New Testament
Luke 19:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then another servant came and said, 'Lord, here is your pound. I kept it wrapped in a cloth.'
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And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
What Luke 19:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a servant presents back to his master the money he was given to manage. Instead of investing it or using it wisely, he kept it safe but inactive, wrapped in a cloth. This action reflects a lack of initiative and fear of taking risks. The servant's choice to hide the money rather than grow it shows a misunderstanding of his master's expectations. The master had entrusted him with resources to be used for growth and productivity, not to be hoarded. This scenario serves as a warning about the consequences of failing to use our gifts and opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive and responsible with what we have been given, rather than playing it safe out of fear or laziness.
How to apply Luke 19:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively use our talents and resources rather than hiding them away. We should seek opportunities to grow and contribute, understanding that our efforts can lead to greater outcomes. Embrace risks and be accountable for what you have been given.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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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 19:20 mean?
Luke 19:20 illustrates a servant who returns his master's money without having invested it. This reflects a failure to meet the master's expectations and highlights the importance of using our resources wisely.
What is the meaning of 'kept it wrapped in a cloth' in Luke 19:20?
The phrase 'kept it wrapped in a cloth' signifies that the servant chose to hide the money instead of using it productively. It shows a lack of initiative and fear of taking risks.
How does Luke 19:20 relate to responsibility?
Luke 19:20 highlights the theme of responsibility by showing that the servant failed to manage his master's resources effectively. It serves as a reminder that we are expected to use our talents and opportunities for growth.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 19:20?
The lesson from Luke 19:20 is to actively use our abilities and resources rather than hiding them out of fear or laziness. It encourages us to embrace risks and strive for productivity.
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