11While they were hearing these things, he added a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear instantly.12He therefore said, "A certain man of noble birth went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and to return."13He called ten of his own slaves, gave them ten minas, and said to them, "Trade until I come."14His citizens, however, hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, "We do not want this man to reign over us."15When he returned after receiving the kingdom, he ordered these slaves to whom he had given the money to be called so that he might know what they had gained by trading.16The first came and said, "Lord, your mina has earned ten more minas."17He said to him, "Well done, good slave, because you were faithful in a very little thing; have authority over ten cities."18The second came and said, "Lord, your mina has made five minas."19He said to this one also, "And you, be over five cities."20The other came and said, "Lord, here is your mina which I kept laid away in a handkerchief."21For 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.22He said to him, "Out of your own mouth I judge you, evil slave. You knew that I am a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow."23Why then did you not put my money on a table, and when I came I would have collected it with interest?24He said to those standing by, "Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas."25They said to him, "Lord, he has ten minas."26I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.27But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them in front of me.