New Testament
Luke 19:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He called ten of his servants, gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Do business until I return.'
Compare translations
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
What Luke 19:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a master entrusts his ten servants with ten pounds, instructing them to engage in business until his return. This parable illustrates the importance of stewardship and responsibility. The master represents Jesus, who has given his followers resources and abilities to use wisely. The command to 'do business' emphasizes active engagement in their tasks, suggesting that believers should not be passive but should actively work to further God's kingdom. The phrase 'until I return' indicates that there will be a time of accountability when the master returns, highlighting the expectation that servants will use their gifts and opportunities effectively. This teaching encourages believers to be diligent and productive in their faith, using what they have been given to serve others and glorify God. It serves as a reminder that life is a preparation for the return of Christ, and we should be ready and working in the meantime.
How to apply Luke 19:13 to your life
As followers of Christ, we are called to use our talents and resources wisely. This means actively participating in our communities, serving others, and sharing our faith. We should seek opportunities to grow and invest in what God has entrusted to us, knowing we will be held accountable for our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Keep studying Luke 19:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 19:13 mean?
Luke 19:13 describes a master giving his servants money to manage while he is away. This illustrates the importance of being responsible and actively using what we have been given until the master returns.
What is the meaning of 'do business until I return' in Luke 19:13?
The phrase 'do business until I return' means that the servants are expected to actively engage in their responsibilities and use their resources wisely while waiting for the master's return.
How does Luke 19:13 relate to accountability?
Luke 19:13 highlights accountability by indicating that the master will return to evaluate how the servants managed their resources. This serves as a reminder that we will be held responsible for how we use what we have been given.
What lessons can we learn from Luke 19:13?
From Luke 19:13, we learn the importance of being diligent and productive in our faith. It encourages us to actively engage in our communities and use our talents to serve others while preparing for Christ's return.
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