Luke 16:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:10 articulates a foundational principle of character and stewardship, asserting that one's integrity and reliability are consistent across all levels of responsibility. Whether entrusted with minor tasks or significant resources, a person's handling of the "least" reveals their true disposition, demonstrating either a faithful and trustworthy character or an unjust and unreliable one, which will inevitably manifest in the handling of "much."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal concluding statement and a general principle derived from the preceding [Parable of the Unjust Steward](/luke/16-1-9 "Luke 16:1-9 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"). In the parable, Jesus commends the dishonest steward not for his dishonesty, but for his shrewdness in preparing for his future. Jesus then uses this worldly wisdom as a springboard to teach His disciples about spiritual shrewdness and faithful stewardship of resources. Luke 16:10 directly precedes and underpins the subsequent teaching on the use of "unrighteous mammon" and the impossibility of serving both God and money, as seen in [Luke 16:11-13](/luke/16-11-13 "Luke 16:11-13 - True Riches and Serving Two Masters"). It acts as a bridge, transitioning from the specific illustration to a universal truth about integrity and accountability.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the concept of stewardship was deeply ingrained, reflecting the belief that all possessions ultimately belong to God (cf. [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")). Masters frequently entrusted significant responsibilities and resources to their stewards, making accountability a critical virtue. The audience, comprising Jesus' disciples and the Pharisees, would have been familiar with the dynamics of household management, financial dealings, and the societal expectation of integrity in such roles. The contrast between "least" and "much" would have resonated with their daily experiences, from managing small household provisions to overseeing large estates or religious contributions. This cultural backdrop emphasizes that faithfulness was not merely a private virtue but a public demonstration of one's character and trustworthiness within the community.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in the Least") is the **consistency of character**, particularly concerning **faithfulness and integrity**. It highlights that one's moral disposition is not situational but intrinsic; how a person handles minor responsibilities or seemingly insignificant resources is a direct indicator of how they will manage greater trusts. This principle directly relates to the broader theme of **stewardship**, emphasizing that our handling of all that God entrusts to us—whether material possessions, spiritual gifts, time, or relationships—reveals our true allegiance and character before God. It also underscores the theme of **divine observation and accountability**, reminding us that God observes and values faithfulness even in the "least" significant areas, as He is the ultimate Giver and Judge of all. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (as articulated in [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Stewardship Requires Faithfulness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to persuade," this word describes someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and deserving of confidence. It encompasses both the act of believing and the quality of being trustworthy. In this context, it speaks to a character that can be relied upon, one whose actions consistently align with their commitments and principles, regardless of the scale of the task.
* **least (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** This is the superlative form of a word meaning "short" or "small," signifying the absolute smallest, most insignificant, or lowest in rank, amount, or dignity. Its inclusion emphasizes that the principle applies even to matters that might seem trivial or inconsequential in human eyes, underscoring that no detail escapes the divine scrutiny and that true character is revealed in the minutiae.
* **unjust (Greek, _ádikos'_):** Formed from a negative particle and the word for "right" or "justice," this term means unrighteous, unfair, or dishonest. It describes someone who acts contrary to what is right, equitable, or morally upright. The stark contrast with "faithful" highlights a character marked by moral corruption, treachery, or a lack of integrity, which, like faithfulness, is consistent across all levels of responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:"** This clause establishes a positive correlation between integrity in small matters and integrity in large ones. "The least" refers to minor responsibilities, limited resources, or seemingly insignificant tasks. "Much" denotes greater responsibilities, substantial resources, or significant trusts. Jesus teaches that faithfulness is a consistent character trait. A person who demonstrates reliability, honesty, and diligence in handling even the most trivial assignments proves themselves trustworthy for more significant duties. This is not merely about skill, but about the intrinsic moral fiber that guides one's actions.
* **"and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."** This second clause presents the antithetical parallel, highlighting the negative correlation. If a person is dishonest, unreliable, or unrighteous in small matters, that same flawed character will inevitably manifest when they are given greater responsibilities or larger sums. This underscores that a lack of integrity is also a consistent trait; minor acts of injustice or unfaithfulness are symptomatic of a deeper character flaw that will not magically disappear when the stakes are higher. The verse thus serves as a profound statement on the indivisibility of character.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting statements are placed side-by-side to highlight opposing ideas. The first clause describes the faithful person, and the second describes the unjust person, creating a clear dichotomy between two types of character and their consistent behavior. This structure emphasizes the universal applicability of the principle, showing that integrity (or its absence) is a pervasive quality. The verse also functions as a **Didactic Aphorism**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth or principle intended for instruction. Jesus frequently used such pithy sayings to distill complex spiritual truths into easily digestible and repeatable maxims. Finally, there is an element of **Synecdoche** or **Merism** in the use of "least" and "much," where these two extremes represent the entirety of all possible responsibilities or trusts, from the smallest to the largest. This emphasizes that the principle applies to every single aspect of life, leaving no room for situational ethics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of Luke 16:10 lies in its profound statement about the nature of human character in the sight of God. It teaches that true faithfulness is not conditional on the magnitude of the task but is an intrinsic quality that permeates all actions. This principle connects directly to God's own character, as He is supremely faithful in all things, both "least" (e.g., sustaining creation, [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Sustaining All Things")) and "much" (e.g., fulfilling His covenant promises, [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - He Remains Faithful")). Our stewardship, therefore, becomes a test of our alignment with God's character and our readiness for His kingdom. It implies that God observes and values our integrity in the seemingly insignificant details of life, and these small acts of obedience or disobedience are formative for our spiritual trajectory and eternal destiny.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant"): "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."
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Stewardship Requires Faithfulness"): "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
* [Proverbs 28:20](/proverbs/28-20 "Proverbs 28:20 - A Faithful Man Will Abound with Blessings"): "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:10 serves as a powerful mirror, challenging us to examine the consistency of our character in all areas of life. It calls us to cultivate integrity not just in the grand, visible gestures, but in the quiet, often unseen moments of daily living. This means being faithful with our time, our words, our commitments, and our resources, no matter how small they seem. Are we diligent in our work when no one is watching? Are we honest in our financial dealings, even with small amounts? Do we keep our promises, even the minor ones? Our answers to these questions reveal the true state of our heart and our readiness for greater responsibilities, both earthly and spiritual. Embracing this principle fosters a deep sense of accountability to God, knowing that He observes and values our faithfulness in every detail. It encourages us to view every task, no matter how mundane, as an opportunity to honor God and build a character that is truly trustworthy, preparing us for the "true riches" (as mentioned in [Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - True Riches")) He desires to entrust to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "least" areas of your life—such as managing small amounts of money, fulfilling minor commitments, or handling seemingly insignificant tasks—do you need to cultivate greater faithfulness?**
* **How does your approach to seemingly insignificant responsibilities reflect your overall character and integrity?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate greater diligence and honesty in areas you might typically overlook?**
* **How does the principle of faithfulness in the least prepare you for greater spiritual responsibilities or divine entrustments in your life or ministry?**

### FAQ

**Does "the least" only refer to money or material possessions?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Luke 16:1-9](/luke/16-1-9 "The Parable of the Unjust Steward") involves financial stewardship, Jesus' principle in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in the Least") extends far beyond money. "The least" can encompass time management, small commitments, private thoughts, relationships, spiritual gifts, and even seemingly insignificant daily interactions. It speaks to the consistency of one's character and integrity in all areas of life, preparing one for "true riches" (as mentioned in [Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - True Riches")).

**What are the "much" or "true riches" that faithfulness in the least leads to?**

Answer: Following [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in the Least"), Jesus explicitly mentions "true riches" in [Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - True Riches") and "that which is your own" in [Luke 16:12](/luke/16-12 "Luke 16:12 - Entrusted with What is Your Own"). These refer to spiritual blessings, divine trust, eternal rewards, and a deeper relationship with God. Unlike earthly wealth, which is temporary and external, these "true riches" are eternal, internal, and directly related to one's spiritual character and faithfulness. They signify God's entrustment of greater responsibilities and spiritual authority in His kingdom, culminating in the ultimate reward of hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (as seen in [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:10 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of faithfulness in "the least" and "much." From His humble birth in a manger, through His thirty years of obscurity in Nazareth, to His public ministry marked by service and self-denial, Jesus consistently demonstrated perfect obedience and integrity in every detail of His life. He was faithful in the "least" by submitting to human parents, enduring temptation in the wilderness, and patiently teaching His disciples. His ultimate act of faithfulness in the "least"—His willingness to humble Himself and become obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"))—secured the "much" of our salvation and His exaltation to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). As the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), Jesus perfectly embodied the principle He taught. For believers, our call to be faithful in the least is not merely a moral imperative, but a participation in Christ's own faithfulness, empowered by His Spirit, as we strive to live lives that reflect His character and anticipate the glorious "much" of eternal life and co-reigning with Him ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Endure, We Will Also Reign With Him")).

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

Luke 16:11

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

Luke 16:12

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

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

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

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

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

John 12:6

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.