaction. The soudarion (napkin, face-cloth) was used for wrapping small valuables or wiping sweat—utterly inadequate for 'investing' resources.
This servant represents professing believers who do nothing with gospel opportunities. He didn't steal the mina (like Judas) or openly rebel, but he failed to engage. His religion was entirely defensive: 'Don't lose what you have.' No risks, no investment, no kingdom advance. The napkin symbolizes dead orthodoxy—doctrine preserved but unproductive. James warned: 'Faith without works is dead' (James 2:26). True saving faith produces fruit; fruitless profession proves spurious.