Luke 19:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 19:26
26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
Chapter Context
Luke 19 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, discipleship. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 19:26
26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
Analysis
For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him (λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι παντὶ τῷ ἔχοντι δοθήσεται, ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται, legō gar hymin hoti panti tō echonti dothēsetai, apo de tou mē echontos kai ho echei arthēsetai)—this principle appears three times in the Gospels (Matthew 13:12, 25:29, Mark 4:25), underscoring its importance. The future passives (dothēsetai, shall be given; arthēsetai, shall be taken away) indicate divine action: God orchestrates this redistribution.
This 'Matthew principle' operates across Scripture: those who use knowledge gain understanding; those who neglect it lose even basic comprehension. Those who exercise faith receive more faith; those who bury it lose assurance. Those who invest gifts develop skills; those who neglect them atrophy. Spiritually: those who respond to light receive more revelation; those who resist lose even the light they had (Romans 1:21-28). This isn't arbitrary but reflects how God's kingdom operates: use it or lose it. Stewardship demands engagement.
Historical Context
This principle would have resonated with Jesus's audience: farmers who worked their land prospered and expanded; those who neglected it lost everything. Merchants who traded goods multiplied wealth; those who hoarded stagnated. Disciples who followed Jesus closely received deeper teaching; casual followers drifted away. The principle still operates: faithful churches grow in opportunity; unfaithful ones decline. Individual believers who walk in obedience receive more grace to obey; those who resist grieve the Spirit and harden.
Reflection
- Where have you experienced this principle: using gifts and opportunities multiplied them, while neglecting them diminished them?
- How should this 'use it or lose it' dynamic motivate present faithfulness in seemingly small areas of stewardship?
- What spiritual opportunities or insights might you be losing through neglect and unresponsiveness?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 8:18, 16:3, 1 Samuel 2:30, 15:28, Matthew 13:12, 21:43