Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} he shall make {G2525} him {G846} ruler {G2525} over {G1909} all {G3956} his {G846} goods {G5224}.
Yes, I tell you that he will put him in charge of all he owns.
Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Verily I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath.
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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. -
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. -
Luke 12:37
Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. -
Luke 12:44
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. -
2 Timothy 2:12
If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us: -
Revelation 3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. -
Revelation 21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Context
Matthew 24:47 is part of Jesus' extensive teaching known as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), delivered on the Mount of Olives. In this discourse, Jesus answers His disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Specifically, this verse concludes the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51).
The parable contrasts a diligent, responsible servant with a wicked, negligent one. Verses 45-46 describe the faithful servant who is found busy and wisely managing his master's household upon the master's unexpected return. Matthew 24:47 then declares the profound reward for such faithfulness and preparedness. It serves as a powerful call to vigilance and responsible living in light of Christ's promised second coming.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "he shall make him ruler" comes from the Greek verb καταστήσει (katastēsei), from kathistēmi, which means "to appoint," "to establish," or "to set over." This is a strong term indicating a formal and authoritative appointment, not just a temporary assignment. It signifies that the master fully trusts the servant and grants him complete authority over his entire estate. This emphasizes the significant and comprehensive nature of the reward for the faithful steward. The "goods" (οὐσίας - ousias) encompass all of the master's possessions, indicating a complete transfer of managerial authority.
Practical Application
Matthew 24:47 offers a profound encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that our faithfulness in the present, no matter how seemingly small our tasks or resources, is noticed by God and will be richly rewarded.