Lexical Summary austéros: Harsh, severe, stern Original Word: αὐστηρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance austere, strictFrom a (presumed) derivative of the same as aer (meaning blown); rough (properly as a gale), i.e. (figuratively) severe -- austere. see GREEK aer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hauó (to dry) Definition harsh, severe NASB Translation exacting (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 840: αὐστηρόςαὐστηρός, ἀυστηρα, ἀυστηρον (from αὔω to dry up), harsh (Latinausterus), stringent of taste, ἀυστηρον καί γλυκύ (καί πικρόν), Plato, legg. 10, 897 a.; οἶνος, Diogenes Laërtius 7, 117. of mind and manners, harsh, rough, rigid (cf. Trench, § xiv.): Luke 19:21, 22; (Polybius 4, 20, 7; Diogenes Laërtius 7, 26, etc. 2 Macc. 14:30). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 840, αὐστηρός, describes a manner that is hard, exacting, or stern. While the word occurs only twice in the New Testament—both in Luke 19—its placement inside the Parable of the Minas offers a rich window into the tension between the Lord’s righteous authority and the servant’s flawed perception of that authority. Usage in Luke 19 Luke 19:21: “For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.” Luke 19:22: “His master replied, ‘You wicked servant! I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?’” In both verses, αὐστηρός is placed on the lips of the third servant and then echoed by the returning nobleman. The servant claims that the master’s character is austere; the master momentarily accepts that claim only to expose the servant’s negligence. The term therefore functions less as a true description of the master and more as a mirror revealing the servant’s distorted view. Context within the Parable of the Minas 1. Entrustment: Each servant receives a mina, underscoring divine generosity rather than severity (Luke 19:13). Historical Background of the Metaphor In first-century culture a landowner or nobleman was expected to collect profits from estates managed by stewards. Describing such a figure as αὐστηρός would evoke contemporary experiences with exacting creditors or tax collectors. Jesus leverages that expectation to contrast earthly assumptions about authority with the true character of God, whose severity and kindness coexist in perfect harmony (Romans 11:22). Theological Observations • False Perceptions of God: Scripture repeatedly warns that a distorted view of the Lord leads to unfaithfulness (Genesis 3:1-6; Numbers 13:31-33). The third servant’s fear is rooted not in God’s revealed nature but in his own slothful heart. Implications for Ministry 1. Teaching God’s Character: Preaching must hold together God’s mercy and His righteous standards, guarding against caricatures of divine severity or leniency. Related Biblical Themes • Severity and Kindness: Romans 11:22 balances the two sides of God’s dealings. Summary αὐστηρός appears sparingly yet powerfully, embodying how a servant’s distorted view of his master can undermine faithful stewardship. The parable does not present God as unreasonably harsh; rather, it exposes the danger of projecting human fears onto a just and gracious Lord. Rightly understood, the word pushes believers toward diligent service, reverential awe, and unwavering trust in the perfect balance of God’s character. Forms and Transliterations αυστηρος αυστηρός αὐστηρός αὐστηρὸς austeros austerós austeròs austēros austērós austēròsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 19:21 Adj-NMSGRK: ὅτι ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρὸς εἶ αἴρεις NAS: of you, because you are an exacting man; KJV: thou art an austere man: INT: because a man harsh you are you takest up Luke 19:22 Adj-NMS |