Luke 16:3

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.

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}.

“‘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.

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.

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

Luke 16:3 is a pivotal moment in Jesus's Parable of the Unjust Steward, capturing the steward's internal monologue as he faces imminent dismissal.

Context of Luke 16:3

This verse is part of a complex parable told by Jesus to his disciples, recorded in Luke chapter 16. The steward, accused of wasting his master's possessions, has been informed his employment is ending. His lord has "taketh away from me the stewardship," meaning he is about to lose his position of authority and financial management. This verse reveals his immediate reaction and the desperate assessment of his limited options for survival in a society without a social safety net: manual labor ("I cannot dig") was likely too strenuous or beneath his accustomed status, and begging ("to beg I am ashamed") was a public humiliation he sought to avoid.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Crisis and Self-Assessment: The steward's internal question, "What shall I do?", highlights a moment of profound crisis and the urgent need for a strategic response. It's a raw display of self-preservation and the start of his cunning plan.
  • Desperate Resourcefulness: Though his previous actions were wasteful, the steward demonstrates a sharp, albeit worldly, ingenuity in a tight spot. He quickly analyzes his skills and societal standing to devise a plan to secure his future.
  • The Value of Foresight: While his methods are ethically questionable, Jesus uses the steward's foresight and planning for his earthly future as a parallel for believers to consider their eternal future. Jesus later commends the "wisdom" of the children of this world in their generation for their proactive approach.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "said within himself" (εἶπεν ἐν ἑαυτῷ - eipev en heautō) emphasizes the steward's private, calculating thought process. It underscores the internal struggle and strategic planning unfolding in his mind before he takes action. His declaration, "I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed," vividly paints a picture of his pride and his perceived limitations, setting the stage for his subsequent shrewd, though dishonest, actions to ensure his livelihood.

Practical Application

While Jesus does not endorse the steward's dishonesty, this parable, and particularly this verse, challenges believers to consider their own stewardship and preparedness. Just as the steward shrewdly planned for his earthly future, Christians are called to be equally, if not more, diligent and wise in managing the resources God has entrusted to them – time, talents, and wealth – for eternal purposes. It prompts us to ask ourselves: "What shall I do?" with the opportunities and responsibilities we have, recognizing that our earthly stewardship has eternal implications. This verse encourages a proactive, thoughtful approach to living out one's faith and preparing for the ultimate accounting before God, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 5:10 regarding the judgment seat of Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 21:25 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 21:26 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 29:21 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 26:13 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 26:16 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (2 votes)

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

  • Hosea 9:5 (2 votes)

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