Luke 19:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:16 mean?

Luke 19:16 describes the first servant in Jesus’ parable reporting to his master that the money entrusted to him—a “pound” or “mina”—has produced ten more. The servant credits the master’s original money for the gain, showing both his success and his attitude toward the responsibility given to him.

In the story, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, with the “lord” or “master” representing someone of authority who has given money to his servants before leaving on a journey. The first servant’s report shows not only the amount gained but also his respect for the master, as he says, “thy pound.” This sets up the master’s response and highlights the theme of faithful stewardship in the parable.

The Greek behind Luke 19:16

• “pound” (μνᾶ, mnā): This is a unit of money, often called a “mina,” worth about three months’ wages for a laborer. The use of this specific amount helps the listener understand the scale of the trust and the servant’s achievement.
• “gained” (προσηργάσατο, prosērgasato): This word means to earn or gain by working. The Greek here carries the sense of active effort and diligence, not just passive increase.
• “ten” (δέκα, deka): The servant reports a tenfold increase, which would have sounded like a remarkable return to the original audience, emphasizing the servant’s effectiveness.

Why Luke 19:16 matters

• Luke 19:16 helps clarify that the servant sees himself as a steward, not the owner, by saying “thy pound,” which points to humility and responsibility.
• The verse highlights the parable’s focus on faithfulness and productivity with what is entrusted, not just the end result.
• This report sets up the master’s reaction in the next verses, which is key to understanding Jesus’ teaching about reward and accountability in the broader passage.