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?

And {G2532} if {G1487} ye have {G1096} not {G3756} been {G1096} faithful {G4103} in {G1722} that which is another man's {G245}, who {G5101} shall give {G1325} you {G5213} that which is your own {G5212}?

And if you haven’t been trustworthy with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what ought to belong to you?

And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

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

Commentary

Luke 16:12 is part of Jesus' teaching following the Parable of the Unjust Steward, where He emphasizes principles of stewardship and faithfulness. This verse builds upon the preceding statements about being faithful in very little and in much (Luke 16:10) and the concept of "unrighteous mammon" (Luke 16:11).

Context

The immediate context of Luke 16:12 is a direct commentary from Jesus on how His disciples should view and manage material wealth. The phrase "that which is another man's" refers to earthly possessions and resources, which are ultimately temporary and do not truly belong to us in an eternal sense. They are entrusted to us by God. "That which is your own" refers to true, lasting spiritual riches, eternal life, or the heavenly inheritance that belongs to those who are faithful to God. This verse serves as a bridge between the parable's lessons on shrewdness with worldly wealth and the deeper spiritual implications of stewardship.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Trust: The verse highlights that our handling of material possessions is a test of our character and faithfulness. God observes how we manage the temporary things of this world.
  • Faithfulness as a Prerequisite: Jesus implies a direct correlation: if one cannot be trusted with worldly wealth (which is transient and belongs to "another"), how can they expect to be entrusted with genuine, eternal riches? Faithfulness in small, earthly matters is a prerequisite for receiving greater, spiritual responsibilities.
  • Distinction Between Earthly and Heavenly Riches: There's a clear contrast between "another man's" (earthly, temporary, external) and "your own" (spiritual, eternal, intrinsic). This echoes Jesus' teaching on storing up treasures in heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "another man's" translates from the Greek word allotrion (ἀλλότριον), meaning "belonging to another," "foreign," or "alien." This powerfully conveys that earthly wealth is not inherently ours; it is a temporary loan or trust. Conversely, "that which is your own" comes from ton hymeteron (τὸν ὑμέτερον), emphasizing true, personal, and eternal possession, which is spiritual in nature and is given by God as an inheritance.

Practical Application

Luke 16:12 challenges believers to consider their attitude towards money and material possessions. It teaches that our faithfulness in managing our finances, resources, time, and talents in this life is a crucial indicator of our readiness for greater spiritual responsibilities and eternal rewards. Every resource we have is a gift from God, and our wise and righteous stewardship of these "alien" possessions prepares us for the "true riches" that are truly ours in Christ. It serves as a reminder that we cannot truly serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13), and that our earthly management reflects our spiritual heart.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:13 (4 votes)

    And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

  • Luke 19:26 (4 votes)

    For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

  • Matthew 25:14 (2 votes)

    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 25:29 (2 votes)

    For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

  • 1 Peter 1:4 (1 votes)

    To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • 1 Peter 1:5 (1 votes)

    Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14 (1 votes)

    But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.