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Sunday, July 13th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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Read the Bible

The NET Bible®

Luke 19:11

While the people were listening to these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Jesus, the Christ;   Jesus Continued;   Thompson Chain Reference - Parables;   Truth;   The Topic Concordance - Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ;   Kingdom of God;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Day of the lord;   Jericho;   Millennium;   Parables;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Kingdom of God;   Responsibility;   Wealth;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Bethany;   Jerusalem;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Banking;   Jonah;   Luke, Gospel of;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Character;   Common Life;   Debt, Debtor (2);   Discourse;   Equality;   Foresight;   Mission;   Nobleman;   Pound ;   Property (2);   Readiness;   Salvation Save Saviour;   Selfishness;   Sin (2);   Supremacy;   Talents ;   Winter ;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Zacch us;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Jesus of Nazareth;   Kingdom or Church of Christ, the;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Kingdom of God (of Heaven), the;   Millennium: Premillennial View;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem, and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear right away.
King James Version (1611)
And as they heard these things, he added, and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Hierusalem, and because they thought that the kingdome of God should immediately appeare.
King James Version
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
English Standard Version
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
New American Standard Bible
Now while they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
New Century Version
As the people were listening to this, Jesus told them a story because he was near Jerusalem and they thought God's kingdom would appear immediately.
Amplified Bible
While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they assumed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately [as soon as He reached the city].
New American Standard Bible (1995)
While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Legacy Standard Bible
Now while they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Berean Standard Bible
While the people were listening to this, Jesus proceeded to tell them a parable, because He was near Jerusalem and they thought the kingdom of God would appear imminently.
Contemporary English Version
The crowd was still listening to Jesus as he was getting close to Jerusalem. Many of them thought that God's kingdom would soon appear,
Complete Jewish Bible
While they were listening to this, Yeshua went on to tell a parable, because he was near Yerushalayim, and the people supposed that the Kingdom of God was about to appear at any moment.
Darby Translation
But as they were listening to these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God was about to be immediately manifested.
Easy-to-Read Version
As the crowd listened to what he was saying, Jesus went on to tell a story. He was now near Jerusalem and knew that the people thought it was almost time for God's kingdom to come.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And whiles they heard these thinges, hee continued and spake a parable, because hee was neere to Hierusalem, & because also they thought that the kingdom of God should shortly appeare.
George Lamsa Translation
While they were listening to these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they were expecting that the kingdom of God would appear at that very hour;
Good News Translation
While the people were listening to this, Jesus continued and told them a parable. He was now almost at Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was just about to appear.
Lexham English Bible
Now while they were listening to these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Literal Translation
But as they were hearing these things, He spoke, adding a parable, because He was near to Jerusalem, and they thought that the kingdom of God was immediately to be revealed.
American Standard Version
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear.
Bible in Basic English
And while they were giving ear to these words, he made another story for them, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they were of the opinion that the kingdom of God was coming straight away.
Hebrew Names Version
As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Yerushalayim, and they supposed that the kingdom of God would be revealed immediately.
International Standard Version
As they were listening to this, Jesushe
">[fn] went on to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and because the peoplethey
">[fn] thought that the kingdom of God would appear immediately.Acts 1:6;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
And when they had heard these things, he added to speak a parable; because he had drawn nigh to Urishlem, and they expected that in that hour would be revealed the kingdom of Aloha.
Murdock Translation
And when they heard these things, he proceeded to utter a similitude; because he was near to Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was to be soon developed.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And as they hearde these thynges, he added & spake a parable, because he was nye to Hierusale, & because they thought that the kingdome of God should shortly appeare.
English Revised Version
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear.
World English Bible
As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God would be revealed immediately.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh Jerusalem, and because they thought the kingdom of God would immediately appear.
Weymouth's New Testament
As they were listening to His words, He went on to teach them by a parable, because He was near to Jerusalem and they supposed that the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Whanne thei herden these thingis, he addide, and seide a parable, for that he was nyy Jerusalem, `and for thei gessiden, that anoon the kyngdom of God schulde be schewid.
Update Bible Version
And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and [because] they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear.
Webster's Bible Translation
And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God would immediately appear.
New King James Version
Matthew 25:14-30">[xr] Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.
New Living Translation
The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away.
New Life Bible
As they heard these things, Jesus told them a picture-story. Because He was near Jerusalem, they thought the holy nation of God would come at once.
New Revised Standard
As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And, because they were hearing these things, he added and spake a parable, because of his being near Jerusalem, and their supposing that, instantly, was the kingdom of God to shine forth.
Douay-Rheims Bible
As they were hearing these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately be manifested.
Revised Standard Version
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
As they hearde these thinges he added ther to a similitude be cause he was nye to Hierusalem and because also they thought that the kyngdome of God shuld shortely appere.
Young's Literal Translation
And while they are hearing these things, having added he spake a simile, because of his being nigh to Jerusalem, and of their thinking that the reign of God is about presently to be made manifest.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Now whyle they herkened, he tolde a symilitude also, because he was nye vnto Ierusalem, and because they thought, that the kyngdome of God shulde appeare immediatly.
Mace New Testament (1729)
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.
THE MESSAGE
While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God's kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story:
Simplified Cowboy Version
Everyone was listening to everything Jesus was saying. He told them a story because everyone was thinking that God's outfit was coming very soon.

Contextual Overview

11 While the people were listening to these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12 Therefore he said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 And he summoned ten of his slaves, gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.' 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to be king over us!' 15 When he returned after receiving the kingdom, he summoned these slaves to whom he had given the money. He wanted to know how much they had earned by trading. 16 So the first one came before him and said, ‘Sir, your mina has made ten minas more.' 17 And the king said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities.' 18 Then the second one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has made five minas.' 19 So the king said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.' 20 Then another slave came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

they thought: Luke 17:20, Acts 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Reciprocal: Daniel 7:14 - given Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom Matthew 13:31 - put Matthew 20:21 - in thy John 11:35 - General Acts 3:20 - General

Cross-References

Genesis 19:28
He looked out toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of that region. As he did so, he saw the smoke rising up from the land like smoke from a furnace.
Genesis 19:29
So when God destroyed the cities of the region, God honored Abraham's request. He removed Lot from the midst of the destruction when he destroyed the cities Lot had lived in.
2 Kings 6:18
As they approached him, Elisha prayed to the Lord , "Strike these people with blindness." The Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha requested.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city.
Isaiah 57:10
Because of the long distance you must travel, you get tired, but you do not say, ‘I give up.' You get renewed energy, so you don't collapse.
Jeremiah 2:36
Why do you constantly go about changing your political allegiances? You will get no help from Egypt just as you got no help from Assyria.
Acts 13:11
Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, unable to see the sun for a time!" Immediately mistiness and darkness came over him, and he went around seeking people to lead him by the hand.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And as they heard these things,.... What Zacchaeus said to Christ, and what Christ said to Zacchaeus; particularly, that salvation, or the Saviour was then come to his house, and that he was come to save lost persons:

he added, and spake a parable; that is, as the Syriac version renders it, "he added a parable to the word", or to what he had said:

because he was nigh to Jerusalem: within ten "parsas", or large miles; for at such a distance was Jerusalem from Jericho f, where Christ now was, according to the Jewish writers; but according to Josephus g, it was a hundred and fifty furlongs, which must be eighteen or twenty miles, and this may be said to be nigh; and not long after this, we hear of Christ at the Mount of Olives, which was about a mile from Jerusalem, Luke 19:29.

And because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear: or be revealed, or made manifest: the phrase is Jewish; so Song of Solomon 2:12 "the time of the singing of birds is come", is interpreted h, the time that the "kingdom of heaven",

שתגלה, "shall be revealed", is come, and elsewhere i,

"say to the cities of the house of Judah, מלכותא דאלהכון

אתנליאת, "the kingdom of your God is revealed;"''

meaning in both places, as here, the kingdom of the Messiah: what induced the disciples of Christ, or the multitude, or both, to imagine that the temporal kingdom of the Messiah, which they were expecting, would quickly be set up, might be what he had said to Zacchaeus, that salvation was that day come to his house, he being a son of Abraham; which they understanding of a temporal salvation, took it as a hint, that the outward prosperity of the seed of Abraham was at hand; as also what he had said, concerning his coming to seek and save that which is lost; which they were willing to interpret, of the civil state of Judea, and that he was come to restore its lost liberties and privileges; and partly, because he was now not a great way from Jerusalem, and was on his journey thither, in order to make his entrance in a very public manner; which was the metropolis of their nation, and the ancient seat of their kings, David, Solomon, and others: now the scope and design of the following parable, is to refute the notion of a temporal kingdom, and its near approach; by showing, that his kingdom lay a great way off, and was not of this world; and that his servants and disciples had a great deal of business to transact for him, and must not think of pomp and grandeur, but of labour and service; and that the Jews were so far from receiving any advantages by his kingdom, that they would not submit to his government, and would be treated as enemies, and utterly destroyed; even their nation, city, and temple.

f Bartenora in Misn. Tamid, c. 3, sect. 8. g De Bello Jud. l. 4. c. 27. h Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 11. 4. i Targum in Isa. xl. 9.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He spake a parable - This parable has in some respects a resemblance to the parable of the “talents” in Matthew 25:14-28, but it is not the same. They differ in the following respects: That was spoken “after” he had entered Jerusalem; this, while on his way there. That was delivered on the Mount of Olives; this, in the house of Zacchaeus. That was delivered to teach them the necessity of “improving” the talents committed to them; this was for a different design. He was now near Jerusalem. A great multitude attended him. His disciples regarded him as the Messiah, and by this they understood a temporal prince who should deliver them from the dominion of the Romans and set them at liberty. They were anxious for that, and supposed that the time was at hand, and that “now,” as soon as he entered Jerusalem, he would assume the appearance of such a prince and set up his kingdom. To “correct that notion” seems to have been the main design of this parable. To do that, he tells them of a man who had a right to the kingdom, yet who, “before” taking possession of it, went into another kingdom to receive a confirmation of his title, thus intimating that “he” would also go away “before” he would completely set up his kingdom Luke 19:12; he tells them that this nobleman left to his servants “property” to be improved in his absence, as “he” would leave to his disciples “talents” to be used in his service Luke 19:12-13; he tells them that this nobleman was rejected by his own citizens Luke 19:14, as “he” would be by the Jews; and that he received the kingdom and called them to an account, as he also would his own disciples.

Because he was nigh to Jerusalem - The capital of the country, and where they supposed he would probably set up his kingdom.

The kingdom of God should immediately appear - That the reign of the Messiah would immediately commence. He spoke the parable to “correct” that expectation.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Luke 19:11. And as they heard these things — I believe the participle of the present tense, here, is used for the participle of the past, or rather that the participle of the present conveys sometimes the sense of the past; for this discourse appears to have taken place the next day after he had lodged at the house of Zaccheus; for the text says that he was then drawing nigh to Jerusalem, from which Jericho was distant nineteen miles. I have not ventured to translate it so, yet I think probably the text should be read thus: And after they had heard these things, he proceded to speak a parable, because they were nigh to Jerusalem.

Immediately appear. — Perhaps the generality of his followers thought that, on his arrival at Jerusalem, he would proclaim himself king.


 
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