Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

LUKE 19:23KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 19:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:23 mean?

Luke 19:23 describes the master in Jesus’ parable questioning his servant about why he did not at least put the master’s money in the bank, so that it could have earned interest by the time the master returned. The verse highlights the servant’s failure to act responsibly with what was entrusted to him, even in the simplest way.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a story to a crowd, using the example of a nobleman and his servants to teach about responsibility and accountability. The master’s question points out that the servant could have done something minimal—like depositing the money—rather than nothing at all. The verse sets up a contrast between doing nothing and taking at least some action with what one has been given.

The Greek behind Luke 19:23

  • The word for "bank" is τράπεζα (trapeza, G5132), which literally means "table" but in this context refers to a money-changing or banking table, showing that even in ancient times, there were places to deposit money for safekeeping and interest.
  • The word for "usury" is τόκος (tokos, G5110), which means "interest" or "profit." The use of this word shows the master expected at least a basic return, not extraordinary results.
  • The word for "money" is ἀργύριον (argyrion, G694), meaning "silver" or "money," emphasizing that the servant was given something valuable and concrete to manage.

Why Luke 19:23 matters

  • Luke 19:23 clears up that the master was not demanding great achievements, but simply expected the servant to do something responsible, even if it was just putting the money in the bank.
  • The verse highlights the idea of accountability for what one is given, which is a key theme in the parable and in Jesus’ broader teaching.
  • By mentioning "interest" and the "bank," Luke 19:23 connects the story to everyday economic practices of the time, making the lesson relatable to Jesus’ listeners.

Where else these words appear

“usury” Greek G5110 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

“bank” Greek G5132 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

“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.

“Wherefore” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.