The Parable of the Ten Minas

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because (A)they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, (B)“A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling (C)ten of his servants,[a] he gave them ten minas,[b] and said to them, ‘Engage in business (D)until I come.’ 14 But (E)his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant![c] Because you have been (F)faithful in a very little, (G)you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in (H)a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are (I)a severe man. You take (J)what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, (K)‘I will condemn you with your own words, (L)you wicked servant! You knew that I was (M)a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that (N)to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But (O)as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and (P)slaughter them before me.’”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 19:13 Or bondservants; also verse 15
  2. Luke 19:13 A mina was about three months' wages for a laborer
  3. Luke 19:17 Or bondservant; also verse 22

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Super Giant Print Bible (TruTone Imitation Leather, Burgundy)
ESV Super Giant Print Bible (TruTone Imitation Leather, Burgundy)
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $35.90
Save: $34.09 (49%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.43
Save: $5.56 (56%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $24.00 (53%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Economy Bible, Large Print Softcover
ESV Economy Bible, Large Print Softcover
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $3.89
Save: $4.10 (51%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $7.00 (54%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars