Luke Chapter 19 · Verse 21
For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
Original Language Analysis
ἐφοβούμην
I feared
G5399
ἐφοβούμην
I feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
1 of 16
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐστηρὸς
an austere
G840
αὐστηρὸς
an austere
Strong's:
G840
Word #:
6 of 16
rough (properly as a gale), i.e., (figuratively) severe
αἴρεις
thou takest up
G142
αἴρεις
thou takest up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
8 of 16
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔθηκας
down
G5087
ἔθηκας
down
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
11 of 16
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
The accusation of reaping unplanted crops and gathering what wasn't deposited described exploitation—wealthy landowners profiting from sharecroppers' labor. If the master truly operated this way, giving the servant a mina to trade would contradict the accusation: he did 'lay down' capital. The servant's excuse was internally inconsistent. Fear-based religion that views God as harsh and demanding produces either paralysis (this servant) or mechanical works-righteousness (Pharisees). Both miss the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- How do false views of God's character (seeing Him as harsh and demanding) paralyze spiritual fruitfulness?
- Where has Satan convinced you that God expects what you cannot produce, so why try?
- How does understanding God's generosity (providing resources, power, opportunities) liberate you for bold service?
Analysis & Commentary
I feared thee, because thou art an austere man (ἐφοβούμην γάρ σε, ὅτι ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρὸς εἶ, ephoboumēn gar se, hoti anthrōpos austēros ei)—the servant blames his inaction on the master's character. Austēros (austere, harsh, severe) appears only here in the NT, describing someone exacting and stern. This accusation is revealing: the servant fundamentally mistrusts and misrepresents his master.
Thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow (αἴρεις ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκας καὶ θερίζεις ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρας, aireis ho ouk ethēkas kai therizeis ho ouk espeiras)—he accuses the master of unjustly profiting from others' labor. This reveals his heart: he views God as a cosmic tyrant demanding the impossible, reaping benefits without sowing investment. This false theology produces paralysis: 'Why try? I'll fail and be punished.' Satan peddles this lie to neutralize believers. The truth: God is generous, providing resources, opportunities, and power for fruitful service (2 Corinthians 9:8).