New Testament
Luke 19:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a master praises his servant for being faithful with a small amount of responsibility.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful with very little, you will have authority over ten cities.'
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a master praises his servant for being faithful with a small amount of responsibility. The servant's good management of what was entrusted to him leads to a significant reward: authority over ten cities. This illustrates the principle that faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities and rewards. The master recognizes the servant's diligence and commitment, suggesting that God values our efforts, no matter how small they may seem. The idea is that our actions in this life have consequences in the next, and being trustworthy in little things prepares us for greater things. This verse encourages believers to be diligent and responsible in their current roles, as it reflects their character and readiness for future opportunities.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 19:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to be faithful in our daily responsibilities, no matter how small they may seem. By doing our best in every task, we prepare ourselves for greater opportunities and responsibilities in the future. Our diligence can lead to significant rewards.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 19:17 mean?
Luke 19:17 means that being faithful in small responsibilities can lead to greater rewards. The master rewards the servant for his diligence, illustrating that our efforts in life can have significant consequences.
What is the meaning of authority over ten cities in Luke 19:17?
The authority over ten cities symbolizes a significant reward for the servant's faithfulness. It suggests that those who manage small tasks well may be entrusted with greater responsibilities in the future.
How does Luke 19:17 relate to daily responsibilities?
Luke 19:17 encourages us to be faithful in our daily tasks, no matter how minor they seem. It teaches that our commitment and diligence in small responsibilities can lead to greater opportunities and rewards.
What themes are present in Luke 19:17?
The themes in Luke 19:17 include faithfulness, responsibility, reward, diligence, and trust. It highlights how our actions and character in small matters can influence our future roles and rewards.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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