Luke 16:2

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

And {G2532} he called {G5455} him {G846}, and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, How {G5101} is it that I hear {G191} this {G5124} of {G4012} thee {G4675}? give {G591} an account {G3056} of thy {G4675} stewardship {G3622}; for {G1063} thou mayest be {G1410} no {G3756} longer {G2089} steward {G3621}.

So he summoned him and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in your accounts, for you can no longer be manager.’

So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’

And he called him, and said unto him, What is this that I hear of thee? render the account of thy stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward.

Commentary

Context of Luke 16:2

Luke 16:2 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Unjust Steward, a complex teaching given by Jesus to His disciples. In this parable, a rich master learns that his steward (manager) has been mismanaging or wasting his possessions. This verse represents the master's direct confrontation with the steward, demanding an immediate audit of his affairs. The cultural context of the ancient Near East reveals that a steward held significant responsibility, often overseeing all aspects of a wealthy household's finances, property, and servants. Their position required trust and integrity, making the accusation of wastefulness a severe charge that warranted immediate dismissal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Accountability: The primary message of this verse is the inescapable demand for accountability. The master calls the steward to account for his actions, highlighting a universal principle that those entrusted with resources or responsibilities will eventually be required to give a reckoning.
  • Stewardship: The term "steward" (Greek: oikonomos) underscores the biblical concept of stewardship, which implies managing something that belongs to another. This parable, and particularly this verse, serves as a powerful reminder that all individuals are stewards of the gifts, resources, time, and opportunities God has given them.
  • Impending Change/Judgment: The phrase "for thou mayest be no longer steward" signifies an immediate and irreversible consequence. It speaks to the brevity of our earthly tenure and the certainty of a future reckoning, urging immediate reflection and wise action.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "steward" is oikonomos (οἰκονόμος), which literally means "house manager" or "one who manages a household." This term emphasizes the immense trust placed in such a person and their authority over the master's affairs. The phrase "give an account" translates from the Greek logos didomi (λόγον δίδωμι), which means "to give a word" or "to give a reckoning." It denotes a formal report or explanation of one's actions and management, implying a thorough review of performance against expectations.

Practical Application

While the parable's immediate context is financial stewardship, its spiritual application is profound. Luke 16:2 challenges believers to consider their own lives as a form of stewardship. Just as the master demanded an account from his steward, so too will God require an account from each person for how they have managed everything entrusted to them—their time, talents, spiritual gifts, material possessions, and even their relationships. This verse serves as a crucial call to self-examination, prompting us to live with an eternal perspective and to use our earthly resources wisely and faithfully for God's glory. It reminds us that our earthly roles are temporary, and a day of divine reckoning awaits, urging us to be faithful stewards of God's manifold grace.

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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

  • 1 Timothy 5:24 (3 votes)

    Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some [men] they follow after.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9 (3 votes)

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:10 (3 votes)

    Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth [are] vanity.

  • 1 Peter 4:5 (3 votes)

    Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

  • Revelation 20:12 (3 votes)

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

  • 1 Peter 4:10 (3 votes)

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • 1 Samuel 2:23 (3 votes)

    And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.