What does Luke 19:13 mean?
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13
Explanation
Luke 19:13 is part of the Parable of the Minas, which Jesus tells to his followers. In this verse, the narrative depicts a nobleman who, before leaving for a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, entrusts his servants with resources—in this case, ten minas. A mina was a unit of currency, and giving each servant one mina indicates an equal starting point for each of them. When he instructs them to “occupy till I come,” he is telling them to engage in business or put the money to work until he returns. The deeper meaning behind this is the expectation that they should be diligent and productive with what they have been entrusted. The verse also implies an accountability that will occur upon the nobleman’s return, examining how each servant has managed his resources.
Historical Context
This parable is situated within the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around AD 80-110. The historical context here is Jesus’s journey toward Jerusalem before his crucifixion. In the immediate context of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that also includes Zacchaeus, a tax collector who has promised to give half his wealth to the poor. The parable of the ten minas is commonly interpreted as a response to those questioning Jesus about the immediacy of the Kingdom of God. The parable aligns with the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would establish a political kingdom then and there. Jesus uses this story to teach that there is work to be done before the fulfillment of the Kingdom.
Theological Insights
Throughout Christianity, theologians have offered various interpretations of this parable, primarily focusing on the concept of stewardship. At its core, the parable is considered to be an illustration of how believers should use their God-given gifts and time. While the returning nobleman represents Jesus, the servants represent believers or followers of Christ. The minas can be seen as the Gospel or spiritual gifts entrusted to the followers. There is a clear message that each person is to actively and faithfully engage in the work of the kingdom until Christ’s return. This theological standpoint emphasizes the belief in Christ’s eventual second coming and judgment.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, this verse urges people to work diligently with whatever resources or talents they have been given. It challenges individuals to be proactive, to invest in their personal growth, to serve others, and to contribute to their communities. It also reminds people that they will eventually be accountable for how they have managed what they have been given, whether that is wealth, abilities, or opportunities.
Cross-References
- Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents, which is a similar parable where servants are given talents and expected to invest them.
- Luke 12:42-48 – Jesus tells of a faithful steward and an unfaithful one, highlighting the importance of being ready for the master’s return.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
- Ephesians 4:11-12 – Stresses that different spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church until Christ’s return.
Language Study
In the original Greek text, the word translated as “occupy” comes from πραγματεύομαι (pragmateuomai), which means to be engaged in business, to trade, or to derive profit from. The original term implies active and industrious involvement with the resources provided.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In other cultures and religious narratives, there are stories that mirror the themes of stewardship and accountability. For instance, in ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Maat involves the idea of truthful living and being responsible for one’s actions, which will be judged in the afterlife. In Hinduism, the concept of karma encompasses the idea that actions in this life will affect one’s future and that one has a duty to act righteously.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific viewpoint, the emphasis on diligence and productivity is supported by various psychological and social studies that suggest active engagement with one’s resources leads to better well-being and societal progress. Economics as a discipline examines how resources can be efficiently utilized for growth, paralleling the prudent investment of the minas in the parable.
commentaries
Biblical scholars and commentators have provided a range of interpretations for Luke 19:13. Some emphasize the eschatological urgency in the text, suggesting that it points towards being ready for the imminent return of Christ. Others focus on the principle of stewardship and the idea that God entrusts various gifts to people with the expectation that they will use them for good purposes. Commentators like Matthew Henry view this parable as an admonition to use time wisely, while others like John Calvin highlight God’s sovereignty in dispensing gifts and the corresponding human responsibility.
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