Luke 16:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} therefore {G3767} ye have {G1096} not {G3756} been {G1096} faithful {G4103} in {G1722} the unrighteous {G94} mammon {G3126}, who {G5101} will commit {G4100} to your {G5213} trust {G4100} the true {G228} riches?

Complete Jewish Bible

So if you haven’t been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who is going to trust you with the real thing?

Berean Standard Bible

So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:11 serves as a profound statement within Jesus' broader teaching on stewardship, particularly following the Parable of the Unjust Steward. It posits that an individual's faithfulness in managing earthly, perishable resources—termed "unrighteous mammon"—is the foundational test of their character and trustworthiness. This faithfulness is presented as a prerequisite for God to entrust them with truly valuable, eternal spiritual riches, highlighting a direct correlation between material integrity and spiritual capacity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct, axiomatic application of the principles illustrated in the preceding Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in [Luke 16:1-9](/luke/16-1-9 "Luke 16:1-9 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"). Jesus tells the parable to His disciples, commending the steward's shrewdness in preparing for his future, albeit through dishonest means. The parable's shocking conclusion, where Jesus encourages His followers to be "shrewd" in using worldly wealth for eternal purposes, leads directly into a series of aphorisms on money and faithfulness. [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things") immediately precedes our verse, stating, "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." This sets up the specific application of "the least" as "unrighteous mammon" and "much" as "true riches" in [Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - Faithfulness with Mammon"). The subsequent verses, such as [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Serving God or Mammon"), further reinforce the impossibility of serving both God and wealth, solidifying the ethical and theological implications of wealth management within the Kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, wealth was often viewed with suspicion, especially by those who embraced ascetic or communal lifestyles, such as the Essenes. However, the prevailing Jewish thought also recognized wealth as a potential blessing from God, provided it was acquired justly and used charitably. The term "mammon" itself, derived from Aramaic, was a common word for money or possessions, but it could also be personified as a deity or an object of worship, particularly in later rabbinic literature. This context helps understand Jesus' deliberate use of "unrighteous mammon" not to condemn wealth itself, but to highlight its inherent fallenness, its potential for idolatry, and its transient nature in contrast to eternal realities. The Roman taxation system and the prevalence of debt also made the management of money a daily, often oppressive, reality for many, making Jesus' teachings on financial stewardship highly relevant to His audience.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 16](/luke/16 "Luke 16 - Parables of Stewardship and Wealth") is a chapter rich with themes of stewardship, the nature of true wealth, and the implications of our choices for eternity. The overarching theme is that our handling of material possessions is a critical indicator of our spiritual state and our readiness for God's eternal kingdom. Jesus emphasizes that earthly resources, though temporary and tainted by sin ("unrighteous mammon"), are entrusted to us as a test. Faithfulness in managing these "lesser" things demonstrates a capacity for greater, spiritual responsibilities. This contrasts sharply with the world's values, which often prioritize the accumulation of material wealth as an end in itself. The chapter also explores the theme of accountability, as seen in the parable, and the stark choice between serving God and serving wealth, a principle explicitly articulated in [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters"). Ultimately, Jesus redefines "riches" from a worldly perspective to a divine one, shifting the focus from perishable assets to enduring spiritual treasures, such as righteousness, eternal life, and a relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **If (Greek, _ei'_):** This particle introduces a conditional clause, setting up a premise for the subsequent consequence. In this context, it functions as a direct challenge, implying that the condition of unfaithfulness in material things is a real and common occurrence, leading to a specific, negative outcome regarding spiritual trust.
* **unrighteous (Greek, _ádikos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and the word for "justice" or "right," this term signifies that which is unjust, wicked, or treacherous. When applied to "mammon," it does not necessarily mean the money itself is inherently evil, but rather that it belongs to the fallen, corrupt world system, is often acquired or used unjustly, and can easily become an object of idolatry, leading people away from God's righteousness. It highlights the moral ambiguity and spiritual danger associated with worldly wealth.
* **mammon (Greek, _mammōnâs'_):** This word, of Chaldee origin, refers to wealth, property, or money. Crucially, the Strong's definition notes its potential for personification as "avarice (deified)." This suggests that mammon is not just a neutral resource but can become a rival god, demanding allegiance and trust that rightly belong to God alone. Its "unrighteous" nature stems from its capacity to ensnare and corrupt, diverting loyalty from divine principles.
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** This adjective describes someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and true. It encompasses both objective trustworthiness (being deserving of trust) and subjective trustfulness (exercising faith). In the context of Luke 16:11, it refers to the quality of being dependable and responsible in one's management of resources, demonstrating integrity and adherence to God's will. This faithfulness is the criterion by which one's capacity for greater spiritual entrustment is judged.
* **commit (to your trust) (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)" and, by implication, "to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Here, it is used in the sense of entrusting something valuable to someone, implying a transfer of responsibility based on demonstrated reliability. The question "who will commit to your trust" highlights that God is the ultimate entrustor of both material and spiritual riches, and He only entrusts the "true riches" to those who have proven themselves faithful with the "unrighteous mammon."
* **true (Greek, _alēthinós'_):** This adjective means "truthful" or "genuine." When contrasted with "unrighteous mammon," "true riches" refers to that which is authentic, real, and enduring, in opposition to the fleeting and deceptive nature of worldly wealth. It points to spiritual blessings, eternal life, righteousness, and a relationship with God as the only truly valuable and lasting treasures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If therefore ye have not been faithful":** This opening clause establishes a conditional premise, directly linking back to the preceding teachings on stewardship. It challenges the listener to consider their past and present conduct regarding resources. The implication is that faithfulness is not merely a desired trait but a demonstrable quality, observed through actions.
* **"in the unrighteous mammon":** This specifies the arena in which faithfulness is tested: worldly wealth and possessions. The term "unrighteous mammon" highlights its transient nature, its association with a fallen world system, and its potential to lead to sin or idolatry. It is the "least" in comparison to spiritual riches, yet it serves as the initial proving ground for one's character.
* **"who will commit to your trust":** This rhetorical question underscores the logical consequence of unfaithfulness with material things. It implies that if one cannot be trusted with the lesser, temporary, and potentially corruptible resources, then no one, especially God, will entrust them with something far more valuable and significant. This points to a divine principle of progressive responsibility.
* **"the true riches?":** This phrase defines the ultimate prize or blessing that is withheld from the unfaithful. "True riches" stands in stark contrast to "unrighteous mammon," representing spiritual, eternal, and incorruptible treasures such as righteousness, eternal life, a relationship with God, and the blessings of His Kingdom. The question suggests that these profound spiritual blessings are reserved for those who have demonstrated integrity and faithfulness in all areas of their lives, beginning with their handling of earthly wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting "unrighteous mammon" against "true riches," highlighting the vast difference between worldly, temporary wealth and spiritual, eternal blessings. This stark juxtaposition emphasizes Jesus' redefinition of value. The verse also utilizes **rhetorical question** ("who will commit to your trust the true riches?"), which is not meant to elicit an answer, but to provoke thought and underscore the self-evident truth that unfaithfulness in one area precludes trust in another. This serves to challenge the audience's assumptions about wealth and divine entrustment. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **aphorism**, a concise statement of a general truth or principle, offering a profound moral and spiritual lesson in a memorable form. It distills a complex theological idea—that material stewardship is a test of spiritual readiness—into a clear, impactful declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:11 is a pivotal statement that integrates the practicalities of financial stewardship with profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It reveals God as a discerning entrustor, who assesses our faithfulness in the tangible realm before bestowing intangible, eternal blessings. The verse underscores the theological principle that our earthly lives are a proving ground for eternity, and how we manage what is "least" (worldly wealth) directly impacts our capacity to receive what is "much" (spiritual riches). It challenges the common human tendency to compartmentalize life, asserting that our financial integrity is inextricably linked to our spiritual integrity. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on holistic discipleship, where every aspect of life, including material possessions, is to be brought under the Lordship of Christ and used for His glory.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich")
* [Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Sell Your Possessions and Give to the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:11 challenges us to deeply examine our relationship with money and possessions, urging us to see them not as ends in themselves, but as tools entrusted to us by God for a greater purpose. It compels us to consider whether our handling of earthly resources reflects a heart that truly trusts God and prioritizes His Kingdom. Faithfulness in the "unrighteous mammon" means using our financial resources, time, and talents in ways that honor God, advance His purposes, and bless others, rather than hoarding them, spending them selfishly, or allowing them to become idols. This faithfulness is not merely about avoiding dishonesty, but about cultivating a generous, kingdom-minded perspective that views all we possess as belonging to God. By proving ourselves reliable with the temporary, we demonstrate our readiness for the eternal, showing God that we are prepared to receive and steward the immeasurable "true riches" of His grace, righteousness, and eternal life. Our integrity in the small matters of daily finance is a direct reflection of our deeper spiritual commitment and our capacity for divine trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I currently manage my "unrighteous mammon" (money, possessions, time, talents)? Does this management demonstrate faithfulness to God?**
* **What does my current relationship with money reveal about my priorities and my trust in God?**
* **How can I practically use my material resources to "make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon" (as suggested in [Luke 16:9](/luke/16-9 "Luke 16:9 - Make Friends by Unrighteous Mammon")) and invest in "true riches"?**
* **What "true riches" am I seeking to accumulate, and how does my stewardship of earthly resources align with that pursuit?**

### FAQ

**What does "unrighteous mammon" mean, and why is it called "unrighteous"?**

Answer: "Unrighteous mammon" refers to worldly wealth, money, or possessions. It is called "unrighteous" not because money is inherently evil, but because it is associated with the fallen, corrupt world system. It is transient, often acquired or used unjustly, and has the dangerous potential to become an idol, drawing people away from God and His righteousness. Jesus uses this term to highlight the moral ambiguity and spiritual danger inherent in worldly riches, contrasting them with the "true riches" that are spiritual and eternal. It signifies wealth that is tainted by the world's sin and can easily be misused or lead to unrighteousness.

**What are the "true riches" Jesus refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "true riches" are the spiritual, eternal, and incorruptible treasures that come from God. In stark contrast to the fleeting nature of "unrighteous mammon," these riches include righteousness, eternal life, a deep and abiding relationship with God, the blessings of His Kingdom, and spiritual wisdom. They are authentic, enduring, and of ultimate value, representing the blessings that God entrusts to those who prove themselves faithful in their stewardship of earthly things. This concept aligns with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:11, while a direct teaching on stewardship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of "true riches," for in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). He demonstrated perfect faithfulness, not in managing earthly wealth, but in His complete obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His sacrifice, He purchased for us the "true riches" of salvation, eternal life, and an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Our faithfulness in handling "unrighteous mammon" is not a means to earn these riches, but a demonstration of our transformed hearts, made new by Christ, and our readiness to steward the spiritual blessings He has freely given. As we are faithful in the "little" things of this world, we reflect the character of Christ, who was faithful in all things, and are prepared to receive the immeasurable wealth of His presence and Kingdom, which He Himself committed to our trust through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")).

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 12:33

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Proverbs 8:18

Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.

Proverbs 8:19

My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 16:9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.