New International VersionI 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.’
New Living TranslationI was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’
English Standard Versionfor I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
Berean Standard BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’
Berean Literal BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.'
King James BibleFor I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
New King James VersionFor I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
New American Standard Biblefor I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’
NASB 1995for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’
NASB 1977for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’
Legacy Standard Biblefor I was afraid of you, because you are a strict man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’
Amplified BibleI was [always] afraid of you, because you are a stern man; you pick up what you did not lay down and you reap what you did not sow.’
Christian Standard Biblebecause I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’
Holman Christian Standard Biblebecause I was afraid of you, for you’re a tough man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’
American Standard Versionfor I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that which thou didst not sow.
Contemporary English VersionYou are a hard man, and I was afraid of you. You take what isn't yours, and you harvest crops you didn't plant."
English Revised Versionfor I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI was afraid of you. You're a tough person to get along with. You take what isn't yours and harvest grain you haven't planted.'
Good News TranslationI was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take what is not yours and reap what you did not plant.'
International Standard Versionbecause I was afraid of you. You are a hard man. You withdraw what you didn't deposit and harvest what you didn't plant.'
NET BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.'
New Heart English Biblefor I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you did not lay down, and reap that which you did not sow.'
Webster's Bible TranslationFor I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou layedst not down, and reapest what thou didst not sow.
Weymouth New TestamentFor I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man: you take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’
World English Biblefor I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn’t lay down, and reap that which you didn’t sow.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor I was afraid of you, because you are an austere man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.
Berean Literal BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.'
Young's Literal Translation for I was afraid of thee, because thou art an austere man; thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and reapest what thou didst not sow.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor I feared thee, for thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou layedst not down, and thou reapest what thou didst not sow. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor I feared you, because you are an austere man. You take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.’
New American Biblefor I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’
New Revised Standard Versionfor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you pick up what you have not laid down, and you reap what you have not sown.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“For I was afraid of you, for you are a hard man, for you take up that which you have not laid down and you reap the thing which you have not sown.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man; you take up that which you did not lay down, and reap that which you did not sow.
Godbey New Testament
for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou hadst not laid down, and thou reapest that which thou hast not sown.
Haweis New Testament
for I was afraid of thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up where thou hadst laid nothing down, and reapest where thou didst not sow.
Mace New Testament
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.
Weymouth New Testament
For I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man: you take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.'
Worrell New Testament
for I feared you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.'
Worsley New Testament
for I was afraid of thee, because thou art an austere man,who takest up what thou didst not lay down, and reapest what thou didst not sow.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Ten Minas… 20Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. 21ForI was afraid ofyou,becauseyou area harshman.You withdrawwhatyou did not depositandreapwhatyou did not sow.’22His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?…
Cross References Matthew 25:24-25Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
Matthew 25:26-30‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ...
Luke 12:47-48That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
Luke 12:20-21But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Matthew 7:21-23Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
Matthew 13:12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Romans 14:12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
1 Corinthians 4:2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
Hebrews 4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
James 2:17-18So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
Revelation 3:15-16I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! / So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!
Proverbs 26:13The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
Ecclesiastes 11:4He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.
Isaiah 29:13Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
Treasury of Scripture For I feared you, because you are an austere man: you take up that you layed not down, and reap that you did not sow. I feared. Exodus 20:19,20 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die… 1 Samuel 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; Matthew 25:24,25 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: … because. 1 Samuel 6:19-21 And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smittenmany of the people with a great slaughter… 2 Samuel 6:9-11 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? … Job 21:14,15 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways… Jump to Previous AfraidAustereExactingFearFearedGrainHardHarshLayReapReapestSeedSevereSowSowedJump to Next AfraidAustereExactingFearFearedGrainHardHarshLayReapReapestSeedSevereSowSowedLuke 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.For I was afraid of youThis phrase reflects the servant's perception of his master, which is central to understanding the parable's message. Fear of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with reverence and awe ( Proverbs 9:10). However, in this context, the fear is more about dread and apprehension, which can lead to inaction. The servant's fear contrasts with the biblical encouragement to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness ( Psalm 56:3-4). because you are a harsh man
The servant describes the master as harsh, indicating a perception of strictness and severity. This perception may reflect a misunderstanding of the master's true character, as the parable ultimately reveals the master's expectation of faithfulness and diligence. The term "harsh" can be compared to descriptions of God as a just judge (Psalm 7:11), emphasizing accountability and righteousness. You withdraw what you did not deposit
This phrase suggests the master's authority and expectation of productivity. It highlights the principle of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources and are expected to manage them wisely. The idea of withdrawing what was not deposited can be seen as a metaphor for God's sovereign right to expect returns on what He has entrusted to His people (1 Corinthians 4:2). and reap what you did not sow.
Reaping what one did not sow underscores the expectation of growth and fruitfulness from the resources given. This concept is echoed in other biblical passages, such as the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), where the emphasis is on the yield from the seeds sown. It also reflects the principle of divine justice, where God rewards or judges based on the fruitfulness of one's life (Galatians 6:7-8). The imagery of sowing and reaping is often used to illustrate spiritual truths about responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Persons / Places / Events 1. The ServantIn the parable of the ten minas, this servant represents those who are entrusted with resources or responsibilities by God but fail to use them wisely due to fear or misunderstanding of God's character. 2. The MasterThe master in the parable symbolizes God or Christ, who entrusts His servants with gifts and expects them to be used for His kingdom. 3. The Parable of the Ten MinasThis parable, told by Jesus, is set in the context of His journey to Jerusalem and serves as a teaching on stewardship and accountability. 4. JerusalemThe city where Jesus was heading, symbolizing the culmination of His earthly ministry and the place of His crucifixion and resurrection. 5. The Kingdom of GodThe overarching theme of the parable, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to advance God's kingdom with the resources given to them. Teaching Points Understanding God's CharacterMisunderstanding God's nature can lead to fear and inaction. God is just and expects us to use our gifts wisely, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence. Stewardship and AccountabilityWe are entrusted with resources, talents, and opportunities. Our responsibility is to use them for God's kingdom, knowing we will give an account of our stewardship. Overcoming Fear with FaithFear can paralyze us, but faith empowers us to act. Trust in God's goodness and provision should motivate us to step out in faith and use our gifts. The Consequences of InactionThe servant's fear led to inaction, resulting in loss. Inaction in our spiritual lives can lead to missed opportunities to serve and glorify God. The Urgency of the Kingdom WorkThe parable underscores the urgency of engaging in kingdom work. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, using our time and resources effectively. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 19:21?
2.How does fear of God influence our stewardship of His gifts today?
3.What does Luke 19:21 teach about accountability to God?
4.How can we overcome fear to serve God more effectively?
5.Connect Luke 19:21 with Proverbs 9:10 on fearing the Lord.
6.How can we apply the lesson of stewardship in our daily lives?
7.What does Luke 19:21 reveal about the nature of God as perceived by the servant?
8.How does fear influence the servant's actions in Luke 19:21?
9.What cultural or historical context is necessary to understand Luke 19:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19?
11.How many animals did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? One (Mark 11:7, Luke 19:35) or two (Matthew 21:7)?
12.How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24-30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?
13.Luke 13:31-35: What non-biblical evidence, if any, supports Jesus' prophetic words regarding Jerusalem's fate, and how can we confirm their historical reliability?
14.What does the Bible say about single mothers?What Does Luke 19:21 Mean For I was afraid of you• The servant begins with fear, not faith. Fear that paralyzes rather than motivates stands in sharp contrast to “perfect love” that “casts out fear” (1 John 4:18) and the Spirit of power, love, and self-control given to believers (2 Timothy 1:7). • Scripture never excuses disobedience on the ground of fear; instead it calls us to reverent fear that leads to obedience (Luke 12:5;Exodus 20:20), not the cringing dread that buries God-given opportunities (Matthew 25:25). • By confessing fear, the servant unwittingly condemns himself, because genuine fear of the Master would have led him to at least “put My money on deposit” (v. 23).
because you are a harsh man• The accusation is a slander against the Master. Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion” (Exodus 34:6), yet also perfectly just (Romans 11:22). • The servant’s distorted view mirrors the hardened heart of Israel’s leadership who saw Jesus as a threat rather than a gracious King (Luke 20:14-15). • By labeling the Master “harsh,” the servant shifts blame for his own laziness, echoing Adam’s deflection inGenesis 3:12.
You withdraw what you did not deposit• The charge suggests that the Master profits unjustly, yetPsalm 50:10-12 affirms that everything already belongs to God; He can rightly claim any return. •Job 41:11 andRomans 11:35 remind us that no one can give to God first or place Him in debt. Whatever return He “withdraws” is His rightful due. • The servant ignores the grace shown in being entrusted with the mina in the first place (Luke 19:13); stewardship is privilege, not exploitation.
and reap what you did not sow• God often allows His servants to share in work others began (John 4:37-38;1 Corinthians 3:6-9). The harvest always belongs to Him. • The statement is true in one sense: the Master does reap where He hasn’t personally sown, because He delegates sowing to His people. What the servant calls “harsh” is actually a picture of divine partnership. •Galatians 6:7 warns, “God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” The servant sowed nothing and therefore forfeited reward, yet still faces judgment for unbelief and misrepresentation of the Master’s character (Luke 19:22-24).
summaryLuke 19:21 exposes the unfaithful servant’s heart. Paralyzed by a self-made dread and a warped view of the Master, he refuses the privilege of stewardship and then blames the Master for his own inactivity. The verse warns that a wrong perception of God—seeing Him as harsh rather than graciously just—leads to fruitlessness and ultimate loss, while affirming that the Lord has every right to expect a return on the resources, opportunities, and gospel truth He entrusts to His people. (21) I feared thee, because thou art an austere man.--The Greek adjective (from which the English is derived) is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. Literally, it means dry, and so, hard and stiff. In 2 Maccabees 14:30 it is translated "churlish." On the plea of the wicked servant, see Note on Matthew 25:22.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγάρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I was afraid ofἐφοβούμην(ephoboumēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.you,σε(se)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.you areεἶ(ei)Verb - Present Indicative 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.a harshαὐστηρὸς(austēros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 840:Grim, severe, strict, exacting, harsh, rigid. From a derivative of the same as aer; rough, i.e. severe.man.ἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.You withdrawαἴρεις(aireis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 142:To raise, lift up, take away, remove.whatὃ(ho)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.you did not depositἔθηκας(ethēkas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5087:To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.reapθερίζεις(therizeis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2325:To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.whatὃ(ho)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.you did not sow.’ἔσπειρας(espeiras)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4687:To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.
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NT Gospels: Luke 19:21 For I feared you because you (Luke Lu Lk) |
