Matthew 24:45

KJV

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G5101} then {G686} is {G2076} a faithful {G4103} and {G2532} wise {G5429} servant {G1401}, whom {G3739} his {G846} lord {G2962} hath made ruler {G2525} over {G1909} his {G846} household {G2322}, to give {G1325} them {G846} meat {G5160} in {G1722} due season {G2540}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Who is the faithful and sensible servant whose master puts him in charge of the household staff, to give them their food at the proper time?

Berean Standard Bible

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?

American Standard Version

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:45 presents a profound rhetorical question posed by Jesus within His Olivet Discourse, serving as a critical bridge to the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant. This verse challenges His disciples to contemplate the essential characteristics of a servant entrusted with significant responsibility by their master, specifically highlighting the virtues of faithfulness and wisdom in the diligent and timely provision for those under their care. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of spiritual stewardship and the imperative of readiness in light of the Lord's anticipated return, emphasizing that true devotion is demonstrated through proactive, discerning, and loving service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - The Olivet Discourse"), delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. Having warned about future tribulations, false prophets, and the general signs preceding His return, Jesus shifts from external events to the internal disposition and practical conduct required of His followers. The preceding verses emphasize the uncertainty of His return, urging constant vigilance (e.g., [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Watchful")). Verse 45 introduces a series of parables (the Faithful and Wise Servant, the Ten Virgins, the Talents) that illustrate the practical implications of this vigilance, contrasting diligent preparedness with negligent complacency. It transitions the discourse from "what to expect" to "how to live" in the interim.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, households were often large, complex entities, and a master's estate could include many servants, some of whom were given significant managerial authority. A "ruler over his household" (οἰκονόμος, _oikonomos_, though not the word used here, the concept is similar) was a trusted steward responsible for the master's affairs, including the provision of food, wages, and general oversight of other servants. This role demanded absolute loyalty, competence, and integrity. The concept of "due season" (καιρός, _kairós_) for distributing "meat" (τροφή, _trophḗ_, meaning food or nourishment) highlights the expectation of timely and appropriate care, reflecting the master's concern for his dependents. This was not merely about providing sustenance but doing so with wisdom and discernment, ensuring the well-being of the entire household.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:45 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel. The primary theme is **Stewardship and Accountability**, where believers are depicted as servants entrusted with responsibilities by their absent Lord. This trust demands not just passive waiting but active, productive management of His "household"—which can represent the church, personal gifts, or the world at large. Coupled with this is the theme of **Faithfulness and Wisdom**, presented as the non-negotiable qualities for effective stewardship. Faithfulness implies unwavering loyalty and diligence, while wisdom denotes practical discernment and prudent action, especially in the face of the unknown timing of the Lord's return. The phrase "to give them meat in due season" introduces the theme of **Timely and Appropriate Provision**, emphasizing the pastoral responsibility to nourish and care for others, both physically and spiritually, at the right moment. This directly links to the overarching theme of **Readiness for Christ's Return**, where diligent and productive service, rather than idleness or abuse of authority, is the true mark of one who is prepared for the Master's unexpected arrival, as further elaborated in [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, this term denotes a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. In this context, it emphasizes a position of complete subjection and subservience to a master. It highlights the absolute authority of the "lord" (κύριος, _kýrios_, G2962) and the inherent obligation of the servant to obey and serve. This is not merely an employee, but one whose life and work are entirely devoted to the master's will, underscoring the total commitment expected of Christ's followers.
* **Faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, this word means objectively trustworthy or subjectively trustful. Here, it refers to reliability, dependability, and loyalty. A faithful servant is one who can be counted on to consistently fulfill their duties, even in the master's absence. This quality speaks to integrity, consistency in obedience, and unwavering devotion to the master's interests, reflecting a deep-seated trust in the master and a commitment to His purposes.
* **Wise (Greek, _phrónimos'_):):** From G5429, this term describes someone who is thoughtful, sagacious, or discreet, implying a cautious and prudent character. It suggests practical intelligence and good judgment in applying knowledge. Unlike mere intellectual wisdom (σοφός, _sophós_), _phrónimos_ denotes practical discernment and foresight—the ability to make sound decisions and manage affairs effectively, especially in complex or uncertain situations, ensuring that tasks are carried out efficiently and beneficially for the household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who then is a faithful and wise servant,"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately engages the listener, inviting self-reflection. Jesus is not merely asking for a theoretical definition but challenging His audience to identify with or embody these qualities. The juxtaposition of "faithful" (loyal, trustworthy) and "wise" (prudent, discerning) highlights that both character and practical competence are essential. One without the other is insufficient; faithfulness without wisdom can lead to misguided effort, and wisdom without faithfulness can lead to self-serving actions.
* **"whom his lord hath made ruler over his household,"**: This clause emphasizes the divine appointment and delegated authority. The servant's position is not self-appointed but bestowed by the "lord" (κύριος, _kýrios_), signifying trust and a specific mandate. Being "ruler over his household" (θεραπεία, _therapeía_, G2322, meaning domestics or household) implies significant responsibility for the well-being and management of the master's entire estate and those within it. This speaks to the concept of stewardship—managing something that belongs to another, with accountability to the owner.
* **"to give them meat in due season?"**: This final phrase specifies the core duty and the ultimate test of the servant's faithfulness and wisdom. "Meat" (τροφή, _trophḗ_, G5160) refers to nourishment, sustenance, or provisions. The critical element is "in due season" (καιρός, _kairós_, G2540), which signifies the proper, opportune, or appointed time. This is not just about providing, but providing *appropriately* and *timely*. It implies discernment of needs, understanding of circumstances, and proactive action to ensure that those under care receive what they need precisely when they need it, whether physical sustenance, spiritual guidance, or practical support.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 24:45 is a **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus poses a question not to elicit information, but to provoke thought, self-examination, and a deeper understanding of the qualities required for faithful service. The question implies a singular, ideal answer—the kind of servant God truly desires. This rhetorical device effectively draws the audience into the subsequent **Parable** of the Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51), which serves as an extended **Allegory** illustrating the principles introduced by the question. The "servant," "lord," "household," and "meat in due season" function as **Symbols** representing believers, Christ, the church or assigned sphere of influence, and spiritual/physical nourishment, respectively. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** by highlighting the two crucial qualities of "faithful" and "wise," underscoring their complementary necessity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:45 profoundly connects to the biblical theology of stewardship and accountability, portraying believers as managers of God's resources and people, entrusted with a sacred task until Christ's return. The "household" can be understood broadly as the church, one's family, or even the world, where believers are called to minister God's truth and grace. The "meat in due season" signifies the timely and appropriate spiritual nourishment, guidance, and practical care that those in positions of influence—whether pastors, parents, or any believer exercising their gifts—are expected to provide. This verse underscores that true discipleship is not passive waiting but active, discerning, and loving service, demonstrating a readiness for the Master's unexpected arrival through diligent and responsible living. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that every act of service is ultimately rendered to the Lord.

* [Luke 12:42-48](/luke/12-42-48 "Luke 12:42-48 - Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements for Stewards")
* [Titus 1:7-9](/titus/1-7-9 "Titus 1:7-9 - Qualifications for Overseers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:45 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting every believer to honestly assess their own stewardship and readiness. It challenges us to consider not just our intentions, but the practical outflow of our faith in our daily lives. Are we truly managing the gifts, talents, resources, and relationships God has entrusted to us with both unwavering faithfulness and practical wisdom? This verse calls us to move beyond mere belief to active, discerning service, particularly in providing for the needs of others—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—at the opportune moment. It reminds us that our service is a tangible expression of our anticipation for Christ's return, prompting us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Our lives should reflect a diligent commitment to our Master's will, ensuring that when He returns, He finds us actively engaged in the work He has given us, demonstrating care for His "household."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you recognize yourself as a "servant" entrusted with a "household" by the Lord?**
* **How do you cultivate both "faithfulness" (loyalty, consistency) and "wisdom" (discernment, prudence) in your daily responsibilities and interactions?**
* **What does "giving meat in due season" look like in your current context, whether in your family, church, workplace, or community? Are you attentive to the timely needs of others?**
* **How does the expectation of Christ's return motivate or challenge your approach to stewardship and service today?**

### FAQ

**Is this parable only for church leaders or pastors?**

Answer: While the imagery of a "ruler over his household" certainly applies to those in formal leadership positions within the church, the principles of faithfulness, wisdom, and timely provision extend to all believers. Every Christian is a steward of God's grace, gifts, and resources, entrusted with a sphere of influence, whether it's their family, their workplace, their community, or their personal talents. [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Gifts for Service") states that "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." Therefore, Matthew 24:45 is a universal call to diligent and discerning service for all who follow Christ, regardless of their formal title or role.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:45 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who is the quintessential faithful and wise servant. He perfectly embodied faithfulness to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His wisdom was unparalleled, demonstrated in His teachings, His discernment of human hearts, and His perfect execution of God's redemptive plan ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")). As the Lord, He was "made ruler over His household"—the entire creation and, specifically, His church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ, Head of the Church")). Most profoundly, Jesus is the one who gives "meat in due season," providing ultimate spiritual nourishment. He declared Himself the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal sustenance to all who believe. Through His sacrifice, He provided the spiritual food necessary for eternal life, and through the Holy Spirit and His Word, He continues to feed His people at the perfect time, equipping them for every good work ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). Believers, therefore, are called to emulate their Master, serving others with the same faithfulness, wisdom, and timely provision that Christ Himself exemplifies.

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 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

1 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Luke 12:41

¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?