Luke 16:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.’

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:2 presents the pivotal moment in the Parable of the Unjust Steward where the wealthy master confronts his manager with accusations of mismanagement. This verse initiates a demand for immediate accountability, signaling the steward's imminent dismissal and requiring him to provide a full reckoning of his administration. It sets the stage for the steward's subsequent actions, driven by the urgency of his impending loss of position and livelihood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 16:2 is the direct consequence of the master's discovery mentioned in [Luke 16:1](/luke/16-1 "Luke 16:1 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward Begins"), where he hears that his steward is "wasting his possessions." This verse marks the beginning of the steward's crisis, as he is called to account for his actions. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Luke 16:3-7](/luke/16-3-7 "Luke 16:3-7 - The Steward's Shrewd Actions")) detail the steward's shrewd, though morally ambiguous, plan to secure his future. The parable itself, found in [Luke 16:1-8](/luke/16-1-8 "Luke 16:1-8 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"), is part of a larger section in Luke's Gospel (chapters 15-16) where Jesus teaches about the proper use of wealth, the dangers of materialism, and the importance of eternal priorities, often contrasting earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a steward (οἰκονόμος, _oikonomos_) was a highly trusted and powerful figure, often a slave or freedman, who managed all aspects of a wealthy landowner's estate, including finances, crops, servants, and business dealings. Their authority was significant, acting on behalf of the master. An accusation of "wasting possessions" (διασκορπίζω, _diaskorpizō_, literally "scattering abroad" or "squandering") was a grave charge, implying not just inefficiency but possibly embezzlement or gross negligence. Such an accusation would immediately warrant a demand for an "account" (λόγος, _logos_), a formal audit or report, and if substantiated, would lead to immediate dismissal, leaving the steward in a precarious social and economic position without means of support.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout [Luke 16](/luke/16 "Luke 16 - Parables on Wealth and Stewardship") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Accountability** is paramount, as the master's demand highlights the universal principle that those entrusted with resources or responsibilities will be required to give a reckoning. Secondly, the concept of **Stewardship** (οἰκονομία, _oikonomia_) is central; it underscores that all individuals are managers, not owners, of the gifts, resources, time, and opportunities God has given them. The steward's impending dismissal emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly roles and the certainty of a future reckoning, urging immediate reflection and wise action, a theme echoed in Jesus' teaching about preparing for the future, as seen in the broader context of [Luke 12:42-48](/luke/12-42-48 "Luke 12:42-48 - Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, it signifies the master receiving information or a report, implying that the steward's mismanagement was not a secret but had become known, likely through gossip or direct observation by others. This highlights the public nature of the steward's actions and the master's reliance on external information to prompt his investigation.
* **account (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic... a computation." Here, it specifically refers to a formal reckoning, a detailed report, or an audit of the steward's financial and administrative activities. It's not merely a casual conversation but a demand for a comprehensive explanation and justification of his management. This "account" is the basis upon which his continued employment will be judged.
* **stewardship (Greek, _oikonomía'_):** From G3622, meaning "administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) 'economy'." This term encapsulates the entirety of the steward's responsibilities—the management, oversight, and administration of the master's household and possessions. The demand for an account of his "stewardship" means a full review of how he handled his delegated authority and resources, emphasizing the trust that was violated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee?"**: This opening clause establishes the master's direct confrontation with the steward. The rhetorical question, "How is it that I hear this of thee?", expresses astonishment, disappointment, and the gravity of the accusation. It implies that the steward's actions have become public knowledge and are serious enough to warrant immediate attention from the master himself, who has clearly received credible reports of mismanagement.
* **"give an account of thy stewardship;"**: This is the core demand. The master requires a formal, comprehensive report or audit of how the steward has managed his estate. This "account" is not merely an explanation but a full justification of his actions, demonstrating whether he has been faithful and competent in his role. It signifies a moment of reckoning where the steward's performance is to be laid bare.
* **"for thou mayest be no longer steward."**: This concluding phrase delivers the decisive blow. It communicates the master's firm decision: the steward's tenure is over. The phrase "mayest be no longer" (οὐκέτι δύνῃ, _ouketi dynē_) indicates an irreversible termination, underscoring the immediate and severe consequence of his reported mismanagement. There is no negotiation or second chance; the dismissal is final.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Luke 16:2](/luke/16-2 "Luke 16:2 - The Master Confronts the Steward") and the surrounding narrative is the **Parable**. Jesus uses this extended metaphor of an earthly situation to convey profound spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. Within the verse itself, the master's question, "How is it that I hear this of thee?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking information but expressing dismay and setting the stage for the demand that follows. The entire scenario of the steward managing the master's property serves as a powerful **Allegory** or **Metaphor** for humanity's relationship with God, where individuals are stewards of God's resources (time, talents, wealth, opportunities) and will ultimately be called to give an account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:2 serves as a stark reminder of the universal principle of accountability, a foundational theological concept. Just as the earthly master demands a reckoning from his steward, so too will God, the ultimate Master, require an account from every individual for how they have managed the life, resources, and opportunities entrusted to them. This verse underscores that everything we possess and every role we fulfill is a form of stewardship under divine ownership. Our earthly tenure is finite, and a day of divine reckoning is certain, prompting believers to live with an eternal perspective and to use all resources wisely and faithfully for God's glory, recognizing that our ultimate reward or consequence depends on our faithfulness in this temporary role.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - We Shall All Give Account to God")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Manifold Grace")
* [Matthew 25:19](/matthew/25-19 "Matthew 25:19 - The Return of the Master in the Parable of the Talents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:2 confronts us with the inescapable reality of accountability. It challenges us to pause and honestly assess our lives, asking ourselves: "How am I managing what God has entrusted to me?" This isn't just about financial resources, but about our time, talents, spiritual gifts, relationships, and the very breath in our lungs. The steward's immediate crisis should serve as a powerful catalyst for us to live intentionally, recognizing that our earthly roles are temporary and that a divine audit awaits. Are we squandering our opportunities, or are we investing them for eternal purposes? This verse calls us to move beyond passive existence to active, faithful stewardship, ensuring that when our Master calls, we will be found ready with an honorable account, having used His gifts to advance His kingdom and glorify His name. It's a call to proactive faithfulness, not reactive panic.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life (time, talents, resources, relationships) do I view as a "stewardship" from God?**
* **If God were to ask me for an "account of my stewardship" today, what would I present?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to become a more faithful and intentional steward of what God has given me?**

### FAQ
**What does "stewardship" truly mean in a biblical sense, as highlighted in Luke 16:2?**

Answer: In a biblical sense, "stewardship" (Greek: _oikonomia_) means managing something that belongs to another, particularly God. As highlighted in [Luke 16:2](/luke/16-2 "Luke 16:2 - The Master Confronts the Steward"), it implies a position of trust and responsibility where an individual is entrusted with resources, assets, or duties that are not their own, but belong to a higher authority (the master, or in the theological sense, God). It encompasses the wise and faithful administration of all aspects of life—time, talents, spiritual gifts, material possessions, relationships, and even the Gospel message itself. The steward is accountable for how these entrusted items are managed, not just for personal gain, but for the master's benefit and glory. This concept is foundational to understanding our relationship with God, as [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's") declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 16:2 directly addresses the human responsibility of stewardship, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in understanding Jesus as the ultimate and perfect Steward of God's redemptive plan, and in turn, how believers are called to steward the Gospel in light of His finished work. Jesus Himself perfectly managed the "stewardship" entrusted to Him by the Father—the revelation of God's will, the execution of salvation, and the establishment of the Kingdom. He faithfully accomplished His mission, declaring, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ became the means by which humanity can give a satisfactory "account" before God, as our sins are atoned for and His righteousness is imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, as believers, we are now entrusted with the "stewardship of the grace of God" ([Ephesians 3:2](/ephesians/3-2 "Ephesians 3:2 - The Stewardship of God's Grace")), called to be faithful managers of the mysteries of God ([1 Corinthians 4:1-2](/1_corinthians/4-1-2 "1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Stewards of God's Mysteries")) and ambassadors for Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), spreading the good news of His saving work. Our accountability, therefore, is not merely about our personal management, but about how we respond to and participate in the grand stewardship of God's redemptive purpose, fully realized in Christ.

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

1 Timothy 5:24

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

Ecclesiastes 11:9

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

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

1 Peter 4:5

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

Revelation 20:12

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

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

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