And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

LUKE 19:11KJV
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Luke 19:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:11 mean?

Luke 19:11 introduces a story Jesus tells to address the expectation that God’s kingdom is about to appear at once. The verse gives the reason for the story: Jesus is near Jerusalem, and his listeners expect something immediate.

After Jesus speaks about saving the lost in verse 10, he continues addressing those who have heard him. “The kingdom of God” refers to God’s rule; the listeners expect that rule to become apparent without delay.

The Greek behind Luke 19:11

  • “parable” — παραβολή (parabolē): This word refers to a story used to make a point. Luke signals that the story Jesus is about to tell should be heard in light of the listeners’ expectation.
  • “thought” — δοκέω (dokeō): This word can mean to suppose or expect. The Greek presents the kingdom’s immediate appearance as what the listeners expected.
  • “appear” — ἀναφαίνω (anaphainō): This word can mean to come into view or become visible. The listeners expect God’s kingdom to become apparent, not merely to be spoken about.

Why Luke 19:11 matters

  • The setting helps explain the listeners’ expectation. Luke places Jesus near Jerusalem, the city where Israel’s kings had ruled.
  • The story’s opening introduces a wait. In verse 12, a nobleman travels to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. That journey gives the listeners’ expectation of an immediate appearance a different frame.
  • The time before the nobleman’s return matters in the story. In verse 13, he gives his servants money to use while he is away, drawing attention to what happens during the interval.

Where else these words appear

“appear” Greek G398 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

“added” Greek G4369 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
  • Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
  • Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

“immediately” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“nigh” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.