Lexical Summary prosergazomai: To work further, to gain by labor, to acquire additionally Original Word: προσεργάζομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gain. From pros and ergazomai; to work additionally, i.e. (by implication) acquire besides -- gain. see GREEK pros see GREEK ergazomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and ergazomai Definition to work besides, to gain besides NASB Translation made...more (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4333: προσεργάζομαιπροσεργάζομαι: 1 aorist 3 person singular προσειργάσατο (R G Tr), προσηργάσατο (L T WH; see ἐργάζομαι at the beginning); 1. to work besides (Euripides, Plutarch). 2. by working or trading to make or gain besides: Luke 19:16 (Xenophon, Hell. 3, 1, 28). The lone appearance of the verb occurs in the Parable of the Minas: “The first servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten more.’” (Luke 19:16). The word pictures the servant’s diligent activity that produced measurable increase for his master. It is not passive accumulation but purposeful, gain-oriented labor undertaken in the steward’s absence yet always in view of the steward’s imminent return. Historical Setting of the Parable Jesus told this account on the road to Jerusalem, just before His triumphal entry (Luke 19:11). Listeners expected an immediate political kingdom, but the parable corrected that notion by emphasizing a time interval between the Master’s departure and return. A “mina” was roughly three months’ wages; ten minas represented a significant profit and showcased the servant’s wholehearted commitment. Stewardship and Faithful Service The servant’s gain illustrates the biblical principle that whatever the Lord entrusts must be engaged, not buried. Comparable calls appear in Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 4:2, and 1 Peter 4:10. Faithful service joins diligence (“whatever you do, work at it with your whole being,” Colossians 3:23) to expectancy (“the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” Matthew 24:44). Fruitfulness in the Broader Canon Though the vocabulary differs, the concept resonates with: The servant in Luke embodies these truths by converting entrusted capital into fruitful return. Contrast with the Unprofitable Servant Luke 19:20-23 shows the servant who merely safeguards the mina. His inactivity reveals a heart unmoved by the master’s generosity and ignorant of the master’s expectations. Scripture consistently warns against such negligence (Hebrews 6:7-8; James 2:17). Eschatological Accountability The master’s settling of accounts foreshadows the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Rewards in the parable (“Have authority over ten cities,” Luke 19:17) point to genuine responsibility in the coming kingdom, affirming that present faithfulness affects future service. Christological Focus Jesus is the nobleman who “went to a distant country to receive kingship” (Luke 19:12). His resurrection and ascension inaugurate the period of stewardship; His return will manifest His reign in fullness. The servant’s gain therefore magnifies Christ’s own increase: the fruitful expansion of His gospel and government (Isaiah 9:7; Revelation 11:15). Ministry Significance Today 1. Personal calling: Every believer holds resources—spiritual gifts, opportunities, relationships—that must be actively invested. Practical Reflection • Assess what the Lord has placed in your hand. |
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