Luke 19:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:26 mean?

Luke 19:26 means that those who already have something—such as resources, abilities, or faithfulness—will be given more, while those who do not have, even what little they possess will be taken away. This verse highlights a principle of increase and loss based on what a person already has or does with what they are given.

In Luke 19:26, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after telling the parable of the minas, where a nobleman entrusts his servants with money before leaving on a journey. The verse is part of the nobleman’s response about rewarding or taking away based on how each servant handled what was given. The saying sums up the idea that responsibility and faithfulness lead to greater trust and reward, while neglect leads to loss.

The Greek behind Luke 19:26

• The word ἔχει (echō, "hath" or "has") is used repeatedly, emphasizing possession—not just of things, but of responsibility or opportunity. The repetition draws attention to the importance of what someone already holds.
• The verb δοθήσεται (dothēsetai, "shall be given") points to a future action, suggesting ongoing reward or increase for those who have.
• The phrase καὶ ὃ ἔχει (kai ho echei, "even that he hath") underlines that even the smallest possession or opportunity is at risk of being lost if not used well.

Why Luke 19:26 matters

• Luke 19:26 clarifies that Jesus is not just talking about money, but about any kind of trust or responsibility given to a person.
• This verse connects to the whole parable, showing that the way someone handles small responsibilities reveals how they will handle greater ones.
• It corrects the idea that simply having something is enough; the verse stresses the importance of using what one has wisely, or else facing loss.