Luke 16:3

KJV

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} the steward {G3623} said {G2036} within {G1722} himself {G1438}, What {G5101} shall I do {G4160}? for {G3754} my {G3450} lord {G2962} taketh away {G851} from {G575} me {G1700} the stewardship {G3622}: I cannot {G3756}{G2480} dig {G4626}; to beg {G1871} I am ashamed {G153}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“‘What am I to do?’ said the manager to himself. ‘My boss is firing me, I’m not strong enough to dig ditches, and I’m ashamed to go begging.

Berean Standard Bible

The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg.

American Standard Version

And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:3 captures the pivotal internal monologue of the unjust steward, who, upon learning of his impending dismissal, confronts his dire circumstances. Facing the loss of his position and the absence of a social safety net, he rapidly assesses his limited and undesirable options for survival—manual labor, which he deems himself incapable of, and begging, which he considers too humiliating—setting the stage for his cunning, albeit ethically questionable, plan to secure his future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic turning point within Jesus's [Parable of the Unjust Steward](/luke/16-1-13 "Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"). Preceding this verse, the steward has been accused of squandering his master's possessions and is informed that his "stewardship" (οἰκονομία) is being taken away ([Luke 16:1-2](/luke/16-1-2 "Luke 16:1-2 - The Steward Accused")). His internal deliberation in [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma") directly precedes his decisive and shrewd actions to manipulate his master's debtors, as described in [Luke 16:4-7](/luke/16-4-7 "Luke 16:4-7 - The Steward's Shrewd Plan"). The parable then culminates in Jesus's surprising commendation of the steward's worldly wisdom, not his dishonesty, and a call for believers to be equally wise in their spiritual preparations ([Luke 16:8-9](/luke/16-8-9 "Luke 16:8-9 - Jesus' Commendation and Exhortation")). This verse is crucial for understanding the steward's motivation and the subsequent development of his "shrewdness."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern world, a steward (οἰκονόμος) held significant responsibility, managing a wealthy household's finances, property, and servants. Such a position implied a certain social status and a life free from manual labor. For a dismissed steward, options were severely limited. There was no social welfare system; survival depended on personal resources, family, or the charity of others. "Digging" (σκάπτω) refers to hard physical labor, typically agricultural, which would have been considered beneath a steward's dignity and possibly beyond his physical capacity given his accustomed lifestyle. "Begging" (ἐπαιτέω) was a public act of humiliation, signifying utter destitution and loss of honor. The steward's dilemma reflects the harsh realities of social and economic insecurity in that era, where loss of employment could mean utter ruin and public shame.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma") contributes significantly to several key themes within the parable and the broader [Gospel of Luke](/luke/16 "Luke 16 - Parables on Wealth and Stewardship"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **crisis and decision-making**, showing how an urgent, existential threat can spur immediate and strategic action. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **worldly shrewdness or prudence**, contrasting the steward's proactive planning for his earthly future with the often-lackluster foresight of "the sons of light" concerning their eternal future ([Luke 16:8](/luke/16-8 "Luke 16:8 - The Sons of Light and Darkness")). Thirdly, it underscores the precariousness of **wealth and status** and the need for wise **stewardship** of all resources, recognizing their temporary nature. Finally, the steward's aversion to "digging" and "begging" speaks to the deep cultural value placed on **honor and social standing**, which he desperately seeks to preserve even in his downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **steward (Greek, _oikonómos'_):** This term (G3623) literally means "house-distributor" or manager of a household or estate. It signifies a position of trust and authority, responsible for the master's affairs. The steward's role was to manage resources, collect debts, and oversee daily operations, making his dismissal a profound loss of power and livelihood.
* **taketh away (Greek, _aphairéō'_):** This verb (G851) means "to remove" or "to cut off," indicating a definitive and irreversible act of dismissal. It emphasizes the finality of the master's decision, leaving the steward in a state of immediate and profound crisis, with no hope of retaining his position.
* **ashamed (Greek, _aischýnomai'_):** This verb (G153) describes the feeling of shame or disgrace. For the steward, begging was not merely a practical impossibility but a deeply humiliating act that would strip him of all remaining dignity and social standing. His internal struggle reveals a profound concern for his reputation and self-worth, even in the face of destitution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the steward said within himself,"**: This phrase immediately draws the listener into the steward's private thoughts, highlighting an internal monologue. It emphasizes that the subsequent assessment and plan are the product of his own cunning mind, not external advice or divine guidance. It sets the stage for a moment of intense personal deliberation.
* **"What shall I do?"**: This is a rhetorical question that expresses profound crisis and desperation. It reflects the steward's sudden realization of his predicament and the urgent need for a strategic solution. It's a question born of necessity, not contemplation, driving him to immediate action.
* **"for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship:"**: This clause provides the immediate cause for the steward's crisis. His master's decision to revoke his position is the catalyst for his desperate introspection and subsequent actions. It underscores the finality of his dismissal and the complete loss of his livelihood.
* **"I cannot dig;"**: This statement reveals the steward's physical or social limitations. "Digging" implies hard manual labor, which was likely beneath his social status or beyond his accustomed physical capabilities as a manager. It signifies his unwillingness or inability to resort to common, strenuous work for survival.
* **"to beg I am ashamed."**: This final clause highlights the steward's pride and deep concern for his social standing. Begging was the ultimate public humiliation, a visible sign of utter destitution and loss of honor. His shame prevents him from considering this as a viable option, pushing him towards a more "shrewd" alternative.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the steward's internal turmoil and the urgency of his situation. The most prominent is **Internal Monologue**, providing direct access to the steward's thoughts ("said within himself"). This allows the audience to witness his rapid assessment of options and the psychological pressure he faces. The question "What shall I do?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking an answer from an external source, but rather expressing his profound dilemma and initiating his own problem-solving process. Furthermore, the steward's declaration, "I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed," utilizes **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis**, placing two undesirable and contrasting options side-by-side. This highlights the severity of his predicament and the limited, unpalatable choices available to him, emphasizing his desperate need for an alternative solution that preserves his dignity and secures his future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The steward's internal crisis in [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma") serves as a powerful illustration of the human condition when confronted with the consequences of past actions and the certainty of a future reckoning. While his methods are dishonest, his foresight and decisive action in a moment of crisis are what Jesus surprisingly commends, albeit with a worldly perspective. The parable challenges believers to consider if they apply the same level of urgency, planning, and resourcefulness to their eternal future and the stewardship of God-given resources as the steward did for his earthly survival. It prompts us to reflect on our own preparedness for the "ultimate accounting" before God, encouraging a proactive and wise approach to our spiritual lives.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The steward's desperate internal question, "What shall I do?", resonates deeply with the human experience of facing unexpected crises and the need for decisive action. While we are called to ethical behavior, the parable's enduring challenge lies in the steward's remarkable foresight and proactive planning for his future, even if that future was merely earthly. For believers, this verse prompts us to ask ourselves: Are we as diligent, strategic, and resourceful in managing the spiritual "stewardship" God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, wealth, and relationships—as the unjust steward was for his temporary earthly survival? Our earthly lives are a period of stewardship, and our choices have eternal implications. This calls for a thoughtful, intentional, and proactive approach to living out our faith, investing in God's kingdom, and preparing for the day when we will give an account of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be squandering the resources or opportunities God has entrusted to me?**
* **Am I as proactive and strategic in planning for my spiritual growth and eternal future as I am for my earthly career or financial security?**
* **What "shame" or "inability" might prevent me from pursuing God's call, and how can I overcome it through faith?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus approve of the unjust steward's actions?**

Answer: No, Jesus does not approve of the unjust steward's dishonesty or his squandering of his master's possessions. The parable, particularly [Luke 16:8](/luke/16-8 "Luke 16:8 - The Master Commends the Unjust Steward"), explicitly states that the master "commended the unjust steward because he had acted shrewdly." The commendation is for the steward's **shrewdness, foresight, and decisive action** in a crisis, not for his unethical behavior. Jesus uses this worldly example to highlight that "the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light." The point is to challenge believers to apply similar diligence and wisdom to their spiritual lives and eternal investments, rather than being complacent with their heavenly calling.

**What does the steward's dilemma 'I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed' reveal about his character?**

Answer: This statement in [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma") reveals several key aspects of the steward's character and social standing. "I cannot dig" suggests either a physical inability to perform strenuous manual labor, or more likely, an unwillingness to stoop to a social status far beneath his accustomed position as a manager. It highlights his ingrained aversion to hard, common work. "To beg I am ashamed" speaks directly to his pride and concern for his social honor. Begging was the ultimate public humiliation, a complete loss of dignity and status. This reveals that despite his impending ruin, he still values his reputation and is desperate to find a solution that allows him to avoid public disgrace, even if it means resorting to cunning and dishonest means. His character is one of self-preservation, shrewdness, and a strong sense of personal dignity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The parable of the unjust steward, and particularly the steward's crisis in [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma"), finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual application in Christ. While the steward shrewdly planned for his earthly future, Christ calls His followers to invest in an eternal future, a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of perfect stewardship, faithfully accomplishing the work His Father gave Him to do ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Our "stewardship" now is not merely about managing earthly resources, but about living for Christ, utilizing our gifts and possessions for the advancement of His kingdom ([1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")). The steward's shame at begging contrasts sharply with the shame Christ endured on the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), so that we, through Him, might never be put to shame ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame")). Our true security and future are not found in worldly shrewdness or accumulated wealth, but in being found in Christ, having a treasure in heaven that will never fail ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

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

Proverbs 21:25

¶ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

Proverbs 29:21

¶ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.

Proverbs 26:13

¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

Proverbs 26:16

¶ The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Hosea 9:5

What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the LORD?