Luke 19:24

24 He said to the bystanders, "Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.'

Luke 19:24 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 19:24

And he said unto them that stood by
The angels, it may be; though this may not be strictly taken, as if any persons, angels, or men, will be employed in what follows, only that it will be done, or may be expected:

take from him the pound;
which shows, that it was not special grace, for that is a good part that shall never be taken away, but gifts which may be taken away from men, or they from them:

and give it to him that hath ten pounds;
not that, strictly speaking, the gifts of some men are taken from them and bestowed on others; but the design of the expression is to show, that to diligent and laborious ministers, there is an increase of gifts; their knowledge enlarges, and their light shines more and more to the perfect day, and they become more useful; and they appear brighter, and more illustrious, through the sloth of others, or when compared with indolent, negligent, and useless ministers.

Luke 19:24 In-Context

22 He said to him, "I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?

23 Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.'

24 He said to the bystanders, "Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.'

25 (And they said to him, "Lord, he has ten pounds!')

26 "I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.