New Testament
Luke 19:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I was afraid of you because you are a strict man. You take what you did not put down and gather what you did not plant.
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For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
What Luke 19:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the servant expresses his fear of his master, describing him as strict and demanding. He believes that the master expects results without providing the necessary resources or support. The servant's fear leads him to inaction, as he feels overwhelmed by the master's expectations. This highlights a common human tendency to avoid risk when faced with authority, especially when one feels unprepared or inadequate. The servant's perception of the master as harsh influences his behavior, causing him to bury his talent instead of using it wisely. This verse serves as a reminder that fear can hinder our potential and lead to missed opportunities. It also raises questions about how we view authority figures and the impact of those views on our actions. Ultimately, it challenges us to confront our fears and take responsible risks in our endeavors, rather than allowing fear to paralyze us.
How to apply Luke 19:21 to your life
We should examine our fears and how they affect our decisions. Instead of letting fear hold us back, we can choose to take calculated risks and act responsibly. Embracing challenges can lead to growth and success, rather than inaction.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Keep studying Luke 19:21
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Related topics
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 19:21 mean?
In Luke 19:21, the servant expresses his fear of his master, describing him as strict and demanding. This fear leads the servant to inaction, as he feels overwhelmed by the master's expectations and believes he cannot meet them.
What is the meaning of 'austere man' in Luke 19:21?
The term 'austere man' in Luke 19:21 refers to someone who is strict, severe, or demanding. The servant uses this phrase to convey his perception of the master as harsh and unyielding, which contributes to his fear and inaction.
How does fear affect the servant's actions in Luke 19:21?
Fear affects the servant's actions by causing him to bury his talent instead of using it wisely. His perception of the master as strict leads him to avoid taking risks, ultimately resulting in lost potential.
What lessons can we learn from Luke 19:21?
From Luke 19:21, we learn that fear can hinder our potential and lead to missed opportunities. It encourages us to confront our fears and take responsible risks rather than allowing fear to paralyze us.
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