New International Version“’Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
New Living Translation“‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’
English Standard VersionAnd he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
Berean Standard BibleHis master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
Berean Literal BibleAnd He said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you were faithful in very little, you are to be having authority over ten cities.'
King James BibleAnd he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
New King James VersionAnd he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’
New American Standard BibleAnd he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave; since you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to have authority over ten cities.’
NASB 1995“And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’
NASB 1977 “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, be in authority over ten cities.’
Legacy Standard Bible And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’
Amplified BibleAnd he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you proved yourself faithful and trustworthy in a very little thing, you shall [now] have authority over ten cities [in my kingdom].’
Christian Standard Bible“ ‘Well done, good servant! ’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Well done, good slave!’ he told him. Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over 10 towns.’
American Standard VersionAnd he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Contemporary English Version"That's fine, my good servant!" the king said. "Since you have shown that you can be trusted with a small amount, you will be given ten cities to rule."
English Revised VersionAnd he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"The king said to him, 'Good job! You're a good servant. You proved that you could be trusted with a little money. Take charge of ten cities.'
Good News Translation'Well done,' he said; 'you are a good servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will put you in charge of ten cities.'
International Standard VersionThe king told him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.'
NET BibleAnd the king said to him, 'Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities.'
New Heart English Bible"And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant. Because you were faithful with very little, you will have authority over ten cities.'
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Weymouth New Testament"'Well done, good servant,' he replied; 'because you have been faithful in a very small matter, be in authority over ten towns.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHis master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
World English Bible“He said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he said to him, Well done, good servant, because you became faithful in a very little, be having authority over ten cities.
Berean Literal BibleAnd He said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you were faithful in very little, you are to be having authority over ten cities.'
Young's Literal Translation and he said to him, Well done, good servant, because in a very little thou didst become faithful, be having authority over ten cities.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he said to him, Well, good servant: because thou west faithful in the least, be thou having power over ten cities. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to him: Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to him: ‘Well done, good servant. Since you have been faithful in a small matter, you will hold authority over ten cities.’
New American BibleHe replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’
New Revised Standard VersionHe said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe said to him, O good servant, because you are found faithful in a little, you will have charge over ten talents.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishHe said to him, “Excellent, good servant! Because you are found faithful with a little, you shall be a ruler over ten fortress cities.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he said to him: Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.
Godbey New Testament Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Ten Minas… 16The first servant came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has produced ten more minas.’ 17 His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18The second servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’…
Cross References Matthew 25:21His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
Matthew 25:23His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
Matthew 24:45-47Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
1 Corinthians 4:2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
Revelation 2:10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 3:21To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
2 Timothy 2:12if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
Romans 2:6-7God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
1 Peter 5:4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
James 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Hebrews 6:10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
Proverbs 28:20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Daniel 12:3Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
Isaiah 3:10Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.
Psalm 62:12and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.
Genesis 39:4
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 1 Samuel 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. been. Luke 16:10
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 22:30
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Jump to Previous Authority Bondman Charge Cities Faithful Found Good Little Master Matter Servant Slave Small Ten Towns TrustworthyJump to Next Authority Bondman Charge Cities Faithful Found Good Little Master Matter Servant Slave Small Ten Towns TrustworthyLuke 19 1. Of Zacchaeus a tax collector.11. The ten minas.28. Jesus rides into Jerusalem with triumph;41. weeps over it;45. drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;47. Teaching daily in it. The rulers seek to destroy him, but fear the people.His master repliedIn the parable of the minas, the master represents Jesus Christ, who will return to evaluate the faithfulness of His servants. This phrase indicates a direct response from the master, symbolizing the personal relationship and accountability each believer has with Christ. The master’s reply is a moment of judgment and reward, reflecting the eschatological theme of the final judgment. ‘Well done, good servant!
This commendation highlights the approval and pleasure of the master in the servant's actions. The phrase "well done" is an affirmation of the servant's diligence and integrity. The term "good" denotes moral quality and faithfulness, aligning with biblical teachings on the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It echoes the commendation found in Matthew 25:21, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in small tasks. Because you have been faithful in a very small matter
The "very small matter" refers to the mina entrusted to the servant, symbolizing the resources, opportunities, and responsibilities given to believers. Faithfulness in small things is a recurring biblical principle (Luke 16:10), teaching that God values and rewards even seemingly insignificant acts of obedience and stewardship. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where trustworthiness in minor tasks was essential for greater responsibilities. you shall have authority over ten cities.
The reward of authority over ten cities signifies a significant increase in responsibility and honor. This reflects the biblical principle that faithfulness leads to greater opportunities and blessings (Matthew 25:23). The number ten may symbolize completeness or abundance, as seen in other scriptural contexts. The concept of ruling over cities points to the future reign of believers with Christ in His kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6), illustrating the eschatological hope of sharing in Christ's authority and glory. Persons / Places / Events 1. The MasterRepresents Jesus Christ, who entrusts His servants with responsibilities and rewards them based on their faithfulness. 2. The ServantSymbolizes believers who are entrusted with God's gifts and resources, expected to use them wisely and faithfully. 3. The Ten CitiesRepresents the greater responsibilities and rewards given to those who are faithful in small matters. Teaching Points Faithfulness in Small MattersGod values our faithfulness in seemingly insignificant tasks. Our daily actions and decisions matter to Him. Stewardship and ResponsibilityWe are stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities God has given us. We must use them wisely for His glory. Rewards for FaithfulnessGod promises rewards for those who are faithful. These rewards may not always be immediate but are assured in His kingdom. Preparation for Greater ResponsibilitiesBeing faithful in small things prepares us for greater responsibilities in God's kingdom. Our current faithfulness is a training ground for future service. Eternal PerspectiveOur actions on earth have eternal consequences. We should live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom and His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 19:17?
2. How does Luke 19:17 encourage faithful stewardship in our daily lives?
3. What does "Well done, good servant" reveal about God's expectations of us?
4. How can we apply the principle of faithfulness in small things today?
5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of faithfulness in God's kingdom?
6. How does Luke 19:17 inspire us to use our talents for God's glory?
7. What does Luke 19:17 reveal about the nature of faithfulness and reward in Christianity?
8. How does Luke 19:17 challenge our understanding of stewardship and responsibility?
9. In what ways does Luke 19:17 reflect the broader theme of accountability in the Bible?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19?
11. Can you be trusted with small and great things?
12. What is the significance of Journey to the Cross?
13. What will you do with what you've been given?
14. Is there work in Heaven?What Does Luke 19:17 Mean His master replied• The parable’s “master” pictures Christ returning to settle accounts (Luke 19:12–15). • Conversation opens with the Lord’s personal response—He is not distant; He answers each steward individually, just as He will do at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10–12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). • The scene reminds us that believers serve a living Lord who notices every act of stewardship (Colossians 3:24; 1 Peter 5:4).
Well done, good servant!• Commendation is immediate and warm—“Well done,” echoing the parallel in Matthew 25:21. • Approval centers on character: “good.” Christ does not praise brilliance, popularity, or results apart from faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:5). • This is the affirmation every believer longs to hear when “His reward is with Him” (Revelation 22:12).
Because you have been faithful in a very small matter• Faithfulness, not prominence, is the metric. Luke 16:10 teaches the same principle: steadfastness in the little things proves reliability for bigger ones. • Scripture never despises seemingly minor obedience—Zechariah 4:10 urges us not to “despise the day of small things.” • God’s assignments may feel insignificant now, yet they are training grounds for eternal service (1 Corinthians 4:2).
you shall have authority over ten cities• The reward is tangible, administrative authority in Christ’s future kingdom. This is not figurative; Revelation 2:26-27 promises that overcomers will “rule the nations,” and 2 Timothy 2:12 adds, “we will also reign with Him.” • The proportion—ten cities for one mina—shows the Master’s generosity. Small faithfulness begets vast responsibility (Matthew 19:28; Daniel 7:27). • Such rulership highlights that eternity involves purposeful service, not passive existence (Revelation 20:4).
summaryLuke 19:17 assures believers that every act of quiet faithfulness counts. Christ personally notices, warmly commends, and richly rewards. Serve diligently in today’s “very small matter,” confident that the Lord will one day entrust far greater responsibilities in His coming kingdom. (17) Because thou hast been faithful in a very little.--More literally, because thou didst become faithful. The words are in their substance like those in St. Matthew, but their absolute identity with those in the lesson drawn from the parable of the Unjust Steward (see Note on Luke 16:10) is every way suggestive. This parable is connected with that as its natural sequel and development. Have thou authority over ten cities.--The truth implied in Matthew 25:21 (where see Note), that the reward of faithfulness in this life, and probably in the life to come, will be found in yet wider opportunities for work in God's service, is stated here with greater distinctness. "Authority over ten cities" must have something corresponding to it, some energy and work of guidance, in the realities of the unseen world, and cannot simply be understood as fulfilled in the beatific vision or the life of ceaseless praise and adoration. Verse 17. - Well, thou good servant. It is noticeable that, in the bestowal of the "five cities" upon the servant who had with his one pound gained five, no expression of praise like this "good servant" is used by the King on his return. Now, what does this omission teach us? Christ, we know, was very careful and very sparing in his use of moral epithets. "Why callest thou me good?" was his stern address to the young ruler who used the expression, not because he was convinced of its applicability, but because he was desirous of paying a flattering compliment to the wise Rabbi from whom he desired information. We may safely conclude that, from the second servant in the story, the one who had earned but five pounds, he withheld the noble appellation "good" because he felt he had not deserved it. He had done well, it is true, and was splendidly recompensed, but he might have done more. He had won a high and responsible place in the kingdom; he was appointed the ruler over five cities; but he had not earned the noble title, ἄγαθος, "good." Very accurately, indeed, it seems, will places and names and power be awarded in the heaven-life, exactly in proportion to merits and deserts.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [His master] replied,εἶπεν (eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.‘Well done,Εὖγε (Euge)Adverb
Strong's 2095: Well, well done, good, rightly; also used as an exclamation. Neuter of a primary eus; well.goodἀγαθὲ (agathe)Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.servant!δοῦλε (doule)Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.Becauseὅτι (hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.you have beenἐγένου (egenou)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.faithfulπιστὸς (pistos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.a very small matter,ἐλαχίστῳ (elachistō)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular - Superlative
Strong's 1646: Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least.youἴσθι (isthi)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.shall haveἔχων (echōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.authorityἐξουσίαν (exousian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.overἐπάνω (epanō)Preposition
Strong's 1883: From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.tenδέκα (deka)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1176: Ten. A primary number; ten.cities.’πόλεων (poleōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.
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NT Gospels: Luke 19:17 He said to him 'Well done you (Luke Lu Lk) |
