Luke 19:24

Them that stood by. Probably some of the nobleman’s attendants, other than the servants. To “stand” by, or before, a superior meant to be in his service (see 1 Kings 10:8; see on Dan. 1:19).

Take from him. Apparently no punishment was inflicted except the negative punishment of being required to return the unimproved capital entrusted to him (see on v. 26).

Give it to him. The unimproved talent was given to the first servant, not so much as a reward as that he had given evidence that he would accomplish more with it than others.

It was simply good business on the part of the nobleman to place his money and affairs in the hands of those who would make the most of the opportunities thus afforded them. The first servant now had altogether 12 minas. This was twice as much as the second servant now had. Apparently the king did not require the return of either principal or interest, but left it in the hands of these men to continue working and improving it (cf. Matt. 25:28).