Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable Of The Ten Minas

¹¹ Their attention being raised by this, Jesus pursued his discourse with a parable, occasion'd by their thinking, that, because he was advanc'd so nigh to Jerusalem, the kingdom of God would immediately commence.

¹² a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return. ¹³ and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return.

¹⁴ but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king."

¹⁵ upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made. ¹⁶ the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more.

¹⁷ he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities.

¹⁸ then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more.

¹⁹ his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities.

²⁰ but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin. ²¹ for I was in fear of you, knowing you to be a hard master, who exact what you never gave, and reap where you have never sown.

²² wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed: ²³ " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest? ²⁴ then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten.

²⁵ but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds:

²⁶ I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has. ²⁷ as for those enemies of mine, who would not have me for their king, bring them here, and slay them in my presence.