Luke 16:4

KJV

I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am resolved {G1097} what {G5101} to do {G4160}, that {G2443}, when {G3752} I am put out {G3179} of the stewardship {G3622}, they may receive {G1209} me {G3165} into {G1519} their {G846} houses {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aha! I know what I’ll do — something that will make people welcome me into their homes after I’ve lost my job here!’

Berean Standard Bible

I know what I will do, so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’

American Standard Version

I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:4 captures the pivotal moment of strategic resolve for the unjust steward, who, facing imminent dismissal from his position, devises a cunning plan to secure his future. Realizing his physical inability for manual labor and his pride preventing him from begging, he resolves to leverage his remaining authority to make friends who will receive him into their homes after he loses his stewardship. This verse sets the stage for his subsequent actions, which, though ethically questionable, are presented by Jesus as an example of worldly foresight that believers should emulate in their pursuit of eternal matters.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 16:4 is an integral part of the Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in [Luke 16:1-13](/luke/16-1-13 "Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward"). The parable opens with a rich man accusing his steward of squandering his possessions. In [Luke 16:2](/luke/16-2 "Luke 16:2 - The Steward's Dismissal"), the master demands an account and announces the steward's impending dismissal. This immediate context creates a crisis for the steward, forcing him to confront his precarious situation. Verse 4 marks the turning point where the steward, having assessed his grim options (digging or begging, as mentioned in [Luke 16:3](/luke/16-3 "Luke 16:3 - The Steward's Dilemma")), shifts from despair to decisive action, formulating a plan to ensure his post-employment survival. The subsequent verses detail the execution of this plan, where he shrewdly reduces the debts of his master's debtors, thereby obligating them to him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, a steward (οἰκονόμος, _oikonomos_) was a highly trusted and powerful figure, managing the entire estate, finances, and affairs of a wealthy landowner. This role was akin to a modern-day chief operating officer. Dismissal from such a position meant not only loss of income but also severe social disgrace and economic destitution. Without a trade (like digging) and too proud to beg, the steward faced a dire future. Houses (οἶκος, _oîkos_) in this context refer not just to physical dwellings but to the household, implying a place of refuge, provision, and social connection. The steward's plan, though dishonest, was culturally astute: by forgiving portions of debts, he created a network of grateful individuals who would be socially obligated to offer him hospitality and support, a common form of social security in a society without formal welfare systems.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel According to Luke") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Stewardship**, emphasizing that all resources are ultimately God's, and we are merely managers accountable for their use, a concept Jesus frequently teaches (e.g., [Luke 12:42](/luke/12-42 "Luke 12:42 - Faithful and Wise Steward")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Worldly Prudence vs. Godly Wisdom**. The steward exemplifies a shrewd, proactive foresight in earthly matters, which Jesus contrasts with the often-lackluster diligence of believers in spiritual matters (as seen in [Luke 16:8](/luke/16-8 "Luke 16:8 - The Master's Commendation")). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the controversial teaching on **Using Wealth for Eternal Purposes** (often referred to as "unrighteous mammon" in [Luke 16:9](/luke/16-9 "Luke 16:9 - Using Unrighteous Mammon")), where Jesus encourages His disciples to leverage earthly resources to secure eternal friendships, drawing a parallel to the steward's actions, albeit with a radically different moral and eternal aim.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **resolved (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This word, often translated as "to know" or "to perceive," here signifies a sudden, decisive realization or a coming to a firm understanding. It implies a moment of insight where the steward fully comprehends his predicament and formulates a definite, pragmatic course of action. It's not a moral resolution, but a shrewd, clear-headed determination.
* **put out (Greek, _methístēmi'_):** Derived from _metá_ (with, among, after) and _hístēmi_ (to stand), this verb literally means "to transfer," "to remove," or "to depose." In this context, it vividly describes the steward's imminent and complete removal from his position of authority and responsibility. It underscores the finality and severity of his dismissal.
* **stewardship (Greek, _oikonomía'_):** This term refers to the administration of a household or estate, the management of affairs, or a dispensation. It encapsulates the entirety of the steward's role and authority. His being "put out of the stewardship" means the complete cessation of his managerial function and the loss of all associated power and resources.
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This word means to accept, receive, or welcome, often implying a hospitable reception. The steward's goal is not merely to be given shelter, but to be welcomed and supported by those he has obligated, indicating a desire for continued social standing and provision.
* **houses (Greek, _oîkos'_):** More than just a physical building, _oîkos_ broadly refers to a dwelling, a home, or by implication, a household or family. The steward's aim is to be received into the social and economic fabric of these households, guaranteeing him sustenance and community in his time of need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am resolved what to do,"**: This clause reveals the steward's moment of strategic clarity. After considering his limited options (not strong enough to dig, too proud to beg), he arrives at a decisive plan. This is not a moral epiphany, but a practical, self-serving determination born out of necessity.
* **"that, when I am put out of the stewardship,"**: This phrase establishes the immediate motivation and the impending crisis. The steward recognizes the certainty of his dismissal and plans specifically for the period *after* he loses his position. This highlights his foresight and proactive approach to a looming problem.
* **"they may receive me into their houses."**: This final clause states the ultimate objective of the steward's plan. By manipulating his master's accounts, he aims to create a network of indebted individuals who, out of obligation or gratitude, will offer him hospitality and support, ensuring his survival and social standing once he is jobless.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Luke 16:4](/luke/16-4 "Luke 16:4 - The Steward's Resolve") and the broader parable is **Parable** itself, a narrative form used by Jesus to convey spiritual truth through relatable earthly scenarios. Within this, there is significant **Irony**. The steward's actions are dishonest and self-serving, yet Jesus uses his worldly shrewdness as a point of comparison for the spiritual diligence believers should exhibit. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse sets the stage for the steward's subsequent actions of debt reduction (Luke 16:5-7) and the master's surprising commendation (Luke 16:8), which then leads to Jesus's profound teaching on the use of "unrighteous mammon." The steward's internal monologue also serves as **Internal Monologue**, allowing the audience insight into his thought process and pragmatic reasoning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:4 underscores a profound theological principle: the urgency and foresight with which individuals approach their temporal affairs should be mirrored, and indeed surpassed, by the diligence with which believers pursue eternal matters. The steward, though morally bankrupt, demonstrates a remarkable awareness of his impending crisis and acts decisively to secure his future. This serves as a stark contrast to the spiritual apathy often seen in those who claim to serve God, highlighting that if worldly individuals are so strategic about fleeting gains, how much more should the children of light be strategic about eternal treasures. The verse implicitly challenges believers to evaluate their stewardship of time, talents, and resources, asking whether they are leveraging them with the same shrewdness for God's kingdom as the steward did for his own earthly survival.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements of Stewards")
* [Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The unjust steward's moment of resolve in Luke 16:4 presents a challenging yet illuminating mirror for believers. While we unequivocally condemn his dishonesty, Jesus invites us to observe his acute awareness of his situation and his decisive, proactive response to a looming crisis. This prompts us to consider our own spiritual "stewardship" and the inevitability of our "dismissal" from this earthly life. Are we living with the same foresight and strategic intentionality regarding our eternal destiny as the steward did for his temporary earthly comfort? This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to invest our time, talents, and material possessions not merely for fleeting earthly gain, but with an eternal perspective, making "friends" (through acts of generosity and kingdom-building) who will welcome us into "eternal dwellings." It is a call to spiritual shrewdness, to be as zealous and resourceful in pursuing God's kingdom as worldly people are in pursuing their own interests.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I demonstrating "worldly shrewdness" (planning, investing, securing my future) that I am not applying with equal or greater diligence to my spiritual life and eternal future?**
* **What "crisis" or "dismissal" (e.g., the brevity of life, the certainty of judgment) am I aware of, and how am I proactively preparing for it?**
* **How can I use the resources (time, talent, treasure) God has entrusted to me today to "make friends" for eternity, rather than merely accumulating earthly possessions?**

### FAQ

**Is Jesus commending the steward's dishonesty in this parable?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not commending the steward's dishonesty. The parable, particularly [Luke 16:8](/luke/16-8 "Luke 16:8 - The Master's Commendation"), explicitly states that the master "commended the unjust steward because he had acted shrewdly." The commendation is for his *shrewdness* and *foresight* in securing his future, not for his unethical actions. Jesus uses this worldly example to highlight a principle: the "sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light." The point is to learn from the steward's diligence and apply it to spiritual matters, not to imitate his fraud.

**What does "put out of the stewardship" imply for believers?**

Answer: For believers, being "put out of the stewardship" in this parable serves as a powerful metaphor for the end of our earthly lives and the ultimate accountability we will face before God. Just as the steward had to give an account of his management, believers will one day stand before Christ to give an account of how they managed the resources (time, talents, wealth, opportunities) God entrusted to them. This concept is echoed in passages like [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Account to God") and [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - Judgment Seat of Christ"). It underscores the temporary nature of our earthly roles and the eternal significance of our choices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Parable of the Unjust Steward, and specifically the steward's resolve in [Luke 16:4](/luke/16-4 "Luke 16:4 - The Steward's Resolve"), highlights human foresight and the wise use of earthly resources, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate Steward, Jesus Himself, and the eternal security He provides. The steward sought a temporary dwelling; Christ, however, prepares an eternal dwelling for His followers. He is the one who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has secured our reception into the "eternal houses" of God's kingdom (cf. [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Unlike the unjust steward who leveraged worldly wealth for temporary gain, Christ, the true and faithful Steward, poured out His own life, the ultimate treasure, to "make friends" for eternity, redeeming us and bringing us into fellowship with God. Our "shrewdness" as believers, then, is not in manipulating earthly systems, but in recognizing Christ as our only hope and diligently investing our lives in His kingdom, knowing that He has already secured our eternal future and will welcome us into His everlasting home.

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 30:9

Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.