Luke 19:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:13 mean?

Luke 19:13 describes a man calling ten of his servants, giving each of them a sum of money (called "pounds" in the KJV), and instructing them to do business with it until he returns. The verse shows the master entrusting his resources to his servants and expecting them to use what he has given them while he is away.

In this part of Luke, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd as he approaches Jerusalem. The story is about a nobleman (representing the master) who goes away to receive a kingdom and then return. The instruction to "occupy till I come" means the servants are to actively manage, invest, or trade with what they have been given, not just hold onto it. This sets up the rest of the parable, where the master later evaluates how each servant has handled the responsibility.

The Greek behind Luke 19:13

• "Occupy" (πραγματεύομαι, pragmateuomai): This Greek word means to do business, trade, or put something to work. The sense is not just to hold or guard the money, but to actively engage in making it productive. This highlights the expectation of action and initiative.
• "Pounds" (μνᾶ, mnā): The "pound" here refers to a specific unit of money in the ancient world, about three months' wages for a laborer. Knowing this gives a sense of the significant trust and responsibility being given to each servant.
• "Servants" (δοῦλος, doulos): The word means "slave" or "bondservant," emphasizing that these individuals are under the authority of the master and are expected to act on his behalf.

Why Luke 19:13 matters

• The verse clarifies that the servants are not just waiting passively; they are expected to use what the master has given them in a productive way. This clears up any idea that "occupy" means simply to hold onto something.
• The instruction sets the stage for the rest of the parable, where the master will judge each servant based on how they used what was entrusted to them, making the idea of responsibility and accountability central to the story.
• Understanding the original Greek word for "occupy" helps modern readers see that the focus is on active engagement and wise management, not just preservation.