Luke 16:9

KJV

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {G2504} say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Make {G4160} to yourselves {G1438} friends {G5384} of {G1537} the mammon {G3126} of unrighteousness {G93}; that {G2443}, when {G3752} ye fail {G1587}, they may receive {G1209} you {G5209} into {G1519} everlasting {G166} habitations {G4633}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Now what I say to you is this: use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it gives out, you may be welcomed into the eternal home.

Berean Standard Bible

I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

American Standard Version

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:9 serves as a profound interpretive key to Jesus' preceding Parable of the Unjust Steward, urging disciples to apply comparable shrewdness, not in dishonesty, but in the faithful and strategic use of their earthly resources. This verse challenges believers to leverage "mammon of unrighteousness"—worldly wealth—for eternal purposes, cultivating relationships and engaging in acts of generosity that secure a divine welcome into everlasting dwellings, thereby transforming transient possessions into enduring spiritual capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-8), which depicts a manager facing dismissal who shrewdly reduces his master's debtors' obligations to secure future favor. While Jesus explicitly clarifies that he is not commending the steward's dishonesty (Luke 16:8a), he praises his foresight and decisive action in preparing for his earthly future. Luke 16:9 then functions as Jesus' direct application and interpretation of the parable's core principle, shifting the focus from worldly shrewdness to spiritual wisdom. It sets the stage for the subsequent, more direct teachings on the incompatibility of serving two masters, God and mammon, as articulated in [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"). The parable and this interpretive verse are part of a larger section in Luke's Gospel (chapters 15-16) that addresses discipleship, wealth, and the kingdom of God, often contrasting worldly values with heavenly ones.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, stewards held significant power and responsibility, managing large estates and often acting as their master's representative. Their actions, though sometimes ethically ambiguous by modern standards, were often driven by social survival and the need to secure patronage. The concept of "mammon" (Aramaic: *mammona*) was a common term for wealth or property, often personified as a deity or powerful influence, particularly in Jewish thought of the Second Temple period. The "mammon of unrighteousness" likely refers to wealth that is inherently flawed due to its earthly origin, its potential for corruption, or its transient nature, rather than necessarily wealth acquired through illicit means. The cultural emphasis on patronage and reciprocal relationships is also crucial; the steward's actions were designed to create future benefactors, mirroring the spiritual principle Jesus encourages.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 16:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Stewardship**, emphasizing that all earthly possessions are entrusted to believers by God, to be managed with an eternal perspective. This verse challenges the common human tendency to hoard wealth, instead advocating for its use as a tool for kingdom purposes, aligning with Jesus' broader teachings on discipleship and the kingdom economy found in passages like [Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Treasures in Heaven"). It also highlights the theme of **Eternal Perspective**, contrasting the temporary nature of earthly life and wealth with the permanence of "everlasting habitations." This echoes the call to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" as seen in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Spiritual Wisdom and Foresight**, urging believers to exercise the same strategic planning and decisive action in their spiritual lives as the unjust steward did in his worldly affairs, but with righteous motives and eternal goals. This wisdom is a hallmark of true discipleship, as taught throughout the [Sermon on the Plain](/luke/6 "Luke 6 - The Sermon on the Plain") and other Lukan discourses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mammon (Chaldee, _mammōnâs'_):** Referring to wealth or money, this term is personified in the biblical text, highlighting its powerful influence over human lives and its potential to become an object of worship or trust. The KJV's "mammon of unrighteousness" (from Greek *adikía* G93, meaning "injustice, unrighteousness") signifies that this wealth is either inherently tainted by sin, derived from an unrighteous world system, or simply unreliable and transient, in contrast to divine righteousness. It is not necessarily ill-gotten gain, but rather earthly wealth that is not inherently righteous or eternal.
* **Fail (Greek, _ekleípō'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *leípō* (to leave), this word literally means "to omit" or "to cease." In this context, it refers to the cessation of earthly life, or death. It underscores the temporary nature of human existence and the inevitability of departing from earthly possessions. The verse implies a moment of transition when one's earthly stewardship concludes.
* **Habitations (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** Derived from a word related to "skeuos" (vessel) and "skia" (shadow), this term literally means "a tent" or "cloth hut," often translated as "tabernacle" elsewhere. Its use here, combined with "everlasting" (*aiṓnios* G166), vividly contrasts the temporary nature of earthly dwellings and life with the permanence and eternal security of heaven. It points to a final, secure dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness":** Jesus, with divine authority ("I say unto you"), issues a direct command to his disciples. The imperative "Make to yourselves friends" is a call to proactive and intentional action. This "mammon of unrighteousness" (worldly wealth, inherently transient or flawed) is not to be hoarded or served, but strategically employed. The "friends" are not necessarily people bought with money, but rather the eternal benefits, relationships, or divine favor that result from using wealth righteously, particularly through acts of generosity, charity, and kingdom investment. It's about leveraging the temporary for the eternal.
* **"that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.":** This clause reveals the purpose and outcome of such wise stewardship. "When ye fail" refers to the moment of death, when earthly life and possessions cease. The identity of "they" who "receive you" is debated: it could refer to those who were blessed by the steward's generosity (e.g., the poor, the needy, those who heard the gospel through the steward's support), or it could be a divine passive, implying God or His angelic hosts receiving the faithful steward. "Everlasting habitations" (Greek: *aiōniou skēnas*) signifies eternal dwellings, contrasting sharply with the temporary nature of earthly tents or homes, pointing directly to heaven or the eternal kingdom of God. This indicates that faithful stewardship has eternal consequences and secures a blessed welcome into God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:9 employs several powerful literary devices. The central device is **Metaphor**, where "mammon of unrighteousness" stands as a metaphor for earthly wealth, highlighting its inherent transience and potential for corruption, contrasting it with true, eternal riches. The verse also utilizes **Paradox**, as Jesus commends the "shrewdness" (not the dishonesty) of the unjust steward, urging his disciples to apply a similar worldly wisdom to spiritual matters. This creates a striking and memorable challenge to conventional thinking about wealth. Furthermore, the phrase "everlasting habitations" serves as a vivid **Contrast**, juxtaposing the temporary nature of earthly life and possessions with the permanence of the divine realm, thereby emphasizing the eternal significance of present actions. The entire verse functions as an **Application** of the preceding parable, drawing a direct parallel between the steward's worldly foresight and the spiritual foresight required of disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:9 profoundly reshapes our understanding of wealth, transforming it from an end in itself into a means for eternal investment. It challenges the common human tendency to accumulate and trust in material possessions, instead advocating for a radical reorientation of financial priorities towards God's kingdom. Theologically, this verse underscores the principle of **stewardship**—that all we possess is ultimately God's, and we are merely managers accountable for its use. It connects directly to the biblical emphasis on generosity, charity, and the care for the poor, viewing such actions not as mere social good, but as spiritual investments with eternal returns. The "everlasting habitations" signify the ultimate security and reward found in God's presence, implying that our earthly actions, particularly our use of wealth, have direct bearing on our eternal destiny and the welcome we receive.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"): Jesus teaches disciples to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure from decay and theft, directly contrasting with earthly treasures.
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich"): Paul instructs the rich not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, but in God, urging them to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves.
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord"): "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." This proverb illustrates the divine reciprocity involved in acts of charity, linking earthly generosity to heavenly reward.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:9 compels us to critically examine our relationship with money and possessions, challenging us to view them not as personal entitlements but as tools for eternal impact. It calls for a radical shift from a consumerist, self-centered mindset to one of kingdom-focused generosity and strategic investment. This means intentionally using our financial resources, time, and talents to advance God's purposes, support the spread of the Gospel, care for the vulnerable, and build up the Body of Christ. It's about living with an acute awareness that our earthly existence is temporary, and our true home is in "everlasting habitations." Therefore, every financial decision, every act of giving, every ethical business practice, becomes an opportunity to lay up treasure in heaven and secure a joyful welcome into God's eternal presence. This verse is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the fruit of a transformed heart that prioritizes God's kingdom above all else, leveraging the temporary for the eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current use of financial resources reflect an eternal perspective rather than a purely earthly one?**
* **In what practical ways can I "make friends" with my "mammon of unrighteousness" to secure "everlasting habitations"?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual shrewdness in managing the resources God has entrusted to me?**
* **Do I truly believe that investing in God's kingdom now will yield eternal rewards, and how does that belief influence my daily financial decisions?**

### FAQ
**What does "mammon of unrighteousness" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "mammon of unrighteousness" (Greek: *mammōnâs adikías*) refers to worldly wealth or material possessions. The "unrighteousness" component does not necessarily mean the wealth was acquired dishonestly, but rather that it is inherently flawed, transient, and unreliable in contrast to God's eternal righteousness. It can also imply that wealth, by its nature, is often associated with the unrighteous systems of the world, or that it has the potential to lead to unrighteousness if one trusts in it rather than in God. Jesus is not condemning wealth itself, but our attitude towards it and our use of it. He is urging us to recognize its temporary and ethically ambiguous nature and to leverage it for eternal good. This concept is further elaborated in [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - You Cannot Serve Both God and Money"), where Jesus states that one cannot serve both God and mammon.

**Who are "they" who will "receive you into everlasting habitations"?**

Answer: The identity of "they" in "they may receive you" is a subject of theological discussion. One interpretation suggests that "they" refers to those individuals whom the faithful steward helped through their generosity and wise use of "mammon." These individuals, perhaps the poor, the needy, or those who came to faith through the steward's support, will welcome them into heaven. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations"), where acts of service to "the least of these" are seen as service to Christ himself, leading to an inheritance in the kingdom. Another prominent interpretation views "they" as a divine passive, implying that God Himself, or His angelic hosts, will receive the faithful steward. This emphasizes that the ultimate welcome into "everlasting habitations" is a divine act, a gracious reward for faithful stewardship. Both interpretations highlight the eternal consequences of our earthly actions and the profound connection between our generosity and our eternal destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:9, though seemingly pragmatic, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "everlasting habitations" to which the verse points are not merely abstract concepts of heaven, but a reality made possible and embodied by Christ. He is the one who ultimately "receives" us into these eternal dwellings, not through our own merits, but through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, which opened the way to the Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")). Jesus himself is the true and eternal "friend" who welcomes us, having made peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, the call to use "mammon of unrighteousness" for eternal purposes is perfectly exemplified by Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake, that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). His life was the ultimate act of leveraging the temporary (His earthly existence and suffering) for the eternal (our salvation and everlasting life). Thus, the shrewdness commended in the parable is fully realized in the wisdom of trusting in Christ for eternal security and living a life of generous stewardship as an overflow of His grace, knowing that our true treasure is found in Him ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

Matthew 19:21

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Daniel 4:27

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Luke 16:11

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.