Luke 19:21
New International Version
I 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 Translation
I 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 Version
for 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Version
For 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 Bible
for 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 1995
for 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 1977
for 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 Bible
for 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 Bible
I 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 Bible
because 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 Bible
because 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 Version
for 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 Version
You 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 Version
for 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® Translation
I 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 Translation
I 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 Version
because I was afraid of you. You are a hard man. You withdraw what you didn't deposit and harvest what you didn't plant.'

Majority Standard Bible
For 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.?

NET Bible
For 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 Bible
for 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 Translation
For 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 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.'

World English Bible
for 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 Version
for 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 Bible
For 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 Translation
For 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 Bible
For 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 Version
For 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 Bible
for 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 Version
for 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 Bible
For 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 Testament
For 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. 21For 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.’ 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 25:24-25
Finally, 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 12:47-48
That 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 12:20-21
But 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 7:21-23
Not 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 13:12
Whoever 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 14:12
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

1 Corinthians 4:2
Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For 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 4:13
Nothing 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 2:17-18
So 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 3:15-16
I 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 26:13
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

Ecclesiastes 11:4
He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore 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 smitten many 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…

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Luke 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 you
The phrase "I was afraid" comes from the Greek word "φοβέομαι" (phobeomai), which means to fear or be terrified. In the context of this parable, the servant's fear represents a misunderstanding of the master's character. From a conservative Christian perspective, this fear can be seen as a lack of faith or trust in God's goodness and justice. Theologically, it reflects the human tendency to project our insecurities onto God, rather than understanding His true nature as loving and just.

because you are a harsh man
The word "harsh" is translated from the Greek "αὐστηρός" (austēros), meaning severe or strict. This perception of the master as harsh is crucial to understanding the servant's actions. Historically, this reflects the common view of authority figures in ancient times as being severe and demanding. However, in the broader scriptural context, God is portrayed as both just and merciful. The servant's view is a distorted image of God, highlighting the importance of knowing God's true character through scripture and relationship.

You withdraw what you did not deposit
The phrase "withdraw what you did not deposit" suggests an expectation of gaining without prior investment. In the parable, this accusation against the master is unfounded and reflects the servant's misunderstanding. Archaeologically, this reflects the economic practices of the time, where landowners and masters were often seen as exploitative. However, scripturally, it underscores the principle of stewardship and accountability. God entrusts us with resources and talents, expecting us to use them wisely for His kingdom, not to hide them out of fear.

and reap what you did not sow
"Reap what you did not sow" is an agricultural metaphor, common in biblical times, indicating gaining benefits without effort. This reflects the servant's skewed perception of the master's expectations. Biblically, this phrase can be contrasted with the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout scripture, where effort and faithfulness are rewarded. From a conservative Christian perspective, it emphasizes the importance of active participation in God's work, trusting in His provision and justice, rather than passivity driven by fear.

(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
For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I was afraid of
ἐφοβούμην (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.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you are
εἶ (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 harsh
αὐστηρὸς (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 withdraw
αἴρεις (aireis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove.

what
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you did not deposit
ἔθηκας (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.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

reap
θερίζεις (therizeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2325: To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.

what
(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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