New Testament
Luke 19:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to those standing nearby, 'Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.'
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And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
What Luke 19:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is illustrating a principle of stewardship and reward. The context is a parable about a nobleman who entrusts his servants with money while he goes away. When he returns, he evaluates how each servant managed what was given to them. The servant who did not invest his pound is punished by losing it, and it is given to the one who has already proven to be a good steward with ten pounds. This reflects the idea that those who are faithful with what they have will be entrusted with more, while those who do nothing with their resources will lose even what they have. It emphasizes the importance of using our gifts and opportunities wisely, as there are consequences for inaction. Jesus teaches that God rewards diligence and productivity, and that we should actively engage in the work He has given us, rather than being passive or fearful.
How to apply Luke 19:24 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively use our talents and resources for good. Instead of being complacent or fearful, we should seek opportunities to grow and serve. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and can expect to see blessings in our lives.
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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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 19:24
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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 19:24 mean?
Luke 19:24 illustrates the principle of stewardship, showing that those who manage their resources wisely will be rewarded, while those who do nothing will lose even what they have.
What is the meaning of stewardship in Luke 19:24?
Stewardship in Luke 19:24 refers to the responsible management of resources and opportunities given by God, emphasizing that faithfulness in using what we have leads to greater rewards.
Why does the servant lose his pound in Luke 19:24?
The servant loses his pound because he failed to invest it wisely. This reflects the idea that neglecting one's responsibilities can result in losing even what little one has.
How can I apply Luke 19:24 in my life?
You can apply Luke 19:24 by actively using your talents and resources for good, seeking opportunities to grow and serve, and being diligent in your responsibilities.
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