Luke 19:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 19:13
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Chapter Context
Luke 19 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, holiness, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 19:13
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Analysis
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Before departing, the nobleman summons deka doulous (δέκα δούλους, "ten servants") and gives each deka mnas (δέκα μνᾶς, "ten minas/pounds"). A mina was roughly three months' wages—significant but not overwhelming. The identical distribution (unlike the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes equal opportunity and responsibility. Every servant receives the same resources; differences emerge in their faithfulness, not their initial advantage.
The command pragmateusasthe (πραγματεύσασθε, "occupy") is better translated "do business" or "trade." It's an imperative demanding active engagement, not passive waiting. The phrase "till I come" (heōs erchomai, ἕως ἔρχομαι) establishes the timeframe: the servants must work during the master's absence until his return. Christ's followers are not to wait idly for His return but to actively invest His resources for kingdom advancement. The parable teaches stewardship, accountability, and the expectation that disciples will be productive during the inter-advent period.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, masters often entrusted business affairs to servants during extended absences. The servant's responsibility was to invest wisely and increase the master's wealth through legitimate trade. Burying money or hiding it was considered irresponsible (v. 20-21). The parable's structure would resonate with Jesus's audience: a period of absence, delegated responsibility, expectation of return, and final accounting. This framework applies to the church age—Christ has ascended, entrusted His work to His people, and will return to evaluate our faithfulness.
Reflection
- What 'pounds' (resources, gifts, opportunities) has Christ entrusted to you during His absence?
- How does the command to 'occupy' (do business) challenge passive Christianity that merely waits for Christ's return?
- What does equal distribution of minas teach about equal responsibility despite varying results?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 12:26, Galatians 1:10, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1