Luke 16:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:12 serves as a pivotal concluding statement in Jesus' teaching on stewardship, emphasizing that one's faithfulness in managing earthly, temporary resources ("that which is another man's") is a direct prerequisite and indicator of trustworthiness for receiving true, eternal spiritual riches ("that which is your own"). This verse challenges believers to view their handling of material wealth not as an end in itself, but as a test of character and a preparation for eternal inheritance, highlighting the profound spiritual implications of seemingly mundane financial decisions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 16:12 is the culmination of Jesus' discourse following the enigmatic [Parable of the Unjust Steward](/luke/16-1-9 "Luke 16:1-9 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"). After commending the steward's shrewdness in worldly matters (though not his dishonesty), Jesus applies the principle to spiritual life, urging His disciples to use "unrighteous mammon" for eternal purposes ([Luke 16:9](/luke/16-9 "Luke 16:9 - Make Friends for Eternity")). The immediate preceding verses, [Luke 16:10-11](/luke/16-10-11 "Luke 16:10-11 - Faithfulness in Little and Unrighteous Mammon"), establish the principle that faithfulness in "very little" (earthly wealth) proves one worthy of "much" (true riches), and that if one is not faithful with "unrighteous mammon," they cannot be entrusted with "true riches." Verse 12 then acts as a logical extension, framing earthly possessions as "another man's" (God's) and eternal possessions as "your own," thereby solidifying the link between earthly stewardship and heavenly reward. The subsequent verse, [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - You Cannot Serve Both God and Money"), further reinforces this by declaring the impossibility of serving both God and money, making the choice of loyalties clear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world of Jesus' time, the concept of stewardship was deeply ingrained. Wealthy landowners often employed stewards to manage their estates, finances, and even their households. These stewards, while having significant authority, were ultimately managing someone else's property. Their faithfulness (or lack thereof) directly impacted their master's trust and their own future prospects. This cultural backdrop provides a tangible framework for Jesus' teaching: just as an earthly master assesses a steward's faithfulness with entrusted resources, so too does God observe how humanity manages the temporary, material world. Furthermore, the idea of "another man's" possessions would resonate with a people who understood that all things ultimately belonged to God, as articulated in Old Testament passages like [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's"). The emphasis on personal "ownership" of eternal riches would have contrasted sharply with the transient nature of earthly wealth, which was often subject to political upheaval, theft, or natural disaster.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Firstly, **Stewardship and Trust** are paramount; it underscores that all earthly possessions are not truly ours but are entrusted to us by God, serving as a test of our faithfulness. Our handling of these "alien" resources demonstrates our character and readiness for greater responsibilities. Secondly, the theme of **Faithfulness as a Prerequisite** is explicit. Jesus posits a direct correlation: integrity in managing the temporal and external (worldly wealth) is a necessary condition for being entrusted with the eternal and intrinsic (true spiritual riches). This aligns with the principle seen in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") where faithfulness in "a few things" leads to being put in charge of "many things." Lastly, the verse highlights a profound **Distinction Between Earthly and Heavenly Riches**. "That which is another man's" refers to the transient, external, and ultimately non-possessable earthly wealth, while "that which is your own" points to the enduring, intrinsic, and truly personal spiritual inheritance that faithful believers receive from God, echoing Jesus' call to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. In this context, it emphasizes the quality of being reliable, dependable, and true to one's trust. It speaks to integrity and consistency in handling what has been committed to one's care. To be "faithful" in managing "another man's" property implies a diligent, honest, and responsible approach, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the true owner.
* **another man's (Greek, _allótrios'_):** From G245, meaning "belonging to another," "foreign," or "alien." This word is crucial as it underscores the temporary and non-inherent nature of earthly possessions. It signifies that material wealth is not our ultimate property; it is external to our true being and ultimately belongs to God. Our relationship with it is that of a temporary custodian, not an owner.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, a prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning "to give" in a very wide application, whether properly or by implication, literally or figuratively. Here, it implies divine bestowal. The rhetorical question "who shall give you?" implies that only God, the ultimate giver and owner of all things, can bestow the true, eternal riches. It highlights God's sovereign role in granting spiritual inheritance based on demonstrated faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,"**: This clause sets the condition. It refers to earthly possessions, resources, and opportunities that are not inherently or eternally ours but are temporarily entrusted to us by God. The "faithfulness" here pertains to how we manage these resources—whether we use them wisely, justly, and in alignment with God's purposes, recognizing His ultimate ownership. It implies integrity, honesty, and a stewardship mindset rather than a possessive one.
* **"who shall give you that which is your own?"**: This is a rhetorical question that functions as a powerful consequence. "That which is your own" refers to true, lasting, spiritual riches, such as eternal life, a heavenly inheritance, spiritual authority, or a deeper relationship with God. The implied answer is "no one" or "God will not." If one cannot be trusted with the temporary, external, and relatively insignificant "other man's" property, how can they expect to be entrusted with the truly valuable, eternal, and intrinsically personal "own" property that God desires to bestow? It establishes a divine principle of progressive responsibility based on demonstrated reliability.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:12 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "who shall give you that which is your own?" This question is not meant to be answered literally but to provoke thought and emphasize the self-evident truth that if one fails in a lesser trust, they cannot expect a greater one. It powerfully underlines the consequence of unfaithfulness. Closely related is **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, which is central to the verse's meaning. The stark opposition between "that which is another man's" (earthly, temporary, external) and "that which is your own" (heavenly, eternal, intrinsic) highlights the qualitative difference between material and spiritual wealth. This contrast serves to elevate the importance of spiritual realities over transient earthly ones. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Cause and Effect**, where faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) in one domain directly determines the outcome in another, higher domain. This logical progression reinforces the seriousness of stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:12 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine ownership and human stewardship. It asserts that all material possessions are ultimately God's ("another man's"), and we are merely temporary managers. Our faithfulness in this temporary role is not just a moral virtue but a crucial test of our spiritual maturity and readiness for eternal realities. This verse teaches that God observes our handling of the "little things" of this world as an indicator of our capacity for the "true riches" of His kingdom. It links our present material conduct directly to our future spiritual inheritance, making stewardship a fundamental aspect of discipleship. The implication is clear: true wealth is not accumulated on earth but is granted by God in eternity to those who prove trustworthy with His earthly trusts.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:12 challenges us to fundamentally re-evaluate our relationship with material possessions and worldly resources. It compels us to ask: do I truly recognize that everything I possess—my money, time, talents, and even my very life—is not inherently "my own" but has been entrusted to me by God? Our faithfulness is not measured by the quantity of our possessions, but by the integrity and purpose with which we manage them. This verse calls us to a radical stewardship where every financial decision, every allocation of time, and every use of our abilities is seen as an opportunity to demonstrate our trustworthiness to God. It reminds us that our earthly stewardship is a preparatory school for eternity, shaping our capacity to receive and manage the true, eternal riches that God desires to bestow upon His faithful children. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current handling of money and material possessions reflect my understanding that they are "another man's" (God's)?**
* **In what specific areas of my life (finances, time, talents) do I need to cultivate greater faithfulness, recognizing them as a trust from God?**
* **What "true riches" or spiritual inheritance do I believe God desires to give me, and how might my present faithfulness be preparing me for them?**
* **Am I living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing investments that yield lasting spiritual dividends over transient earthly gains?**

### FAQ

**What does "that which is another man's" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "That which is another man's" (Greek: _allótrios_) primarily refers to earthly, material possessions and resources. This includes money, property, time, talents, opportunities, and even relationships. The key insight is that these things are not inherently ours in an ultimate, eternal sense. They are temporary, external, and ultimately belong to God, who has entrusted them to us for a season. Our role is that of a steward, managing these resources on behalf of the true Owner. This concept contrasts sharply with "that which is your own," which refers to eternal, spiritual realities.

**What are "that which is your own" riches, and how do they relate to faithfulness?**

Answer: "That which is your own" (Greek: _hyméteros_) refers to true, lasting, and intrinsically personal spiritual riches. This can encompass eternal life, a heavenly inheritance, spiritual authority, a deeper relationship with God, divine wisdom, true righteousness, and the blessings of God's kingdom. These are the treasures that truly belong to the faithful believer, given by God as an eternal possession. The verse teaches that faithfulness in managing the temporary, "another man's" earthly resources is a prerequisite for God entrusting us with these eternal, "your own" spiritual riches. It's a divine principle: demonstrate reliability in the lesser, and you will be entrusted with the greater. This echoes the promise in [Matthew 25:23](/matthew/25-23 "Matthew 25:23 - Enter into the Joy of Your Lord") to those faithful with their talents.

**Is this verse only about money, or does it have broader implications for life?**

Answer: While the immediate context involves "unrighteous mammon" ([Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - Unrighteous Mammon")), the principle of Luke 16:12 extends far beyond mere financial stewardship. It applies to all resources God entrusts to us: our time, talents, abilities, relationships, influence, and even the gospel message itself. The core teaching is about faithfulness in managing anything that is not ultimately our own, but rather a gift or trust from God. Our diligent and righteous management of these temporary trusts demonstrates our character and prepares us for greater spiritual responsibilities and eternal rewards. It's a holistic principle of stewardship that permeates every aspect of a believer's life, reflecting the truth that [all things come from God](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All Things Come From You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. He is the perfect Steward, the one who was perfectly faithful with "that which was another man's"—His very life and mission, which were entirely devoted to fulfilling the Father's will ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - I Seek Not My Own Will")). Jesus, though God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), demonstrating ultimate faithfulness in managing the divine trust given to Him. Through His perfect obedience, even to death on the cross, He secured for us the "true riches" that are eternally "our own"—redemption, reconciliation with God, eternal life, and an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). We, as believers, are now co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving these spiritual blessings not by our own merit, but through His faithfulness. Thus, our faithfulness in earthly stewardship is not merely a means to earn something, but a grateful response to the one who, by His perfect stewardship, has already given us that which is truly our own in Him. He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")) who empowers us to be faithful stewards of His grace and truth in this world, anticipating the day when He will bestow upon us the full measure of our eternal inheritance ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")).

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 19:13

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

Luke 19:26

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

¶ 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

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

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

1 Peter 1:5

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

1 Chronicles 29:14

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.