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 judgment, obedience, mercy. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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