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G1281 · Greek · New Testament
διαπραγματεύομαι
Diapragmateuomai
Verb
To Gain by Trading / To Make a Profit Through Business

Definition

The Greek verb diapragmateuomai (διαπραγματεύομαι) means to gain profit through trading, to do business so as to produce gain. It appears only in Luke 19:15, in the Parable of the Minas (Talents), where the nobleman returns and asks his servants to account for what they 'had gained by trading (diapragmateuomai).' The word emphasizes productive engagement with what has been entrusted.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Parable of the Minas is a parable of stewardship, accountability, and the expectation of productivity. The nobleman (representing Christ) entrusts resources and expects them to be traded and multiplied — not stored and protected. The servant who gains ten minas is rewarded with authority; the one who wrapped his mina in cloth and produced nothing is rebuked. Diapragmateuomai — trading for gain — is the posture God expects from His servants in the time between Christ's ascension and return. The gospel itself must be diapragmateuomai — multiplied, not hoarded. Every gift, every calling, every opportunity is a mina to invest for the Kingdom.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 19:15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading (diapragmateuomai).
Luke 19:16 The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'
Matthew 25:20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'
Luke 19:26 I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.

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