What does Luke 19:11 mean?

"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." - Luke 19:11

The Bible verse Luke 19:11 from the King James Version (KJV) reads:

"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."

This verse is a part of the larger context of the passage where Jesus tells the parable of the ten minas. The parable begins with Jesus telling about a nobleman who goes to a distant country to be appointed as a king and then returns. Before his departure, he gives ten of his servants each a mina, which was a form of currency, and instructs them to use it to engage in trade and increase it.

When the nobleman returns, he calls his servants to see how much each has gained from the mina they were given. Those who have made a profit are rewarded, but the one who did not make a profit is rebuked.

The verse in focus, Luke 19:11, sets the stage for the parable by providing the reason for Jesus speaking the parable. It says that "he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." This verse serves as an introduction to the parable and highlights the purpose of the parable, which is to address the misconception that the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem, and people around them had high expectations that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah who would establish the kingdom of God on earth. However, Jesus, knowing what was to come (his crucifixion and resurrection), used this parable to correct their misunderstanding about the immediate establishment of the kingdom.

One of the prominent themes in this passage is the kingdom of God. Jesus often taught about the kingdom of God, and in this parable, he instructs his followers about the principles and expectations of the kingdom. The parable also emphasizes the responsibility of the servants to use the resources they are given for the benefit of the kingdom.

Another theme is stewardship. The parable emphasizes the importance of using the resources and opportunities given to us in a manner that bears fruit. The servants who traded and gained more with the minas were commended, while the one who did not was rebuked. The parable challenges believers to be faithful and diligent in their service to God and to make the most of the opportunities they are given.

Symbolism is also present in this verse and parable. The nobleman who goes to a distant country represents Jesus himself, who ascended to heaven but will return as the king. The minas represent the gifts, talents, and resources that God has given to each person, and the trading represents the use of those resources for the advancement of the kingdom.

In conclusion, Luke 19:11 is a pivotal verse that sets the stage for the parable of the ten minas. It provides insight into the purpose of the parable and addresses the upcoming expectations of the kingdom of God. The parable itself teaches important lessons about the kingdom, stewardship, and the responsibility of believers to use their resources for the glory of God. It serves as a reminder to be faithful, diligent, and intentional in our service to God as we await the return of the King.

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Luke 19:11 - "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."

"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." - Luke 19:11

Luke 19:11-27 - "While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don’t want this man to be our king.' He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.' His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.' Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.' His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?' Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.' 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!' He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.'""

"While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don’t want this man to be our king.' He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.' His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.' Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.' His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?' Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.' 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!' He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"" - Luke 19:11-27