Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

He that is faithful {G4103} in {G1722} that which is least {G1646} is {G2076} faithful {G4103} also {G2532} in {G1722} much {G4183}: and {G2532} he that is unjust {G94} in {G1722} the least {G1646} is {G2076} unjust {G94} also {G2532} in {G1722} much {G4183}.

Someone who is trustworthy in a small matter is also trustworthy in large ones, and someone who is dishonest in a small matter is also dishonest in large ones.

Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching following the Parable of the Unjust Steward recorded in Luke 16:1-9. While the steward in the parable is commended for his shrewdness in worldly matters, Jesus uses it as a springboard to teach about true faithfulness in the use of resources, contrasting earthly wealth with spiritual riches. Verse 10 serves as a fundamental principle underlying the subsequent teaching on stewardship and service to God versus money.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness in Small Things: The core message is that how one handles minor responsibilities or small amounts of resources is indicative of how they will handle larger ones.
  • Integrity Matters: Being faithful or unjust is not relative to the scale; it's a matter of character that is consistent regardless of the size of the task or trust.
  • Stewardship: The verse relates directly to the theme of stewardship introduced in the preceding parable, emphasizing that our handling of even seemingly insignificant possessions or duties reveals our true character before God, who observes our actions.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "faithful" is pistos (πιστὸς), which carries the meaning of trustworthy, reliable, or believing. The word for "unjust" is adikos (ἄδικος), meaning unrighteous, unfair, or dishonest. The contrast is stark, highlighting that one's inner disposition and trustworthiness are consistent across different levels of responsibility.

Reflection and Application

Luke 16:10 challenges believers to consider their integrity in all areas of life, not just the 'big' ones. Whether managing finances, fulfilling commitments, or handling seemingly small tasks, faithfulness in these areas prepares one for greater responsibilities and demonstrates a genuine character rooted in Christ. This principle applies to spiritual gifts, material possessions, relationships, and time. Being found faithful in stewardship, even in the least, is valued highly by God and is a prerequisite for being entrusted with more, including the "true riches" (Luke 16:11).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 16:11 (49 votes)

    If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?

  • Luke 16:12 (49 votes)

    And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

  • Matthew 25:21 (42 votes)

    His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • Luke 19:17 (31 votes)

    And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

  • Matthew 25:23 (31 votes)

    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • Hebrews 3:2 (10 votes)

    Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses [was faithful] in all his house.

  • John 12:6 (-6 votes)

    This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.