μνᾶ (mna)
mna
mina
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun mna refers to a specific unit of currency, equivalent to one hundred drachmae. In the ancient world, this was a substantial sum, representing roughly three months’ wages for a laborer. The term appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Gospel of Luke, where it serves as the central economic detail in Jesus’ parable of the ten minas.
Its origin lies in Semitic and Latin trade systems, functioning both as a measure of weight and a fixed monetary value. By using this familiar currency, the text grounds a spiritual lesson in tangible reality. The master’s distribution of these minas to his servants highlights the expectation of active stewardship, contrasting faithful investment with fearful concealment.
Translators typically render this word as "mina" or "pound," preserving its identity as a distinct historical unit rather than converting it to modern equivalents. This choice maintains the specific weight of the parable’s imagery, reminding readers that the resources entrusted to them are significant and accountable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mna represents a substantial sum in the ancient world, roughly equivalent to three months’ wages for a laborer. In Luke 19, Jesus uses this specific currency to illustrate how we handle what God entrusts to us. It is not just money; it is a test of faithfulness and courage.
When the servants returned with more minas, they showed active trust in their master’s return. The one who hid his mina out of fear lost even what he had. This story invites us to consider our own resources—time, talent, and treasure—as gifts meant to be used for good, not buried in safety.
God does not ask for perfection, but for faithful stewardship. Whether you can multiply your gifts tenfold or fivefold, the key is engagement. We are called to participate in His work while we wait for His return, trusting that every act of obedience matters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mina4×
- minas.2×
- minas2×
- more minas.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μνᾶς.3×
- μνᾶ3×
- μνᾶς2×
- μνᾶν1×
Key Verses
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Luke 19:13
He called ten servants of his and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, ‘Conduct business until I come.’
The master distributes the minas before departing, establishing that stewardship begins with receiving and acting on God’s gifts.
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Luke 19:20
Another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,
The servant who hid his mina in a handkerchief reveals how fear can paralyze faithful action and lead to spiritual loss.
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Luke 19:24
He said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to him who has the ten minas.’
The command to take the mina from the unfaithful servant shows that unused gifts are not preserved but transferred to those who use them well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mna mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus use money in this parable?
How is mna different from a talent?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Luke 6 verses
He called ten servants of his and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, ‘Conduct business until I come.’
Luke 19:16The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.’
Luke 19:18“The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.’
Luke 19:20Another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,
Luke 19:24He said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to him who has the ten minas.’
Luke 19:25“They said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’