THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE - Chapter 19 - Verse 13

Verse 13. Ten servants. Nothing in particular is denoted by the number ten. It is a circumstance intended to keep up the narrative. In general, by these servants our Saviour denotes his disciples, and intends to teach us that talents are given us to be improved, for which we must give an account at his return.

Ten pounds. The word translated pound here denotes the Hebrew minah, which was equal to about 15 dollars, or £3. The pounds here denote the talents which God has given to his servants on earth to improve, and for which they must give an account in the day of judgment.

Occupy till I come. The word occupy here means not merely to possess, as it often does in our language, but to improve, to employ in business, for the purpose of increasing it or of making profit on it. The direction was to use this money so as to gain more against his return. So Jesus commands his disciples to improve their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it until he comes to call us hence, by death, to meet him. See 1 Co 12:7; Eph 4:7.

{1} "Mina" translated here a pound is 12 ounces and a half, which, at 5 shillings the ounce, is £3, 2s. 6d.