“The nobleman
Said to the first slave.
‘Well done!
Good slave!
Because you have been
Trustworthy
In a very small thing,
Take charge
Of ten cities!’”
καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Εὖγε, ἀγαθὲ δοῦλε, ὅτι ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ πιστὸς ἐγένου, ἴσθι ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπάνω δέκα πόλεων.
Luke indicated that Jesus said that the nobleman told the first slave (καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ) that he had done well as a good slave (Εὖγε, ἀγαθὲ δοῦλε). He had been trustworthy in a very small thing (ὅτι ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ πιστὸς ἐγένου), he was now going to be put in charge of 10 cities (ἴσθι ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπάνω δέκα πόλεων). There is something similar in Matthew, chapter 25:21, perhaps indicating a Q source. Jesus said that this master or lord said to this diligent trader slave (ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ) that he done a good job (Εὖ). He was a good trustworthy slave (δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ). As he had been trustworthy or faithful in a few things (ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός), this master was going to put him in charge or appoint him over many things (ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω), without being specific. This first slave was to enter into the joy of his master or lord (εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου). This idea of being in the presence of his master was similar to the idea of being in the presence of God. However, Luke had a more specific earthly reward. Have you ever received a reward for some work that you did?
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 