And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

LUKE 19:15KJV
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Luke 19:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:15 mean?

Luke 19:15 describes the moment in Jesus’ story when a nobleman returns with royal authority and calls his servants to account for the money he entrusted to them. The verse turns the story from the nobleman’s departure to his assessment of what the servants have done in his absence.

Jesus tells the story to people who suppose God’s kingdom will appear immediately (Luke 19:11). The nobleman’s return after receiving a kingdom places time between his departure and the servants’ accounting.

The Greek behind Luke 19:15

  • “kingdom” — βασιλεία (basileia): The word can refer to a kingdom or to royal rule. Here the nobleman receives the authority to rule before he returns.
  • “money” — ἀργύριον (argyrion): The word refers to silver or money. It points to the funds the nobleman had put in his servants’ care.
  • “trading” — διαπραγματεύομαι (diapragmateuomai): The word carries the sense of doing business with money. The question concerns what each servant earned through that activity.

Why Luke 19:15 matters

  • The servants are answerable for a trust they have already received. Jesus says the nobleman calls those “to whom he had given the money,” tying the accounting to his earlier instructions.
  • The verse directs attention to each servant’s individual result. The nobleman wants to know how much “every man” has gained, and the accounts that follow show different results.
  • The nobleman’s royal status makes his return a change in the story, not simply the end of a trip. Earlier, his citizens had sent a message saying they did not want him to reign over them (Luke 19:14).

Where else these words appear

“returned” Greek G1880 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

“money” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
  • Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“called” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.