Luke 19:1-26 ▼

1 As Jesus was pursuing his journey from Jericho,

2 one Zaccheus, a rich man, and collector-general of the customs,

3 was very desirous to see the person of Jesus, but could not for the crowd, he being of a low stature.

4 so he ran before, and climb'd up a mulberry-tree to view him; for he was to pass that way.

5 as soon as Jesus came at the place, he look'd up, and seeing him, Zaccheus, said he, make haste down; for I intend to dine at your house to-day.

6 so down he came in great haste, and gave Jesus a joyful reception.

7 upon seeing this, they all murmur'd, saying, he is going to be treated by a dissolute person.

8 but Zaccheus address'd himself to Jesus, and said, Lord, half my estate I give to the poor; and if I have wrong'd any man, I will give him four times the value.

9 then said Jesus, speaking of him, this day is salvation come to this family, since he is now become a true son of Abraham.

10 for the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.

11 Their attention being raised by this, Jesus pursued his discourse with a parable, occasion'd by their thinking, that, because he was advanc'd so nigh to Jerusalem, the kingdom of God would immediately commence.

12 a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return.

13 and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return.

14 but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king."

15 upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made.

16 the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more.

17 he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities.

18 then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more.

19 his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities.

20 but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin.

21 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.

22 wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed:

23 " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest?

24 then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten.

25 but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds:

26 I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has.