Luke 19:11-28
He added and spake ( προσθεις ειπεν ). Second aorist active participle of προστιθημ with ειπεν. It is a Hebrew idiom seen also in Lu 20:1f. he added to send ( προσεθετο πεμψα ) and in Ac 12:3 "he added to seize" ( προσεθετο συλλαβειν ). This undoubted Hebraism occurs in the N.T. in Luke only, probably due to the influence of the LXX on Luke the Greek Christian.To appear ( αναφαινεσθα ). Present passive infinitive of an old verb to be made manifest, to be shown up. In the N.T. only here and Ac 21:3.
To take to himself a kingdom ( λαβειν εαυτω βασιλειαν ). Second aorist active infinitive of λαμβανω with the dative reflexive εαυτω where the middle voice could have been used. Apparently this parable has the historical basis of Archelaus who actually went from Jerusalem to Rome on this very errand to get a kingdom in Palestine and to come back to it. This happened while Jesus was a boy in Nazareth and it was a matter of common knowledge.
Trade ye herewith till I come ( πραγματευσασθε εν ω ερχομα ). First aorist middle imperative of πραγματευομα, an old verb from πραγμα, business. Here only in the N.T. Westcott and Hort in their text read πραγματευσασθα, first aorist middle infinitive ( -α and -ε were pronounced alike). The infinitive makes it indirect discourse, the imperative direct.
While I am coming is what εν ω ερχομα really means.
His citizens ( ο πολιτα αυτου ). That actually happened with Archelaus.
When he was come back again ( εν τω επανελθειν αυτον ). "On the coming back again as to him." Luke's favourite idiom of the articular infinitive after εν and with the accusative of general reference.
Had given ( δεδωκε ). Past perfect active indicative without augment of διδωμ.
That he might know ( ινα γνο ). Second aorist active subjunctive of γινοσκω. The optative would be γνοιη.
Hath made ( προσηργασατο ). Only here in the N.T. Note προσ- in addition, besides, more.
Have thou authority ( ισθ εξουσιαν εχων ). Periphrastic present active imperative. Keep on having authority.
Be thou also over ( κα συ επανο γινου ). Present middle imperative. Keep on becoming over. There is no real reason for identifying this parable of the pounds with the parable of the talents in Mt 25. The versatility of Jesus needs to be remembered by those who seek to flatten out everything.
I kept ( ειχον ). Imperfect active of εχω. I kept on keeping.
Laid up ( αποκειμενην ). Present passive participle agreeing with ην (which), used often as perfect passive of τιθημ as here, laid away or off ( απο ). It is not the periphrastic construction, but two separate verbs, each with its own force.
In a napkin ( εν σουδαριω ). A Latin word sudarium from sudor (sweat) transliterated into Greek, a sweatcloth handkerchief or napkin. Found in papyrus marriage contracts as part of the dowry (second and third centuries A.D., Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 223). Used also for swathing the head of the dead (Joh 11:44; 20:7).
I feared ( εφοβουμην ). Imperfect middle, I continued to fear.
Austere ( αυστηρος ). Old Greek word from αυω, to dry up. Reproduced in Latin austeros and English austere. It means rough to the taste, stringent. Here only in the N.T. Compare σκληρος (hard) in Mt 25:24. "Harsh in flavour, then in disposition" (Bruce).
Thou layedst not down ( ουκ εθηκας ). Probably a proverb for a grasping profiteer.
Thou knewest ( ηιδεις ). Second past perfect of οραω, to see, used as imperfect of οιδα, to know. Either it must be taken as a question as Westcott and Hort do or be understood as sarcasm as the Revised Version has it. The words of the wicked ( πονηρος ) slave are turned to his own condemnation.
Then wherefore ( κα δια τ ). Note this inferential use of και- in that case.
Into the bank ( επ τραπεζαν ). Literally,
upon a table. This old word τραπεζα, from τετραπεζα ( τετρα, four, πους, foot). It means then any table (Mr 7:28), food on the table (Ac 16:34), feast or banquet (Ro 11:9), table of the money-changers (Joh 2:15; Mr 11:15; Mt 21:12), or bank as here. Our word bank is from Old English bench.
With interest ( συν τοκω ). Not usury, but proper and legal interest. Old word from τικτω, to bring forth. In the N.T. only here and Mt 25:27.
Should have required it ( αν αυτο επραξα ). Conclusion of second-class condition the condition or apodosis being implied in the participle "coming" ( ελθων ), and the previous question. On this technical use of πρασσω ( επραξα ) see Lu 3:13.
And they said unto him ( κα ειπαν αυτω ). Probably the eager audience who had been listening to this wonderful parable interrupted Jesus at this point because of this sudden turn when the one pound is given to the man who has ten pounds. If so, it shows plainly how keenly they followed the story which Jesus was giving because of their excitement about the kingdom (Lu 19:11).
That hath not ( του μη εχοντος ). The present tense of εχω here, that keeps on not having, probably approaches the idea of acquiring or getting, the one who keeps on not acquiring. This is the law of nature and of grace.
Reign ( βασιλευσα ). First aorist active infinitive, ingressive aorist, come to rule.
Slay ( κατασφαξατε ). First aorist active imperative of κατασφαζω, to slaughter, an old verb, but only here in the N.T.
Went on before ( επορευετο εμπροσθεν ). Imperfect middle. Jesus left the parable to do its work and slowly went on his way up the hill to Jerusalem.
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