Luke 16:1

KJV

¶ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G3004} also {G2532} unto {G4314} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, There was {G2258} a certain {G5100} rich {G4145} man {G444}, which {G3739} had {G2192} a steward {G3623}; and {G2532} the same {G3778} was accused {G1225} unto him {G846} that {G5613} he had wasted {G1287} his {G846} goods {G5224}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Speaking to the talmidim, Yeshua said: “There was a wealthy man who employed a general manager. Charges were brought to him that his manager was squandering his resources.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.

American Standard Version

And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:1 introduces the Parable of the Unjust Steward, a teaching delivered by Jesus to His disciples immediately following a series of parables emphasizing God's joy over repentance. This verse sets the stage by presenting the main characters: a wealthy landowner and his steward, who is accused of squandering the master's assets. It establishes the central conflict of mismanagement and accountability, laying the groundwork for Jesus' deeper lessons on the wise use of worldly resources in light of eternal realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable, often called "The Parable of the Unjust Steward" or "The Dishonest Manager," immediately follows the celebrated parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). While the preceding parables highlight God's grace and joy over the repentance of sinners, [Luke 16:1](/luke/16-1 "Luke 16:1 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward") marks a thematic shift. Jesus now addresses His disciples directly, moving from the Father's welcoming heart to the practical implications of discipleship regarding wealth and stewardship. The audience shifts from a mixed crowd, including Pharisees and tax collectors, to primarily His disciples, indicating that the lessons on prudence and faithfulness with material possessions are specifically for those who follow Him. The parable itself is unique and challenging, often misunderstood, but its placement after stories of grace suggests a call to responsible living in response to that grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and ancient Near East, a "steward" (Greek: _oikonomos_) was a highly trusted and powerful individual. Unlike a mere servant, a steward was typically a slave or freedman who managed the entire household, estate, or business affairs of a wealthy master. This included overseeing finances, managing servants, collecting rents, and making significant decisions. They had considerable autonomy and authority, acting as the master's proxy. The accusation that the steward "wasted his goods" (Greek: _diaskorpizo_) would have been a grave charge, implying gross negligence, squandering, or even embezzlement, which could lead to severe consequences, including dismissal and potential legal action. The rich man's "goods" (Greek: _hyparchonta_) refer to his entire property, possessions, and assets, underscoring the significant trust placed in the steward.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 16:1](/luke/16-1 "Luke 16:1 - Introduction to the Parable") introduces several key themes that permeate the entire parable and resonate with Jesus' broader teaching. **Stewardship** is paramount, emphasizing that all possessions are ultimately God's, and humans are merely managers entrusted with them. The theme of **accountability** is immediately evident, as the steward is called to account for his management. **Wealth and possessions** are central, not as ends in themselves, but as tools to be used wisely for eternal purposes. The parable also subtly introduces the theme of **prudence** or shrewdness, though in a worldly sense initially, which Jesus then reinterprets for spiritual application. This sets the stage for the contrast between worldly wisdom and kingdom wisdom, a concept further developed in [Luke 16:8-9](/luke/16-8-9 "Luke 16:8-9 - Worldly Prudence and Eternal Gain").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō_):** This verb signifies a systematic or set discourse, indicating that Jesus is delivering a formal teaching rather than a casual remark. It implies that the following parable is a deliberate instruction with significant theological weight for His disciples.
* **steward (Greek, _oikonómos_):** Derived from _oikos_ (house) and _nomos_ (law/management), an _oikonomos_ was a "house-distributor" or manager. This term highlights a position of significant trust and responsibility, where an individual was entrusted with the oversight and management of another's property and affairs. The steward's role was crucial to the functioning of a large estate.
* **wasted (Greek, _diaskorpízō_):** This word literally means "to scatter abroad," "disperse," or "squander." It implies a careless, irresponsible, or even destructive management of resources, resulting in their loss or diminution. The accusation suggests a failure to preserve or grow the master's assets, leading to financial detriment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said also unto his disciples":** This phrase is crucial as it explicitly identifies the audience of the parable as Jesus' disciples, distinguishing it from teachings directed at broader crowds or specific groups like the Pharisees. The "also" (_kai_) connects this teaching to the preceding parables in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"), suggesting a continuation of themes related to the kingdom of God, but now with a specific focus on the disciples' responsibilities.
* **"There was a certain rich man, which had a steward":** This introduces the two primary characters of the parable. The "rich man" signifies a person of considerable wealth and authority, representing the ultimate owner of resources. The "steward" is his trusted manager, emphasizing a relationship of delegated authority and responsibility. This sets up the fundamental dynamic of stewardship – managing what belongs to another.
* **"and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods":** This clause presents the central conflict and the steward's predicament. The accusation of "wasting" (_diaskorpízō_) implies severe mismanagement, squandering, or perhaps even embezzlement of the master's property. This immediate crisis drives the narrative, forcing the steward to confront his impending dismissal and consider his future.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of the Parable of the Unjust Steward employs several key literary devices. Most prominently, it is a **Parable** itself, a short, illustrative story used by Jesus to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. The characters, the "rich man" and the "steward," function as **Character Archetypes**, representing universal roles rather than specific individuals, allowing the audience to focus on the principles being taught about ownership, management, and accountability. The accusation of the steward having "wasted his goods" serves as **Foreshadowing**, immediately establishing the central conflict and setting in motion the steward's subsequent actions, which form the core of Jesus' challenging lesson on worldly prudence and eternal wisdom. The direct address to "his disciples" also highlights the **Didactic Purpose** of the parable, signaling that it contains specific instruction for those who follow Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:1 immediately plunges into the profound theological theme of stewardship, a concept foundational to biblical understanding of humanity's relationship with God and creation. It asserts that all possessions, resources, and even life itself are ultimately gifts from God, entrusted to humanity for faithful management. The steward's failure to manage the master's goods reflects a broader theological truth about human accountability before God for how we utilize the blessings and responsibilities He has given us. This parable, therefore, serves as a stark reminder that earthly wealth and opportunities are not for personal indulgence or squandering, but are meant to be leveraged for God's purposes and eternal gain. The impending judgment of the steward foreshadows the ultimate accountability each person will face before their divine Master.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness in Stewardship")
* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The opening of the Parable of the Unjust Steward, though brief, offers immediate and profound points for reflection and application in the life of a disciple. We are all, in essence, stewards of the resources, talents, time, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. The accusation against the steward of "wasting his goods" should prompt us to honestly examine our own lives: Are we faithfully managing what God has given us, or are we squandering it on fleeting pleasures, personal comfort, or neglecting the needs of others and the advancement of God's kingdom? This verse calls us to a posture of accountability, recognizing that our lives are not our own, and every decision about our resources has eternal implications. It challenges us to consider whether our priorities align with our Master's will, urging us to cultivate a mindset of diligent and purposeful stewardship in all areas of our lives, living with an awareness that one day, we too will be called to give an account.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I act as a "steward" of God's resources (time, money, talents, relationships)?**
* **Am I consciously managing these resources for God's glory, or am I "wasting" them on things that have no eternal value?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to be a more faithful and prudent steward of what God has entrusted to me?**

### FAQ
**What was the role of a steward in Jesus' time, and why was the accusation so serious?**

Answer: In Jesus' time, a steward (Greek: _oikonomos_) was a highly responsible and trusted manager of a wealthy household or estate. Often a slave or freedman, this individual oversaw all aspects of the master's affairs, including finances, property, and other servants. They had significant authority and autonomy, making decisions on behalf of the master. The accusation of "wasting his goods" (Greek: _diaskorpízō_) was extremely serious because it implied a profound breach of trust and a failure to protect or grow the master's assets. This could range from gross negligence and mismanagement to outright embezzlement, resulting in substantial financial loss for the master and leading to the steward's immediate dismissal and potential ruin. The gravity of the accusation in [Luke 16:1](/luke/16-1 "Luke 16:1 - The Unjust Steward Introduced") sets the stage for the steward's desperate, yet shrewd, actions in the rest of the parable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 16:1](/luke/16-1 "Luke 16:1 - Introduction to the Parable of the Unjust Steward") does not explicitly mention Christ, it sets the stage for a parable that, when understood through a Christ-centered lens, illuminates the nature of discipleship and the urgency of responding to the Kingdom of God. Jesus, as the ultimate Master and Owner of all things ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), entrusts His followers with resources—spiritual gifts, material possessions, time, and opportunities—to be managed for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. The steward's impending accountability foreshadows the day when every person will stand before Christ, the righteous Judge, to give an account of their stewardship ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")). The "wasting of goods" can be seen as a metaphor for squandering the precious time and resources given to us without investing them in eternal purposes, a stark contrast to the wise investment in the "true riches" that Jesus speaks of later in the parable ([Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - Faithfulness with Unrighteous Mammon")). Ultimately, the parable, introduced by this verse, calls disciples to a shrewd and urgent commitment to Christ's kingdom, using worldly means to secure eternal relationships, reflecting the ultimate wisdom found only in following Him ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

1 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Matthew 25:14

¶ For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Matthew 25:30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.