And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

LUKE 19:17KJV
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Luke 19:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:17 mean?

Luke 19:17 describes a master praising his servant for being trustworthy with a small responsibility and rewarding him with authority over ten cities. The verse shows that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater trust and bigger opportunities.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable about a nobleman (representing himself) who gives his servants money to manage while he is away. When the nobleman returns, he commends the servant who has handled a small amount well, calling him a "good servant" and giving him much greater responsibility. The verse highlights the value placed on loyalty and reliability, even in minor tasks, within the story Jesus is telling.

The Greek behind Luke 19:17

  • εὖ (eu, "Well"): This Greek word is an expression of approval or praise, showing the master's genuine satisfaction with the servant's actions.
  • πιστός (pistos, "faithful"): This word means trustworthy or reliable. The emphasis is on the servant's consistent dependability, not just a one-time act.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "authority"): This word often means the right or power to rule. The servant is not just given a reward but real responsibility and leadership over others.
  • πόλεις (poleis, "cities"): The use of "cities" shows the scale of the reward, moving from something small to something much larger and more significant.

Why Luke 19:17 matters

  • Luke 19:17 clears up the idea that only big actions matter by showing that faithfulness in small things is noticed and valued.
  • The verse emphasizes that rewards in the parable are not just gifts, but new responsibilities and trust, reflecting a principle that applies throughout Jesus' teachings.
  • This moment connects to the larger parable, where Jesus is teaching about readiness, stewardship, and the kind of character that is honored in God's kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“authority” Greek G2468 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

“Well” Greek G2095 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
  • Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

“little” Greek G1646 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Matthew 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

“over” Greek G1883 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.